Does latest Army photo scandal change your view of U.S. military?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The armed forces of the United States are arguably the greatest fighting force ever assembled. More importantly, it traditionally has been used only for the noblest of causes. The most recent example is Libya, where President Obama ordered our military to assist in protecting innocent civilians from being slaughtered by the ruthless dictator Moammar Ghadafi.
But as with any organization, sometimes it only takes the actions of a few to call the reputation of the whole into question.
Over the weekend, the German newspaper, Der Spiegel, published photographs of what appear to be two U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan standing over the bodies of dead Afghan civilians, in what's been described as trophy-like poses.
One of those soldiers, Army Specialist Jeremy Morlock, is being court marshaled for the murder of three Afghan civilians. He will plead guilty tomorrow. In all, 12 soldiers have been charged for offenses related to the murder of Afghan civilians last year.
The Army released a statement yesterday apologizing for the pictures and for the actions of 12 soldiers, saying:
"The photos appear in stark contrast to the discipline, professionalism and respect that have characterized our soldiers' performance during nearly ten years of sustained operations."
The incident is reminiscent of Abu Ghraib during the war in Iraq where U.S. soldiers took pictures of each other torturing Iraqi prisoners.
Whether the lengths and numbers of deployments of our military, which has been stretched to the breaking point, contribute to these kinds of things is a debate for another day.
Here’s my question to you: Does the latest Army photo scandal change your view of the U.S. military?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 6pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Brianna:
Absolutely not. The U.S. military took these photos very seriously and is court marshaling the soldiers involved in the scandal. If there was nothing done about this, then that's a different story.
Fred in Los Angeles:
Not one bit. But then again, the Iraqi prison photos didn't offend me either. War is hell, Jack.
Michael in Tampa:
This and Abu Ghraib are only the tip of the iceberg. The U.S. does evil things in the countries it invades, and the Obama administration has attempted to cover-up the atrocities through the solitary confinement of Bradley Manning and attempts to imprison WikiLeaks personnel.
Teresa:
No, because not every member of our armed forces is as tasteless and evil as these individuals. I am the wife of an Air Force Veteran and we are both embarrassed and disgusted by this display of moronic activity and disrespect of human life.
Peg in New York:
What shameful photos. No excuse can forgive this mess.
Gordon in New Jersey:
As a veteran, it disturbs me that the training of these troops can be so poor that any GI might think this kind of behavior is acceptable. That said, the stress of multiple combat tours is taking a terrible price on the small number of soldiers who keep getting sent back into combat again and again. We need a fair draft, and we need it now or our proud Army will be destroyed from within.
Paulina in Chicago:
Our troops are our troops. As Americans, we need to support them for fighting for our freedom and for the freedom of others. There are millions of soldiers within our military, one can not expect them all to be perfect. Unfortunately, more focus is placed on the negative than on the positive aspects of their actions. I stand behind our troops and if you don't, feel free to stand in front of them.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
How SHOULD the world? According to the pictures a poorly trained and led bunch of young meat heads with no remorse. And Afghans thought the Russians are bad. There are soldiers like Bradley Manning who are being punished without merit and there are soldiers posing in these horrific photos. Unfortunately the bad stories are publicized more. There are good soldiers out there, but where are their photos and great work?
It cetainly doesn't look good Jack, but hey, the army is made up of so many people from different backgrounds and ethnic composition that it's virtually impossible to weed out all the "bag eggs." I'm sure this sort of thing has always gone on, which is not to say I sanction it, but it is what it is. The difference is with today's media, nothing slips pass by them and they expose everything, positive or negative. I'm sure it goes on with other armies from other nations as well. Obviously more oversight is needed and tougher discipline.
The world should remember that the US military is made up of a great many people who are often under tremendous pressure and while it expects a lot from them in terms of professionalism and discipline and generally gets it, there always has been and always will be some who let it and us down. If the military continues to hold its members accountable and tries always to live up to it standards, its reputation will be alright.
Jack: Having served for over 25 years in the Army I hope the world will view the United States military with respect. There are always a few rotten apples in the barrel. The pictures are old news, and those responsible are behind bars. We need to very publicly let the world know that those in military who break the law will be punished. I am very proud of the young men and women who serve this great nation. I hope everyone feels the same as I do.
I believe someone once said: war is hell. One can probably point to any number of atrocities in every war, by every side. So why does the US seem so hell-bent on starting new ones? We've become our own worst nightmare: a country that demands that others follow the rule of law when we ourselves don't. Maybe Bradley Manning can answer this from his jail cell...
I think the world "should" view the U.S. military as a strong force that has been weakened by some malcontents. Sadly, the reality is that this latest scandal will paint the military as an organization of psychologically disturbed bullies whose recruitment showcases a system of quantity over quality to throw people at a problem rather than a thoughtful solution.
There are bad apples in every bushel....that includes all companies as well, and Media.
Joane G
Wi
Look, our military does 15,000 things right and honorable for every misdeed or loony behavior event it creates but with the help of the media, pacifists everywhere, or just plain Professional Whiners, the table will again be set for more exaggerated hysteria and focused hatred toward possibly the best group of people in the world.
Sad.
The world should view the US military for exactly what it is: A group of Americans who either joined the army to defend the country or because there were no economic opportunities in their local area other than fast food who have been used to further the economic interests of Golbal Corporatist Cabal at the expense of the citizens of the United States.
The World has a tendency to make up it's own mind about the United States. Many times with bogus, misleading and bias information guiding their decisions. Trying to change a bigoted mind, be it a person ar a country, is like lecturing the wall about metaphysics. Useless. I haven't even made up my mind yet about the "alledged scandal". As well you know Jack...all information we receive is colored to some extent by the deliverer – be it media or personal.
Tim
Amityville, New York
there is a obama state run media blackout. ny times ignored after running 58 stories on abu ghraib. this is under obama's watch,so state run obama media ignores. this wasnt hazing like abu ghraib,this was intentional afghan civilian murders by us troops. shameful and shameful by liberal media to cover for obama.this story isnt on gma,today show,cbs early show, nytimes, cnn,any news shows about "winning the hearts and minds" kind of scary what liberal media has become. now,we got cnn advocating for us intervention into every arab conflict, and we dont even really know who these "freedom fighters" are. tell arwa damon to stop the advocacy and start reporting. america doesnt have "blood on its hands",if we dont send our young men into every arab civil war. cnn is getting dangerously close to not reporting,but skewing every arab story to promote agendas.
So now we have to babysit our troops?
How disgusting!
Olga
Austin, Tx
They do not represent all military servicepeople however what they did was beyond reprehensible. They should be punished and imprisoned for life. To be able to take body parts for souvenirs and pose after killing an innocent farmer shows they lack any humane feelings. Most military personnel are NOT ruthless killers and I hope they are not held accountable for a group of evil men.
The world should view us as an army who has been fighting for over 10 years and suffering from stress and fatigue. I'm not saying it is right, but when you put men into war who put their lives on line everyday in combat, seeing their comrades being killed and wounded everyday with no end in sight. A soldier starts to lose his concept of right and wrong. His anger for the enemy grows by the day until he shows it in ways he would never would have imagine.
Simply put. The U.S.A needs a draft. The country needs a draft like a year ago. These guys and gals are. Metaly and emotionaly wore out.
The situation is much much worse than Nam ever was and people fled to Canada to escape that one. A picture odf Kent State is stll verey clear in my mind.
Back then troops were rotated in and out on a regular basis and did not have Sen. and Con. screaming about the Pres.stalling about getting into another war..
It's almost like the cable news networks like blood as long as it is not theirs. BRING OUR MEN AND WOMEN HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Louis P. il La Salle, IL
Like today's foolish and impulsive youth, who have never been taught ethics or principles.
Many of them are not even citizens.......they just needed a job and took the job to earn citizenship. What do they know of proper behavior?
When you get an all volunteer force......there are some things you sacrifice.
As one kills another, nor grows less, war enkindles war.
Tampa, Fl Simple, for the barbaric, colonialists that we very apparently are. We have occupied far too many foreign nations for far too long. What's next, cannibalism and necrophilia?
The world should view the United States military as the best
military available. They should understand that these young
people see atrocities we could never imagine, and most don't
want to. Because of this, sometimes their frustrations are
acted out in less than acceptable ways. I am not justifying nor
condoning what happend, but we need to be very aware that
they are not conducting a walk in the park. They will be
dealt with, unlike other military forces who are encouraged to
actually carry out atrocities against their own people, ie
Libya. "The World" doesn't seem to mind when they need our
help.
The world should view the U.S. military in the same way that (in hindsight) the world now views Adolph Hitler's brainwashed German military. Amoral civilian leadership is the common element.
As they must all military organizations which usually consist of men and women who conduct a terrible business with honor and a few, hopefully not many more than we learn, miss the purpose of their awful mission.
Las Cruces, NM
While it’s embarrassing to get caught, I’m sure the combat soldiers of every other military force have their share of atrocities and many of them far worse than what we do. But that is not to condone or excuse the actions of the members of the greatest military force on Earth. We should hold ourselves to a higher standard.
We can always hope the world will not view the U.S. military on a few kill happy jerks. We had them in Viet Nam also and they asked to go back over and over again. Actions like that should be a red flag. All of us should hope the world will judge and view the U.S. military on the help we give to countries like Japan in their hour of need. But the world and even at home only remember the bad and forget the good the military does.
This and Abu Ghraib are only the tip of the iceberg. The US does evil things in the countries it invades and the Obama administration has attempted to cover-up the atrocities through the solitary confinement of Bradley Manning and attempts to imprison WikiLeaks personnel.
The Army needs to be more open and better disciplined.
Badly. What shameful photos. No excuse can forgive this mess.
The new military has become a bunch of assasins, thugs, and invaders who have no honor or shame. Killing, raping and torturing accusations about the military are all swept under the rug. The military now has another country to destroy all in the name of freedom. Obama can no longer be trusted and is now part of the problem.
There will be mixed emotions none of which will be good ones. The problem is that this was a hand full of rogue soldiers not the entire United States Army. They all wear the same uniform and that uniform now will be looked at in a different light. One of shame, deceit and embarrassment. Attitudes are contagious Jack and the rest of our soldiers in harms way will now have to bear the brunt of this shame in a time when they could really use all the friends support and assistance that they could get fighting a war they may never win.
Well, after two unpopular wars in a decade, 2,000 deaths, 10,000 wounded, 250,000 having served, $1.5 triillion dollars spent - all on countries and people who could have disappeared without any real impact to the US - what the world should think is, "wow - what a bunch of selfless heroes." But, what they will think will be badly tainted by the actions of 5 bad eggs, one lousy photo, and a press corps who can't wait to exploit them.
Does the latest Army photo scandal change your view of the U.S. military?
This just reaffirms my belief that GW did nothing about troop behavior after Abu Graibe happened.
Since GW has a long history of torture himself (killing frogs as a boy by blowing them up with firecrackers) his lack of leadership on this issue is not surprising.
Jenna
Roseville CA
National scandals are traditionally viewed through bifocals. While Americans traditionally take great pains in bending over backwards to exclaim from the rooftops that our enemies are not our enemies, but for a few bad apples, the rest of the world traditionally delights in making of our bad apples a whole pie!
That we're in the Mid East manipulating the weaker countries to enable our freebooters and corporations to rake in profits off the sale of munitions, weapons, military supplies and hardware to the invaders and then to whatever despot puppet regime we set up. After which the munitions, weapons, military supply and hardware corporations make oprofits off selling to whatever despot puppet regime we set up and prop up.
When our invasions and propping up despot puppet regimes are successful, then the multi national oil, energy and mining conglomerates rake in the profits off stolen natural resources and lands for colonization.
Which results in the terrorist attacks against us. A vicious cycle with only the neo conservatives profitting along with their bought off politicians and officials profitting, along with their federal and state judges who rule in the neo cons favor in exchange for investments and campaign contributions.
Conflict of interest and collusion. That's the reality of our government.
As with the other posts I made to your blog, this one will be buried again I suppose.
"It slips my mind Jack! But what did they call that movie about Viet-Nam, and some guy running around with six-guns strung arouns his waist, and a western-hat on his head. Those kids are far away from home, and that safe front-room. If you post them overseas, then you had better get used to these kids; kicking back to 'their enemy' IF WE CATCH YOU ALIVE, YOU"LL WISH YOU WERE DEAD!"
Because we're involved in so many wars and other actions and because the Bush wars have decimated the ranks of, at least, the US Army, they've had to lower their enlistment criteria and are now letting gang bangers join and server in a war zone. Those guys couldn't be happier. They get to legally carry a loaded, high power weapon and can legally kill people. They love it.
I have great esteem and gratitude for those in uniform who fight our wars for us. The wearing of a uniform does not assure honesty, loyalty or respect for life and freedom. The military for the most part is an honorable and admirable profession but is far from being perfect. Every military is based on a hierarchy. Thus, it operates on the premise of elitism and discrimination. Not exactly virtuous. All the social, criminal, economic, emotional and personal problems those who are not military face are equally shared with those in the military. Being in uniform does not change personalities and does not automatically make one honorable. Good and bad are present in both civilian and military societies. Respect and trust must be earned and proven in or out of uniform.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
As a veteran, it disturbs me that the training of these troops can be so poor that any GI might think this kind of behavior is acceptable. That said, the stress of multiple combat tours is taking a terrible price on the small number of soldiers who keep getting sent back into combat again and again. We need a fair draft, and we need it now or our proud Army will be destroyed from within.
Our troops are our troops. As Americans, we need to support them for fighting for our freedom and for the freedom of others. There are millions of soldiers within our military, one can not expect them all to be perfect. Unfortunately, more focus is placed on the negative than it is on the positive aspects of their actions.
I stand behind our troops and if you don't, feel free to stand in front of them.
Paulina, Chicago, IL
Jack, not at all. THe military and all it's branches are the best on Earth. One must understand human nature and that you can not ask people to be high brow and thoughtful all of the time while taking a little time out to kill and bomb other humans. Let's face it, the military is not unlike our police forces. Some are called for the challenge of duty and others end up there. Can't go to college, can't find a job, join the military! Same with some police officers so we have extremes of highest quality men and women to some extreme lows. It's the nature of the beast.
Steve
Nashville, In
It appears that human life is no better than animal life. "hey, look at the picture of the four point buck I just shot." I hope we all realize that life is not just a video game.
No. There are stupid, immoral or evil people everywhere and always have been. But the scandal does sadden me as all stupid, immoral, evil actions do.
Janet
Franklin, NC
absolutely, financially, morally, ethically he himself has defined when he was a senator that it was itt was illegal. we can not afford this
and where is he?
Change what view of the armed forces, they are a business just like the politicians that believe their tales of needing more money. Talk about something we could outsource like we did manufacturing, disbanding them and hiring mercenaries would be a good healthy move for the economy.
NO!, We have always had some bad apples in our Military. Most are fine people, but they come from every walk of life. Get shot at, and blown up a few times. You may be a better person for it, or go off the deep end. No one knows. What we do know is you will be diffrent.
John,
BuckeyeLake, Ohio
Because somehow American soldiers are supposed to be different than any other military in the history of the world? They are never supposed to get used to killing and war? They will never develop a macabre sense of humor over carnage? They will never hate the people who kill their friends? They will never lose their mental stability? The American military still serves and protects as they have done, and while it is unfortunate that a few have behaved barbarously, it does not and should not change my respect for the institution of the US Armed Forces as a whole.
No, Mr. Cafferty, it does not. Our brave men and women are serving in hellish conditions trying to do their best. Maybe it is best that before we criticize them we should try walking a mile in their shoes (boots),
Jason G.
NYC,NY
It doesn't bother me any more than photos of hunters standing beside their trophies! But, then again, I have much more empathy for animals than I do humans.
Should this scandal make any difference in how the military is perceived?
Well, I remember the atrocities in VietNam, so what has changed?
I am SURE that many of our military are fine people. But there are ALWAYS those who view their job as a U.S. soldier as giving them the free rein to commit such atrocities. SoI have not changed my perception of the military. In fact, the recent incidents like this one have only served to reinforce my previously held opinion that any time an army is let loose on a civilian population, such incidents will occur.
It doesn't change my opinion at all. I've always held the opinion that Americans are arrogant ( WE'RE # 1!! USA USA!! ) and believe they are better than anyone else. So it's no surprise that the military thinks that they can do anything, including torture and murder, with impunity, because the people of the country YOU INVADED don't matter. Disgusting.
Let's see, does anything at this point surprise the american public? We have become what we worked so hard to over throw. The old saying still stands," Absolute power, corrupts absolutely".
All we've proven so far is that the only people who volunteer for military service are just as insane as jaded as Jared Loughner. – what does that say about our "trigger-happy" troops all over the world?
A few bad individuals do no represent our military and therefore does not alter my view at all. It's HOW the military handles these individuals now knowing what has happened that will determine my view.
I also think the silence of the OTHER soldiers makes them also guilty. Not reporting what their fellow soldiers were doing makes them criminals too and they should also accept responsibility for their part of the crimes committed.
Bedford, Massachusetts
Not one bit. But then again, the Iraqi prison photos didn't offend me either. War is hell Jack.
As someone that's served in the military, it makes me sick to see photos like these. That being said, it shouldn't change the view of the military. The actions of a few does not and should not represent the many. These individuals should be punished individually. The majority of those in the military are honorably serving their country and we should stand behind them through thick and thin.
Because pictures like this have surfaced before, it makes me think less of the Army in general. How do people like this get in? It seems like the majority of crimes reported are committed by soldiers, when compared to members of the other branches of the military. If you can't join the Army without being an embarrassment, then don't volunteer.
The military has had to deal with undesirables in the past and will continue to hand out dishonorable discharges for those who bring shame to the uniform. As with any group of people including the clergy, political figures, and teachers there will be some bad apples that manage to infiltrate the ranks of the trustworthy. We deal with them by making them outcasts and they become outcasts in the world.
War is the devil dancing. If it raises evil in the hearts on all armies in all uniforms, should we be surprised?
NO Jack. What they do to the US soldiers (captured), or their own prisoners are worst than the Army scandal photos, it's just a propaganda Jack, After all we are at WAR, what do you expect? hugging and kissing prisoners?. Let the army do what they can do to survive.
Jack, the irresponsible behavior of a few bad men can never becloud my view of the US armed forces as the most responsible, professional and dignified army in the world. The photos will also in no way diminish the ardous task of the men and women of the US military in helping to shape the fce of the world. The good that the US military do both at home and abroad mark them out as what they are: are: true heroes. The Judases who by their actions have distanced themselves from the army of good that we love should be singled out and dealt with as the black legs they are. We do not need rocket science to know that every organization in the world have the likes of the men in those photos and it is never an option to through away the dirty bath water with the child in it.
No, I served in Vietnam. Just understand this is a very small group of bad soldiers. Just because someone commits murder in Dallas, Texas is not a reason to condemn all Texans. Most soldiers are people we can all be proud of. They love this country very deeply.
Not at all. I have ALWAYS looked upon the Military for what it is...,the MUSCLE behind unprincipled, agenda-bound "leaders" drunk with the notion of unaccountable power.
It does not change how I view the military however I wonder what were their parents thinking raising them to be so insensitive to others, something like that goes much further back then just military training.
No, I still have respect for our brave military members.
However, I recall that when the Abu Gharaib scandal came to light, Democrats and their media allies were telling us that incident was a reflection on the Bush administration. Why have we not heard that connection now that this incident occurred on the Obama watch?
Putting on a uniform doesn't make a man or woman honorable. It comes from within uniform or no.
Yes, it makes me proud of them. They were sent to kill muzzies, and that's what they are doing. Give 'em hell, marines.
No, not at all! Similar instances have occurred in every conflict. The individual offenders should be punished, but it should not affect our support for our all volunteer military – men and women who are charged with protecting our nation.
I'm afraid my opinion of the military changed during Vietnam – and it hasn't gotten any better.
No. It simply says that the government is pressing our fighting men and women beyond the breaking point. Two wars, ten years. Now a third action? It is economically and psychologically unsustainable.
No, it doesn't change my perception of the US military. How do you know these soldiers were not holding up the enemy's heads to help in identification for relatives. Who cares anyway. Dead Muslims who are sworn to kill us.
I find that this does not change my view of the United States military. Militaries are composed of people, and as with any sizable group of people, you will have some that are more bloody minded than others. However, it is disgusting and should, of course, be prosecuted.
Yes it does! It makes feel even worse for our soldiers that war can incite a moment of discrepancy from a lifetime of valor. Give our boys a break, forgive them father they know not what they do.
No. Honestly those pictures don't really show the whole military in a whole. There is just, unfortunate, some people in this world just can't show any respect for others. Even though I don't like Afghan's I would never do that because it disrespects another human being. It just makes me sick seeing others cheering for another person's death. Just because you dislike them, doesn't mean you have to treat them with such disrespect.
No.
we did the same thing in Iraq 1990 only we weren't stupid enough to document it.
Soldiers have been doing these things forever, stuff the public doesn't need to see. Things that change us in war.
Embedded reporters were the worst things ever to happen to the U.S. military.
No, I noticed you don't want to discuss the length and number of employments. We have to discuss it. The International community treat the U.S. as its own personal guard dog, yet when things like this happen they want to be indignant. A person can only take so much mental strain before it warps them. Afghanistan hasn't done enough to round up Al Quieda. They wanted us to get rid of the Taliban for them and be done with it. It's no wonder the U.S. military is snapping.
No, because not every member of our armed forces is as tasteless and evil as these individuals. I am the wife of an Air Force Veteran and we are both embarassed and disgusted by this display of moronic activity and disrespect of human life.
I was a marine during the 70s in the military police. You have mostly good and some bad and some that are easy to lead. Just because you have a few bad apples doesn't mean all are bad. I would look at the recruiter instead and why these few bad apples made it through boot camp. Alice
Absolutely not. The U.S. military took these photos very seriously and is court marshaling the soldiers involved in the scandal. If there was nothing done about this, then that's a different story.
No, it doesn't change my view on the institution of the US Military. My family has served in the Marines for generations and I am proud of each of them. I feel there are crooked people in every profession. It is an unfortunate truth about the character of man.
No! Every basket has a few bad apples. Question is where was the supervision
Terrible... Yes.
We spent so much efforts, lives and these careless few simply ruin our reputation and put this country at further risk.
If we really want to come out clean, we should hand these soldiers over to Afghanistan and let the Afghan sentence these soldiers according to their laws. It happened in Afghan, so should follow the consequences. If we think we're superior to them and chose to matters in our hands, it will make the situation even worse.
Eighteen year old's with big guns human hunting on orders and you expect these kids to be ethical in war. Spray "fairy dust" on them before they are deployed into action Jackson..
No, my view of the US Armed Forces has always been, and will continue to be that of an adrenalin induced tyrannical force, led by the most incompetent Commander in Chief in history. One that brings great disgrace, and makes me feel ashamed to be an American.
I am appalled by the actions of my congress and feel sorry for them when they have to answer to their actions.
No, it's what to expect when many of those serving are not there out of patriotisim but making the choice between prison, finishing school or serving. When we had a draft we got a cross section of society and now it's those with the big L on their forehead. I believe our military still looks for the best but they are difficult to find. Hard to build character on nothing. Hard to build respect for human life when a person does not respect himself.
Diann
I have become very suspicious of anyone volunteering in the military since we don't have a draft. Why would anyone want to participate in two unwinnable wars? I am surprised we don't see more of this behavior. I think too many people get so involved with war that their adrenaline overcomes their civility.
No, this does not change my view at all of our U.S. Military. It's unfortunate that only a few can sour the lot. If this were the case, my view of politicians, law enforcement etc. would not be the same either. God Bless all our men and women who serve.
Bobby
Oxnard, CA
Jack, I think the U.S. government should do a clean-up job over the entire military. Lets face it, soldiers have been acting very harshly towards the people of many countries that we seem to be very drawn to. What's that one word? Oh yeah, corruption.
jack stop being such a homer. Why preface the story with "we have arguably the best military" when it is obviously not the case.
How many instances of these type of behavior from soldiers of other countries who have participated in the war? How do the number of those instances rank relative to the # of occurrences with american soldiers when properly weighted for participation? I suspect we still come out bad.
Yes. These men represent the entire country and its unfortunate that only a few of their actions reflect the entire social institution of the army. They were sent into Afghanistan to do a job, not mock the Afghan citizens and take advantage of their corpses for their own pleasure.
I think that it changes my view on the us army more than the other branches of the us military. Many people who are in the army are cruel and careless.
Sir,
The U.S. Military is the most professional and most considerate in the world! The fact that there are a few "bad apples" is embarrassing but the entirety of the presonnel cannot be judged by the actions of a few.
Root them out, discipline them and move on.
Not every Priest is a pedophile! Not every Itialian is a criminal! Not every Muslim is a terrorist! There are even some honest lawyers!
Michael Meehan
Woodbridge, ON
Unfortunately, there are immoral and sick people in this world and a small number may find their way into the military. These people who torture or murder civilians (or prisoners) would have done similar things in the civillian world sooner or later. This doesn't change my view of the military at all. I certainly hope that it doesn't discredit us further in the Middle East; however it probably will.
There are always a few bad apples in every human effort which shouldn't be mistaken for the whole. Take Kate Couric's continual disregard for people of faith... should I conclude all of television news is bad? Take the liberal attack on the Tea Party...should I conclude all liberals are attack dogs?
It's easy for those of us at home to judge the actions of those deployed in questionable situations overseas. While I cannot like the image of our troops appearing to gloat over the bodies of apparent civilians, one has to ask what drove them to do so. As in any organization, there are those who are unable or unwilling to follow the protocol established for civilized behavior, but this should not in any way detract from the overall good opinion of our forces who are doing their job as directed.
The US ARMY has always had a questionable behavoir, including protecting officers whom have committed an array of domestic and war related crimes. The US Army should hold their members at a higher level of professionalism, like the Navy, Marines and USAF. I'm not surprised to see this from the Army, they are making the other branches look bad.
The military is doing a fine job and must be supported. I would prefer pull out of ground forces. I further aggression of any type against US persons full air war against the nation should be launched pound into the ground any and all.
jack i served my country for 22 years,two tours in vietnam. there is always that ten percent that bring a tear to this Marine.
our view on the us military will never change. just becouse a few people in active service made a few bad choices dont mean that as a whole those views dictate everyone that has served or continues to serve
Not at all. This whole subject was thoroughly researched and analyzed many years ago by psychologist P. Zimbardo. The whole subject has been ignored by the military because they do not care about image. Soldiers are supposed to be tough, and that means being insensitive sometimes. Soldiers should not be used in situations for which they were not trained. This was clear at Abu Ghraib, and it is clear here again.
Martinsburg, WV
Mr. Cafferty,
When I was a teenager, I was a penpal to hundreds of service men in VietNam. I can assure you that these pictures of soldiers with dead people is nothing new. I received pictures in the mail and also parts of human bodies in envelopes like ears and nipples. I read stories about jars kept in thier barracks where they kept the cut off peices of human beings. This is just something that happens in war. It may be gross, but it has always happened.
No it does not change my view. I disagree that the length and number of deployments is a debate for another day. It must be discussed that nearly 10 years of combat & multiple deployments has a severe mental effect on our young men and women. You can not keep subjecting people to high stress combat environments and expect our men and women to go unfazed. Enough damage has been done to this generation of Americans for what benefit? It is time to bring an end to the 2 wars we have been so long engaged in and put an abrupt end to our latest war.
Hello y'all. I'm from Houston, Texas. I have a number of family members that serve the United States of America. Nevertheless, this photo scandal absolutely changes my view of the U.S. military. It is disgusting. Who are these people that enjoy taking pictures next to the dead civilians they killed? AMERICAN SOLDIERS. It is an utter embarrassment to this country...and Americans wonder why other societies boycott and protest the U.S. government in their own country. Who needs enemies when you have guys like this "serving" your country.
No! Many times, muslims will shoot at U.S. forces, then after being killed, other muslims will take their weapons and run, leaving the shooters, now unarmed, to appear as an innocent civilians.
With Obama as our president, liberals have been empowered to unfairly prosecute our soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen for these make-believe crimes, using testimony from other lying muslims in their trials, helping to convict our brave men and women.
At some point, America is going to have to wake up and quit giving way to these liberal crimes and take back our great nation.
Definitely not. It's sad that our wonderful troops are being persecuted with never ending war but it doesn't excuse this sort of behavior. Punish the guilty and honor those rest.
You are always going to find a few idiots in any organization. The Army and the rest of our miltary organizations are for the most part an explary group of dedicated people. I don't let a few bad apples change my overall opinion.
Bob
Rome NY
No this does not change my view of the US military. We send these young men into babaric countries to fight with barbarians. Do you think they would not kill our civilians?? We teach men who have been desensitized to violence for years by our own media availability and then the armed services teach them to kill or be killed. They watch their friends blown up by bombs along the road and hold them while they die. Who are we to judge why they took pictures??? Is it really that important? The tribes of that country will still kill each other when we leave. It is war.. not peace
No, it does not change my view of the military or what they are accomplishing in Afghanistan. War is a nasty business and brings out the worst in some people. I am from Africa and worse things happened there during conflicts.Stop trying to pretend that the US military is lily white, do you think the Taliban wouldn't or isn't doing worse than that?
Maryland
No..... Most of these soldiers are on drugs, stressed out and mentally out of it from being over there so long. I'm not trying to say what they did was right, but we have to walk in their shoes and most of us wouldn't last 1 day out there.
No Jack- Anyone who has ever worn an American Flag patch on their right shoulder has written that ultimate check. They are heros, not to be smudged by a few bad apples.
Jack,
I do not think that it is a good idea to play this story on TV. It will further the cause of terrorists world wide against the US at a time when this country simply can not stand any more scruitiny from the middle east. Think closely about the anger that these photos will promote, not only in the US but world wide before they are shown again. Telling the story is one thing...showing the photos on TV is something entirely different and it will put our brave soldiers overseas in great danger. It is simply not worth the price of the story. Please reconsider.
The U.S. trains their soldiers to be killers. The rational mentality of a "trained' soldier has got to change in order to be a killer. They will make mistakes, but to crucify them after our own country trained them is hyprocritical. It's the same when Vietnam vets came back. They were 'different" than the rest of us. You cannot be trained to kill, then turn the switch off when you come home.
Besides the mindlessness of a few idiots – that are the vomitous minority of our population, and fact that we still sell words like freedom, liberation, and helping others as our excuse to gain more control over assets of weaker country – I am ashamed at times...
Not at all, I'm sure every military in the world has "those people" that will do the wrong thing and make everyone else look bad. The sick action of a few people from our military should not dictate the type of warfighters we are. As a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, I know the members of our armed forces are good people, but you always find those couple that are a bit twisted in the head.
Northbrook, Illinois
No, I'm proud of our Military. Everyone knows you will have some rotten apples in every barrel. Just look at Congress.
No.
The military has always had its criminals and sociopaths, just like the rest of our society. It makes no more sense to pass judgment on the military based upon the actions of the few than it is to pass judgment on all of America for the hideous crimes committed by a very, very small percentage of Americans. Nonetheless, the crimes and abuses are saddening.
Quite Simply... No. In any large group there will be instances of poor judgment, inappropriate behavior or outright illegal activities. These photos are reprehensible but the soldiers are acting on their own, not conveying the ideals of the US Military or the American People.
No body knows how the mind is affected by war until they are in the middle of battle. Although what these young men have done is abhorrent, it is not reflective of the mindset of the US Military. Our young men and women serving in these Arab countries are seeing abuses that we cannot imagine. The "rules of engagement' limit our men eliminating threats, when the enemy follows no rules. In those kinds of unjust situations I imagine that many will 'snap'. Good leadership is the key for our young men who are fighting- and by that I mean men who have themselves fought in battle, rather than those who have gone to school to earn an auto promotion to leadership, when they've never even been in a firefight. All of this being said, I am so proud and thankful for our military as a whole. We have the most excellent volunteer military in the entire world!
I personally think that those men need to be re-told why they are there. They are meant to help the Libyans, not play with the bodies of the dead like they're over sized dolls. It's terrible that they take these "trophy photos" as if killing is something to be proud of.
Not at all. All militaries are trained to kill and dominate others.That acts of brutality should spring up in the US Military is no surprise at all. What would be surprising is if our military actually behaved in a moral and christian way to lay down their arms. Otherwise, actions depicted in these photos should be veiwed as status quo.
In many walks of life you have outlyers whose actions and attitudes deviate from the great majority. We have seen it with the Catholic church, politicians and government employees. Those who serve our country and the greater good sholud be commended and not be tainted by the deviant minority.I have full and complete respect for the US military.
The answer in no. I've been looking at your troops at war, and there's always been such actions committed by some of your troops. In Vietnam, an officer is responsible forr the massacre of a whole village and other atrocities against defendless civilians. As you mentionned, what happened in Abu Grhaib is a disgrace for your army. And this «trophee» affait in Afghanistan is simply disgustful.
This is too bad because those soldiers distort not only the image of its fellow soldiers but of all Americans as well.
Not so fast Jack. What does the enemy look like in Afganistan? What, if anything, did these supposedly civilians do to become targets of our guys? Give them their day in court. I refuse to judge our force by the actions of a few.
Jack, It just makes me sad that a few bad apples can ruin the worlds perception of a great group of men and women. My view has not changed, applaud our armed forces.
Ofcourse not, We are the greatest military force in the world and we hold honor to our name. Sometimes wrong people get into the system, It was sickening to see my own people doing such a horrendous deed. But their are good people in the world and their are bad people in the world, Even in our own U.S. Military, So you must understand not every american soldier is like these two "Service Men". Sickening and disappointing.
not at all jack shouldnt punish all for what a few do.the good ones all payed there dues many times over .most are very proud of the good they do ray vt.
Besides the mindlessness of a few idiots – that are the vomitous minority of our population, and fact that we still sell words like freedom, liberation, and helping others as our excuse to gain more control over assets of weaker a country – I am ashamed at times...
Rep Peter King would know best, let's ask him whether we should radicalize the ENTIRE US ARMY for few bad guys or not...? After all he is very convinced to radicalize an ENTIRE RELIGION for few bad guys, so dont be surprised if he opts to radicalize the ENTIRE US ARMY, would really LOVE CNN to ask him the question...
I get upset when photos such as these are shown on the air. This is doing injustice to all the many heros in our military. Let's show photos of all the good men.
I support our nation's military, and always will. I find those pictures, perhaps a little insensitive, but whoes to say if those soldiers had just narrowly missed being in the reverse position. It certainly beats the dragging the bodies through the streets, and hanging them in the public square like some of our opponants have done in the past. Does the military require photos to be taken so identities can be established????
This is the price you pay for war. When you ask people to kill you going to get some of this. We supposedly screen police applicants we still get bad cops. We don't screen congressmen and we get crooks. What do you expect angles. WAR IS HELL it's just a dirty side of it. Its always been there always will be. Why don't we talk about what the solders do right, forget it that doesn't make HEADLINES.
Terry from Saskatoon, We in Canada went through a very similar scandal with our soldiers stationed in Africa. The pictures shocked and sickened our country. I'm sure it's the type of thing that Armies of all nations have at some time been guilty of. That said, it's never allright when it happens and these people should be held to the full force of the law. One real tragedy however is how many do this type of thing and are never brought to justice. It's always easier for the Brass to keep it from coming to light than have to answer for their part in allowing it to happen. We never see the whole truth.
As a former member of the Air Force, I don't think the actions of a few reflect the whole. During the Vietnam war, the fear of being killed sometimes made the trigger finger twitch faster. But outright murder? No! If we lose confidence in the military who are we going to trust to protect us? Those that break the law and Military Code of Justice-not murder-should be prosecuted.
No Jack – our service men and women are heros. This photo has been released at this time as a propaganda tool to down grade our troups. There seems to be bad apples in groups most everywhere. The people who release such material at this very sensitive time are the true bad apples! I've had my fill of bad press and those who are trying to make our country and our President look bad. We should all be supporting our USA instead of trying to tear it down.
The Soldiers were wrong for what they did, but our military is still the best in the world. As a whole, I believe our military bestows the integrity and loyalty to our great country of America even when under fire, constant change of locations, family pressure/stress. Through all of this they are able to uphold their duties and protect this country that so many Americans take for granted. I love our military...
Why even put the photos on ty, it's just another way to stir up people, and empower the enemy, While serving this country it is a soldiers job to defend what is right, and support freedom, protect this country.
These guys are sent overseas to fight a war on terror....witness god knows what....are told by superiors to take pictures of the dead for ID purposes and folks are surprised something like this happened?
Yeah it changes my opinion of the military! The guys running things are too far removed from reality. You need pictures of the dead bodies? For what?
Get a cache of weapons, give one to each member of Congress and the House of Representatives along with the left wing media and let's see how they get things done.
Leave them alone! Isn't it enough they're doing the dirty work?
No Jack our military has a lot of their members do a great j job. All profession has that 1% of employees that don't need to be in their job.. First of all military personnels has to many liberties with cameras and computers, which should not be allow. That my opinion
David
Martinsburg, WV
I am very proud of our military and will not judge all by a few that choose to do the wrong thing. It makes me sick that Anyone would think pictures with dead civilians would be appropriate.
Olivia. Marble Falls, Texas
It does not change my view nor should it change anyone's. Our military men are trained to kill. To kill without thinking about it and thusly feeling about it. If they are required to feel then more of ours will die. As wrong as this is this kind of stuff and much, much worse has been part of war since war began. Today's technologies, instant communication along with some political belief that war is compassionate has caused this.
No it doesn't change my view, but it's worth noting that especially since the demand for military personnel has increased so drastically since the beginning of Bush's wars, the Army enlistment standards have been extremely low. Basically, if you have a pulse, you can be a soldier. There's no way to justify these actions, but even well trained and highly disciplined Marines have been known to do stupid things like in Haditha. We're asking an awful lot of these young men, and it's to be expected that some will crack and go over the line. The important thing is that they are held accountable when their actions go beyond the accepted degree of violence inherent in combat.
Cheboygan, Michigan
Brother Jack:
This abuse problem began, in my opinion, during the Vietnam War when abuses were recorded by the media and some military patrols marched into Cambodia. I have great respect for the Military and for the tremendous job they do protecting our Country, however, there are bad apples which, in every instance, should face discipline charges.
jb
Its not the army I'm worried about, its who's representing it. Those aren't the first photos and they won't be the last. Imagine that guy you keep telling to grow-up, walking around with a AR-15 in a place where he feels superior to the locals whom he has nothing in common. The military is full of them, so stay tuned.
The American soldiers have awakened only to find themselves no longer the symbol of courage, honor, and freedom, but a symbol of mindless evil assassins for hire, who enjoy all that is ugly with war. They continue to dishonor the American People.
My question is...where were these guys supervisors when they were taking these pictures! If this is being allowed by NCO's and/or officers, then it does change the way I feel about the military. There needs to be some kind of accountability on the part of their superiors for either being a part of it or letting it happen.
Hello Jack
How do I feel about a picture from some other news source that says we are butchering civilians.
Lets get this real straight. 1st off how do you know that the was a civilian casualty, they don't wear uniforms,hide behind innocent people,then shelter up in their religious buildings.
War is war , and understand what the rules really are.
Sincerely submitted
Semper Fi
Gerald Bynum
US military is not as clean as every one here thinks and every thing they do is not always reported so I think as much I see on TV bad about them I would add as much more bad about US Military.
Although the most recent Army photo scandal pics are unusually disturbing, I do not feel that the pictures portray an accurate view of the US Army as a whole. As in anything, there are always individuals that act out irrationally in certain situations that most would determine to be morally inappropriate.
These pictures however, DO NOT change my view of the US Army, just changes my view of the specific soldiers involved only... Even though they have been trusted to uphold the policies that we are over there fighting for, like I said, there are always a few bad apples in the bunch.. Sometimes some might stray from task at hand.. Its a shame though, condolences to the family of the citizens that were killed.
Of course it's very bad and reflects upon the whole military effort.
However those that have a negative view of war will continue to have a negative view with this as evidence.
Those that support the war will point out that with tens of thousands of military units cycling in and out of Afgan theater you will get a few crazy people go undetected.
I say that personally, it does not change my view of the US Military in Afganistan or Iraq or anywhere.
Certainly there is a bit of that hatred that is cultivated by some of the propaganda being slung around in the US regarding the Arab world, but by and large I beleive that the US Military is professional. I do think that the standards are being compromised by the shear shortage of soldiers and I also beleive that the strain is very hard to take when these guys do 2 and 3 terms.
No, it does not change my view of the US military. The actions of a small handful does not speak for the noble actions of the majority. Most people who join the military understand that when they go oversees they are representing our country. It is unfortunate though that a few do not understand this. I do believe that there needs to be a better screening process though so such individuals do not get into our military. These men and women have to understand that we are not over there to kill civilians but to help them. They have to understand that not everyone in these countries is a terrorist.
Sir,
With all due respect...The photo...the question and the notion, that the actions of a few...could possibly change my view..."Not on MY watch"...And it should not tarnish nor alter anyones view...People make mistakes...Soldiers are human...and to be human is to error...
They will be punnished and thats that...
Move ON!!!
It does not change my view of the military, because I'm a veteran and I know there are some people that make it through military training that don't really belong serving in our great military. My view is more distorted with the leadership in this country and has been the last 10 years. the division is terrible and there is no respect between lawmakers and their parties. Everyone seems to be attacking each other today even between news Media's. The old saying goes. "A divided nation cannot stand".
Yes and I think that Americans should seriously consider this people as real enemy of this great land and these solders should be court marshal for Betray and degrading United state .
No enemy can Handling damage to United stat's Prestige as these solders done .
No, these photos do not change my (our) view of the U.S. military. With 3 million plus men and women in service to our Country, separated from home and family, trained by us to kill for our 'causes', it is not surprising that there are a few bad apples – a very small minority – that make stupid choices. These percentages are smaller than that of the 'bad apples' spending our money in congress.
Also, if the press took the time to air interviews of some of our proud soldiers and sailors that truly represent what America stands for – showing their dedication, their sacrifices, and their successes – it would tilt the scales of world judgement in our favor.
Clearwater, Florida
The men and women of our armed forces represent a cross-section of American society. It makes as much sense to think that the good and bad don’t coexist in the military as it does to think they don’t coexist in any cross section of American life. My answer to your question is “no;” I don’t think any less of my fellow Americans when I hear there are murderers among us. I just like to think they are a non-representative tiny minority of bad individuals among an overwhelming majority of good.
hell no! your going to find poeple like that over the world, put them in jail where they belong.
As a former vet who saw action myself, I never understood trophy photos. Why would I want to remember the horrors of war? All it does, if real, changes my mind about that one soldier. Most of our fighting men are honorable.
No, our military is a professional organization and what these soldiers did is disgusting. Those who took part in these pictures are not honorable people and they deserve to be punished by a court martial. The DOD must put a stop to these abuses to prove to the world that they neither condone nor will tolerate this criminal conduct.
Undoubtedly, U.S. soldiers also raped & murdered in WWI & WWII but w/o pictures. War has always brought out both the worst and the best of humanity. If you don't like it, don't make war.
Vietnam vet
No – if you use that analogy then one must apply the same reasoning when bad people commit crimes in the general public and that doesn't work.The military must be supported at all cost or we may loose our right to even have this conversation. Get over it!!
As the proud mother of an only child who, in addition to being a West Point graduate, is career Army these photos change my mind no more than my mind is changed about journalists when I learn of an untrue story that has been published or reported by a news network. I was chagrined to realize that you omitted the word "repugnant" used by the Army in its statement regarding these truly disgusting photos.
No, Jack, not a bit, because nothing changes:
Take a bunch of amped-up kids, just out of high school, drop them into a hostile theatre where they'll either kill or be killed, and then ask THEM to define the grey area between a glorious act of war and cold-blooded murder?
Not to diminish the tragedy, but what do we expect? Unfortunately, this has been happening forever.
I am sure this goes on in all wars. You send young impressionable men into a ultra-violent, high-stress environment and bad decision making will happen. I am sure the lack of a uniformed enemy adds to the problem and the "insert racial epithet here" mentality takes root awfully fast when some one starts shooting at you. Lack of leadership leads to violence, gangs and risky behavior in young men out of uniform, why should it be any different in the service. As in Abu Ghraib, these soldier's leaders have failed them, they must be led to keep their humanity and the risky personalities must be rooted out.
No, not really. In my opinion the U.S. military has always been disgusting and untrustworthy. This instance only provides more proof for that fact.
There will always be aberrance in any organization,and today and in the future we will be more informed because of modern portable technologies at the disposal of many – about the transgressions of the few. It doesn't change the overall good that our Military dispense every day somewhere in the world.
We pay the bill and in most cases there is no way " they " could pay. And, how much would you pay for a life saved or a way of life restored
or preserved?.
No, our military is a professional organization and what these soldiers did is disgusting. Those who took part in these pictures are not honorable people and they deserve to be punished by a court martial. The DOD must put a stop to these abuses to prove to the world that they neither condone nor will tolerate this criminal conduct.
Keith
Vacaville, CA
No, one of the reasons we live in one of the greatest countries b/c of our military, just b/c a few do an immoral act does not change how I feel about our honorable men and women in our military Vacaville ,Ca
you have to remember these are our soldiers, these are our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, ect, risking there lives everyday to assure our safety, and to live in the land of the free.. where would we all be?? if it wasn't for our soldiers??? they have decisions that they have to make in seconds. sometimes good and sometimes bad,, but they should have our support no matter what... i know i want my son to come home what ever decisions he is faced with "anywhere" when we are at war it is either them or us,, our son,daughters, and i don't know about all of you but i would want my son to make the decisions that's gonna keep him alive and bring him home after serving our country!! they are there for us,,,cause if they wouldn't do it who else would????
I love and pray for the US Military. I couldn't express this opinion without their support. This case does not represent our Military. These people have some issues that have nothing to do with our mission. Mental illness maybe the problem. How long have these soldiers been serving? Something has went terrible wrong in their heads.
There will always will be few acting irresponsibly in a group where the vast majority serves with honor and commitment.
However, what is really disgraceful is when the military leaders attempt to excuse the failing members, while imposing inhumane treatment to those who dare to expose the injustices.
This is also the reason why Bradley Manning will always be admired by many Americans, who truly belive in freedom and justice.
Dr. Fargo.
This is just one of the many incidents that have been unexpectedly exposed. Otherwise we would never have known what was done. We only hear that Iraq, Afgans, Libiya, Middel East in general are terrorist and cause problems and AMERICA needs to make it all right but what does this say to the American People of Americans? We are no better than them when we go to their country and mess with them. Saying sorry isn't enough these soilders should be given death penalties with no questions asked becasue they didnt ask the permissions of those civilians to kill them, why are the soilders now given that oppurtinity?
Jack,
No it does not change my views nor in any way lessen my respect for our military; and I'll be more than happy to explain to you 'why' in much greater detail, if you'd like. Why does the media love to sensationalize isolated events like this, all the while trivializing the horrific atrocities committed by those who are the very reason behind our intervention and presence?
Art
Oklahoma City, OK
While it is deplorable what the 12 soldiers have done, we cannot put a "monster" label on all the young men and women who are in our military. A large number of these young men and women are in the military for the right reasons and take their job seriously. We cannot let the acts of a few mar our view of the others in the military. Deal with these deplorable acts with the persons that committed them.
We need to support our military wherever they are whether we agree with the reason they are there or not.
No,
I think we spend too much time on what happens to two Afghans, and less time on what the two Afghans were probably doing to get to where they ended up.
Our soldiers see atrocities DAILY, and yes to do something without provocation is sickening, but, when I watch the news I can not tell a citizen who spits or yells at our soldiers, from a terrorist. So, how are the young soldiers suppose to react? Are they to just look good and pray that CNN doesn't have a camera and that the young Afghan, does not have a bomb.
I think the media puts way too much HYPE into it for their own ratings.
Possible wanting to frighten off the next attack by showing what can happen to you..
what I saw was not nearly as bad as the beheading of Pearl, or the charred bodies of the American soldiers bodies hanging from the bridge.
Again the media speaks
Absolutely not, so many of these soldiers are young kids being shot at and God knows how many times they have done tours in the war zone and also we are not talking Rhodes scholars here but soldiers that are putting their lives on the line everyday. That being said were these soldiers using their heads? No. Should they be disciplined? Yes. I realize there are always bad apples in any group and the military has them too but to then to think this would or should change anyone's view of the military is just plain stupid.
There is no doubt the scandalous photos are appalling. An individual violating the military code of conduct brings shame to the very meaning of the uniform they wear. However, despite a couple misbehaving soldiers, my view on the U.S. Military as a whole, remains supportive.
Kennesaw, GA
Hell No
The world has lots of people like them, just put them in jail where they belong.
Weeks pass and you say nothing at all about the war in Afghanistan. Soldiers serve honorably and soldiers die every day and you say nothing about them. Yet, the inexcusable behavior of a few is what you choose to report. As the mother of an Army Ranger deploying soon for the second time to this "silent war", I find your question appalling.
Mary Ann Pryor
West Point, MS
No,Jack as an American all I can do is praise what soldiers do.a few bad men do not make an army.although the Muslim people will not see it that way. I am torn my last comment to your blog wants to save rebels in libya but maybe all Arabs need to fight their own civil wars.let the chips fall where they may.our help seems to be unappreciated by the Arab masses when they get sick of killing and being killed maybe peace can finally be achieved as in our own civil war.we need to work out our own problems America seems very divided as we speak. Danny Los angeles
No, every armed force regardless of country have the same problems except most are not in any theater. As a Canadian we had the same problem I think in Rowanda. Some soldiers were photographed in the same situation, posing with individuals they had murdered. Our government disbanded that entire Airborne regiment which was in my view was over reacting to the illegal actions of some. Just the same even in the film Full Metal Jacket the soldiers were posing with Luke the Gook. I think that this is a stress related problem and perhaps a military doctor should be consulted as this may be a common condition they see, but this has nothing to do with simply the U.S. military. Remember My Lai?, it's just war and regardless of the war pick any one, the exact same things repeat themselves which is why it should be avoided whenever possible. As far as Obama is concerned,, I am happy that he decided not to have a genocide on his watch. Had the rebels (civilians) been annhilated saturday, the same people who are criticising him today would be blaming him for their extinction. What a pile of crap, you guys need to pull together, history will be the judge not political parties. A house divided against itself cannot stand.
The US military no longer represents the United States, they fight for the UN. American Presidents long ago refuted and dismissed International law and Geneva Conventions.
The US military now fights wars in Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and Pakistan, all of them are undeclared, all them are UN sanctioned and all of them are illegal.
They are not occupying these country's to promote freedom or democracy, they are not protecting our freedom in any way since we are losing freedoms every day. They seem to be promoting terrorism worldwide.
They are being used by American politicians to serve the UN agenda as a world police force serving a world government.
No it does not change my perception that our men and women in the military are true heroes. There are bad apples in every organization just look at any financial institution or for that matter certain politicians. We have pictures and evidence implicating these people as well but it always seems to be the military taking the biggest hit for indiscretions.
I see many more heroes in the men and women serving in the United States military, putting their lives on the line, families on hold, getting shot at and doing things ordinary citizens would never ever do just to preserve our way of life. Yes, this sometimes includes people who have questionable character but we should not ever condemn the military or its heroes. They need our support not our ridicule.
The photos do not change my view of the military; they confirm my notion of German media, whoever that is for providing you with dated material that is not relevant to the operation in Libya. Why you for some convoluted reason choose to introduce it at this times is beyond me. I look at some gloating US serviceman standing over the body of whom, someone who he knowingly killed as a non combatant? Don’t they have trials for that kind of thing? Why yes they do. So why tie old photos to the current conflict?
What is your question jack? Do I like the Germans for releasing dated material? Do I think all war is bad?
I am always confused as to exactly what your message is at any one time. It seems to wander. Learn how to ask a single question Jack, and then move to the next. I find your banter unfailingly vapid at best.
Jack as a Canadian I have watched from afar as American soldiers have acted with courage and integrity on numerous fields of battle. They are perhaps the finest military the world has ever seen and it has been a privilege to witness their example. I can only begin to understand the pressure both physical and mental that these young men live with on a daily basis. Those few who fail for whatever reason will not changed my opinion.
No. Were you there when the ones you now criticize watched their buddies and comrades slaughtered by those they are protecting us from???
Do not forget where the military's orders came from. The military is now at the mercy of a "Commander" who prefers to bask in the glory of showing his Family a Spring Break escapade (thank you, U.S. tax payers) while he throws another batch of our Finest into Harms Way.
Back Off.
Maureen
No it does not change my view of our militaty soldiers. I was in Nam and things like this went on all the time. There are limits to what pictures should be taken but just to pose with a body, does not hurt our soldiers in any way.
No. My opinion about the military is and remains highly conflicted. I have no doubt that most who join do so for noble reasons. I also know soldiers are trained to kill. What happens when you put good people in a violent situation? Well if you remember the Stanford Prison Project – where students were randomly assigned the roles of prisoner and guard to see how it would affect their behavior, within days, the guards became sadistic and the prisoners became passive and showed extreme stress. The experiment had to be called off early. The experiment suggests we should expect that kind of behavior in war. That is why we need a cabinet level position dedicated to conflict resolution and peacebuilding skillls. Such a department would compliment and provide alternative solutions to military intervention. Our courageous men and women who serve their nation, deserve that support.
NO! As a retired Army vet of over 25 years every, and I mean EVERY, situation I have been involved with included a team of highly disciplined, professional, and mature Americans from all walks of life.
This unfortunate incident by this very small group of US military soldiers by no means represents our US Forces. This blatant act caught on film is an example of undisciplined soldiers with poor leadership, lack of pride in their profession, and disrespect for their fellow man.
No, I'm not worried about our military reputation. There is just to many good things we do that unfortunately you and so many other reporters try so hard to overlook because it's not news worthy. Get a life!
No, this disgusting epidsode involving idiots does not change my view of the U.S. military as a disciplined and values oriented organization. I am an U.S. Army soldier and certainly do not condone nor tolerate the abhorant behaviors of these fools. The soldiers involved in this epidsode do not reflect the military's values and they will be disciplined and separated from the service. A few bad apples do not represent the totality of an organization and its culture. The US. Army protects and saves lives and property everywhere. The U.S. Army respects and values all people everywhere without regard for race, national or religious origin. The aboved mentioned soldiers do not reflect our values and do not belong in our organization.
Jack, this time of behavior from our troops made me feel America are the bad guys and I believe in what gose around will come around. GOD is watching and taking down names.
Absolutely not. While the actions of these individuals were completely irresponsible and unacceptable, we mustn't let these acts spoil the reputation of our otherwise well-disciplined military. Our armed forces are the greatest in the world, both in their combat efficiency and their respect for the people that they encounter. To let the recklessness of a handful of soldiers damage our view of the U.S. military as a whole is foolish and unfair to the men and women who serve our country with honor and dignity.
From Stockton, CA
Does Lt Calley ring a bell? Certainly this was an isolated incident, and those responsible in Afghanistan will be brought to justice. 99.4 100% of our armed forces do not become involved in attrocities.
As a Vietnam Vet who lost many buddies I can only see one glaring Politcal policy that could have saved us 50,000 American lives.
Quite simply we the people of the United States were afraid to vote for Barry Goldwater, because he spoke the truth! Sen Goldwater stated that if elected he would make a mud puddle out of North Vietnam, thus saving thousands of U.S. personnel.
The point here is that the man was right!
No, absolutely not. Our troops are not like these few, they are receiving discipline for their actions. Poor attitude in the pix, but immaturity and insensitivity is unavoidable. (Fort Riley, KS)