http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/11/navy-seals-fallujah-blackwater.html
Navy SEALs capture most-wanted Iraqi terrorist, but now they're charged with punching him
November 30, 2009 | 6:06 am
Catching Up: An amazing story out of Iraq over the holiday with likely domestic political repercussions, involving another possible case of political correctness gone awry:
Three Navy SEAL commandos, who recently captured one of the most-wanted terrorists in Iraq, are now being charged criminally by the Navy for giving the terrorist a bloody lip.
SEALS Charged after Capturing Iraqi Terrorist
Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by carpro, Nov 30, 2009.
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They should have killed him on the spot. We are turning our commandos into sissy boys afraid of their own government.
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Whasssupwiddat???
The only reason I could see charges being brought is if the soldiers made filed false statements to their superiours concerning the action. Seeing as how the soldiers refused summary punishment in favor of courts martial, it looks like they likely didn't do anything contrary to appropriate military conduct. Let 'em be tried. They'll be found innocent. -
Should the police also beat up felons they arrest? And what is the moral difference?
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Apparently, the Seals punched this "ring leader" after he was in custody, the irony is those he kidnaped were beaten, drug, burned and hung from a bridge in which "their" people cheered about it.
This "false statement" stuff is most likely all that those who wish to prosecute them can come up with to try to justify inflicting some kind of punishment on the soldiers.
I say give them what they deserve: A slap on the wrist, told they did a no-no, a forgiving but serious wink, then a lecture that we are trying to show the world we won't stoop to the enemy's level-so don't do it again. -
Bill, I think the police do need to use their billy sticks a lot more often.
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Gold Dragon Well-Known Member
Already discussed here: http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?t=62938
The SEALS chose to have a military court martial rather than accepting the non-judicial punishment that was offered to them because they want to clear their name. -
Why do you not presume the innocence of the charged but not as yet tried Seals in this case?
And what is the moral difference? -
The really sad part is that they have to defend themselves at all.
From all I can find out, the only evidence against them is the word of a murderous scumbag.
http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/17415
Exculpatory evidence for Navy Seals
EXCERPT
There is much rightful outrage over the charges of assault pending against the three U.S. Seals. Unfortunately, that point has been rendered moot as charges against the Seals have been filed and they face formal arraignment a week from today. The ludicrous nature of the charges aside, outrage is unfortunately obscuring an extremely important piece of exculpatory evidence that should be introduced in their defense. The allegation of abuse during capture or while in detention adhere to a carefully outlined plan published by the enemy in late 2003, is an effective and demoralizing operational tactic of the enemy.
The claims by ABED follow a precise strategy detailed by an online paramilitary training series known as “al Battar,” which provides instructions on all aspects of Islamic warfare. First published in 2003, al Battar provides detailed instructions to Islamic terrorists on methods to fight the West, from practical weapons training to ideological warfare. -
>Bill, I think the police do need to use their billy sticks a lot more often.
I agree! Some people require an application of pain to get their attention. The mark of good police work (pun intended) is to get their attention without leaving a mark. It is possible to cause pain without causing damage. -
Is that the reason you are condemning these SEALS rather than granting them the presumption of innocence? -
Bad move.
I believe these SEALS should possibly be reprimanded for not ruffing this terrorists up more than they did! -
The goal here should be to find the truth. If there was no misconduct - which my gut tells me is the case, then there should be no disciplinary action against the accused. But, if there was misconduct then appropriate action is necessary because the standard of conduct must be kept high.
Circumstances are part of what determines what is appropriate both with respect to what is right or wrong conduct and what is right or wrong punishment if there is wrong conduct. Personal and unit discipline in handling belligerent parties is absolutely necessary. It is necessary of all parties in the process at all steps in the process. Everyone in the military knows the rules. But everyone who's been there also understands how difficult it can be to maintain that discipline especially in the confusion and chaos of sorting things out during and after the fight. If the belligerent parties continue to be antagonistic after capture then they bring upon themselves additional risks as they tempt the tolerance of even the most disciplined warriors. We can understand and appreciate that without lowering our standards and calling for things outside what is acceptable to our standards. Believe me, there is no greater good in lowering the standard.
In so far as what actually happened in this case, my gut really means nothing at all. The truth means everything. Many a man has assumed something did or did not happen a certain way but later, when the facts are examined, finds a very different process occurred. That - the truth - is what we should want above all else. What I think may have happened is just speculation. What actually happened is what needs to be determined, weighed, and then acted upon.
The accused, in this case, have requested a summary courts-martial and have rejected their prescribed non-judicial punishment. This is their right and it's a good sign they have confidence they did nothing wrong. I truly hope that is the truth that is found out.
In general I've found the military justice system to be very effective and I have faith in it. Rendering a decision from media reports does not often result in effective justice.