Shame
I just read this article in the NY Times.
After taking small-arms fire, the patrol chased some men into a building, arresting them and finding several automatic weapons, grenades and a sniper rifle, they said. On the way to their combat outpost, Sergeant Hatley’s convoy was informed by Army superiors that the evidence to detain the Iraqis was insufficient, Sergeant Leahy said in his statement. The unit was told to release the men, according to the statement.
So they released them, right? Nope.
“First Sergeant Hatley then made the call to take the detainees to a canal and kill them,” Sergeant Leahy said, as retribution for the deaths of two soldiers from the unit […] “So the patrol went to the canal, and First Sergeant, Sgt. First Class Mayo and I took the detainees out of the back of the Bradley, lined them up and shot them,” Sergeant Leahy said, referring to a Bradley fighting vehicle. “We then pushed the bodies into the canal and left.”
When we put our soldiers in the positions of law enforcement in a foreign land, we are asking for trouble. Soldiering and law are different methods with different ends. I am embarrassed for these soldiers behavior and I am disgusted by the policies that put them in Iraq in the first place.
Sticking with the “Powel Doctrine” would have prevented this.
But isn’t that what we’ve done to our military? Made them policemen?
Hatley’s “decision” was criminal.
The sad thing is that you think this is the highlight story from Iraq.
Guess your type didn’t get all the “babykiller” shouts out after ‘Nam.
Are you trying visit the sins of a previous generation on a new one, FB? I haven’t heard anything except pride for our troops in general. The policies that put them there are shameful and for that George Bush and Dick Cheney should hang their heads.
He has intentionaly missed the point LG because they know that sun has set on thier style of unhidged wingnuthood.
It is back to the national cheap seats for these guys and it is driving them a little nuts.
Well, i hate to sound heartless, but this is what happens in war. I’ve heard many of these types of stories from Marines that I served with when they were in war zones, such as Grenada.
If you can’t take them prisoner, and you can’t let them go, there’s only one other option to neutralize their threat to you and your men.
“Ain’t war hell”
Please. That is a bullshit response. You don’t just commit war crimes and say “Oh well, shit happens.”
I’m not saying it’s right. just saying it happens. Our troops are in harms way and they do what they need to do to survive and increase their chances of survival.
I have to agree with LG here. From this account it sounds like they had these guys detained and simply decided to execute them. I understand that such things happen in war, but that doesn’t mean we should condone such conduct by American troops.
You do not shoot a detained & unarmed man. Period. Just because it happens doesn’t mean it’s OK.
Well, they did what they felt they needed to do. I can’t say I definately wouldn’t have done the same thing in their position.
Since this is now out in public, they’ll get charged with murder, and/or conspiracy to commit murder and they’ll serve a few years at Leavenworth.
Roy Munson,
Does ‘Donald Black’ relate to anyone you know?
lg,
“When we put our soldiers in the positions of law enforcement in a foreign land, we are asking for trouble. Soldiering and law are different methods with different ends.”
Agreed.
Perhaps Sen Biden can find the money for 100,000 more police, and send them there.
Far easier to drive them 50 miles into the desert, ask them a few questions, and then say “Okay, thanks! Unfortunately, we’re pressed for time. Can you find your way back to town?”
Then leave them some pork rinds and jalapeno dip.
Not your best work.
Damn….everybody’s a critic!
I know you can do better. I think that the missing element is humor.
The bitterness and rage needs to be lightened with a little of the funny.
I’m laughing, but not “with” you.
Yadigg?
Better. But that felt a bit forced didn’t it?