Should we prosecute our GIs?
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From: Georgia on my mind...
Originally Posted by 6T6CPE
Were they in a correct frame of mind? Do we bear any responsibilty. We send them to war and say these are the rules. These were young kids. Once again I by no means think what they did are right. I say the stresses of war has to come into play.
If their defense team can get temporary insanity, good for them - in the end, everyone answers to someone for the things they've done. If not, I don't see how they're exempt from the law just because of a job they trained and volunteered for.
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From: Hammer Lane
Originally Posted by 6T6CPE
So they are guilty for the crimes committed. These were killers waiting for a war. If it didn't happen there it would have happened here?
Sure these men may never have committed a crime of this sort, without the opportunity and stresses given by war; but, most of the men and women over there wouldn't do it ever. If they are found guilty, which it seems likely they will be, then I stand by my previous statement.
Last edited by Odin's Wrath; Nov 19, 2006 at 10:07 AM.
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From: Western Massachusetts
I believe that there should be consideration for the circumstance that they are in. If we civillians stopped to think about what these men and women endure day after day, I think they might agree that there should be consideration given. Having said that, even though these people are in a circumstance that a majority of us civillians are unable to comprehend, there is a level of responsibility soldiers are expected to uphold.
I think it's possible for people in combat to be adversly affected. I think it's also possible for people to bring a perpensity for wrong doing with them wherever they go.
I think ultimately, a jury of their peers, who have had the opportunity to hear the case, are the ones in the best position to answer this question.
I think it's possible for people in combat to be adversly affected. I think it's also possible for people to bring a perpensity for wrong doing with them wherever they go.
I think ultimately, a jury of their peers, who have had the opportunity to hear the case, are the ones in the best position to answer this question.
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From: Georgia on my mind...
The problem with making exceptions and special circumstances is that it affects every soldier and Marine out there. Random and brutal violence to Iraqi civilians destroys what trust was built by allied forces.
If tried and found guilty, those responsible need to be made an example of.
If tried and found guilty, those responsible need to be made an example of.
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From: Bismarck, ND
Originally Posted by 6T6CPE
I keep reading about the pending trials of the 8 who are or were up for murder charges in Iraq. Legal experts are shocked by the fact that 4 have already made plea agreements. They say that is too many. The majority should be facing the death penalty.
When these murders or crimes are committed are these GIs in their right frame of mind? They're young kids, especially these 8 individuals. They are paranoid and scared to death. Patrolling the streets and conducting raids is like russian roulette although at times I think they face better odds actually playing russian roulette. Put yourself in their shoes. They're confused and many are waiting to die. Their friends are being killed without ever seeing the enemy. We the American people and the government have put these kids in a very bad situation. Who wouldn't want to seek revenge. Who wouldn't be edgey and quick on the trigger while suppressing the "rules of engagement".
Those individuals that do the prosecuting, that do the investigation and those who order these troops into harms way themselves NEVER walk in their shoes. You can preach law all you want but who is really guilty..them or us?
I myself, as a juror, could not render a guilty verdict no matter how clear the law is written.
When these murders or crimes are committed are these GIs in their right frame of mind? They're young kids, especially these 8 individuals. They are paranoid and scared to death. Patrolling the streets and conducting raids is like russian roulette although at times I think they face better odds actually playing russian roulette. Put yourself in their shoes. They're confused and many are waiting to die. Their friends are being killed without ever seeing the enemy. We the American people and the government have put these kids in a very bad situation. Who wouldn't want to seek revenge. Who wouldn't be edgey and quick on the trigger while suppressing the "rules of engagement".
Those individuals that do the prosecuting, that do the investigation and those who order these troops into harms way themselves NEVER walk in their shoes. You can preach law all you want but who is really guilty..them or us?
I myself, as a juror, could not render a guilty verdict no matter how clear the law is written.
They should not only be prosecuted for pre-meditated murder they should be court martialed for abandoning their post in a time of war. They are despicable, miserable excused for soldiers and should be shown no mercy.
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From: Idaho
In following this thread, in my opinion, both sides have merit. If you have not personaly been in that type of combat situation you have no way of knowing how you would react! EVERYONE has thier breaking point.
We (the government) put these young men in harms way. I think wittom summed it up when he said, "a jury of their peers", this meens military personal who have been there and know what they are talking about. I woulden't want to be on that jury, Please don't forget who those young men represent and why they were put in harms way. War isn't fair and you are not the ones being shot at.
We (the government) put these young men in harms way. I think wittom summed it up when he said, "a jury of their peers", this meens military personal who have been there and know what they are talking about. I woulden't want to be on that jury, Please don't forget who those young men represent and why they were put in harms way. War isn't fair and you are not the ones being shot at.
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From: Hammer Lane
Originally Posted by wetanner
... Please don't forget who those young men represent and why they were put in harms way. War isn't fair and you are not the ones being shot at.
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So because they're in a bad situation and being shot at, we should not judge them when they rape and murder a child and her family?
I mean really, just what exactly are you willing to excuse under this stress defense?
I mean really, just what exactly are you willing to excuse under this stress defense?
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From: Rain Pit, Oregon
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From: Texas in the heart
Just to play the 
on this one.
Should we show leiniancy for a person who commits a violent crime while under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
A large segment of our society still feel that being under the influence is an excuse.
Many Judges still show leiniancy for someone who commits a crime while under the influence of drugs even though the state has passed laws to prevent it.
So why not show leiniancy for someone under the influence of the "fog of war"?
on this one.Should we show leiniancy for a person who commits a violent crime while under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
A large segment of our society still feel that being under the influence is an excuse.
Many Judges still show leiniancy for someone who commits a crime while under the influence of drugs even though the state has passed laws to prevent it.
So why not show leiniancy for someone under the influence of the "fog of war"?
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From: Nebraska
What if we werent talking about crimes in Iraq???
What if this was done by military members who went to New Olreans?
What if Some one who just returned from Iraq to your home town raped a 14 year old girl in your community???
How much weight would this "Stress Defense" hold?
What if it was your daughter and your family that got slaughtered??
Would their level of stress matter to you then?
Its an outragious crime. The fact that they preyed on civilians in a combat zone doesnt make it any less so.
They just thought they could get away with it in the midst of all the chaos.
These men arent victims of the Iraqi war, The are oppertunists that thought they could get away with it.
Very very sick oppertunists.
What if this was done by military members who went to New Olreans?
What if Some one who just returned from Iraq to your home town raped a 14 year old girl in your community???
How much weight would this "Stress Defense" hold?
What if it was your daughter and your family that got slaughtered??
Would their level of stress matter to you then?
Its an outragious crime. The fact that they preyed on civilians in a combat zone doesnt make it any less so.
They just thought they could get away with it in the midst of all the chaos.
These men arent victims of the Iraqi war, The are oppertunists that thought they could get away with it.
Very very sick oppertunists.
