Posted on 03/19/2012 4:15:37 PM PDT by xzins
Karilyn Bales, whose husband, Staff Sgt. Robert Bales is accused of killing Afghan civilians, released this statement on Monday:
What happened on the night of March 11 in Kandahar Province was a terrible and heartbreaking tragedy.
My family including my and Bobs extended families are all profoundly sad. We extend our condolences to all the people of the Panjawai District, our hearts go out to all of them, especially to the parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents of the children who perished.
I know that all good people around the world, regardless of nationality, religion or political values, join me in grieving that such a terrible thing could happen.
Our family has little information beyond what we read and see in the media. What has been reported is completely out of character of the man I know and admire. Please respect me when I say I cannot shed any light on what happened that night, so please do not ask.
I too want to know what happened. I want to know how this could be.
I have no indication that my familys own safety is at risk, but I appreciate the efforts that have been undertaken to protect us. I hope there will soon be no reason for protection of families, whether here or in Kandahar Province, or anywhere, because the pain inevitably inflicted in war should never be an excuse to inflict yet more pain. The cycle must be broken. We must find peace.
I know the media has a right to pursue and report news. As you do your jobs, I plead with you to respect the trauma that I and my extended family are experiencing. Please allow us some peace and time as we try to make sense of something that makes no sense at all.
All I can do now is emphasize my sadness and my condolences to the families in Panjawai for their terrible loss. The victims and their families are all in my prayers, as is my husband who I love very much.
End of Statement
Yeah, Jaz. I remember. There was another one a lot like this one.
They can have their opinion.
It’s just too bad it mirrors the failed policies of their government.
Huh? Considering how the accused violated General Order #1 by consuming alcohol in a war zone, went AWOL off of his lightly manned FOB (thus putting his fellow soldiers at risk) and proceeded to murder unarmed men, women & children, the issue of ROEs is superfluous. If guilty this creep should hang.
You convicted him with your words above. Yes you stated, "IF". However, it is what you stated before that which gives us your state of mind. YOU believe him guilty already. In your mind there is no need to hold a trial.
Tell me, oh knowledgeable one, how many soldiers that have returned from Iraq/Afghanistan have been charged with committing violent crimes, including murder? Just because the action took place in a combat zone instead of in the soldier's home town doesn't preclude this from being a case of PTSD. While we are at this discussion, can you tell me how many soldiers have committed suicide, as opposed to experiencing a psychotic break leading to the commission of a violent crime (including murder)??? This question pertains to both here in the U.S. after returning from war, and those who have committed suicide while in a combat zone. You are one callous individual.
lol, a walk down memory lane. I remember that exchange.
Sure they can. They can say he copped a plea only for the purpose of ensuring that his children wouldn't be without their dad. And...surprise surprise...that was effectively the way the choice was presented to him.
He would hardly be the first person to plead to an inaccurate charge for personal reasons.
Poster “KantianBurke” is a know-nothing troll and a scumbag, not even deserving of the courtesy of being pinged to this post. My recommendation is to ignore him/her/it and watch it go away from lack of attention.
FRegards,
LH
I take no pleasure in this and don’t relish spending the time to do it but as many people say, “history repeats itself” and KB is living proof.
Amen to that, Lancey!
Prayers up.
Thank you for posting this. Brings tears to my eyes for poor Kari.
Glad to know my intent was clear FRiend.
Take care, and may God bless.
Tatt
Thanks, Lancey. You speak wisdom.
As far as I’m concerned KB should be a candidate for IBTZ. At a minimum, a conservative should believe that a battlefield is chaos.
So, to you there are no mitigating circumstances which could or should be considered?
Don't you believe in innocent until proven guilty for our troops on a chaotic battlefield?
Soldier dad, It may be possible this guy was thinking this would cause a great stir. He just might have snapped seeing his buddies injured and killed. I think he thought he was going to take one for his buddies, and try to put an end to the foolish ROE, and save his friends lives. This man is no coward, from what I read.
Well back up thread. Here you go - http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2860095/posts?page=1
FSE has several lengthy posts with his personal accounts of his service with the sergeant. Good men who have served our nation well.
May God give us strength.
Tatt
They do.
As in, Rep. Weiner allegedly sent lewd text messages.
They do.
As in, Rep. Weiner allegedly sent lewd text messages.
They do.
As in, Rep. Weiner allegedly sent lewd text messages.
Perhaps so. I can’t get inside another’s head to know what was going through their mind just before engaging in any action. All I can hope for is that there will be a fair and impartial trial, in which some idea of why this happened comes to light.
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