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RICHMOND
Three Navy SEALs facing accusations they mistreated a detainee are gathering support from people who consider them heroes.
A Facebook page created to support the men has some 45,000 members and a California congressman is heading efforts to get Defense Secretary Robert Gates to intervene. Facing court martial are Petty Officers 2nd Class Matthew McCabe of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Jonathan Keefe of Yorktown, Va., and Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas of Blue Island, Ill.
Army Lt. Col. Holly Silkman, a spokeswoman for the military's Special Operations Command Center, says the public should withhold judgment until the facts come out.
The charges center on alleged abuse of Iraqi Ahmed Hashim Abed, who's believed to be connected to the 2004 killings of four Blackwater security guards.
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UCMJ
court martials run by non lawyers in almost all cases.
at best, they are often Kangaroo Courts.
Go read the UCMJ and find out how it works.
Doc Rio
USN Ret.
Navy SEAL
War is a messy business
You don't take a knife to a gun fight. You take a bigger gun or more of them. But what the government wants the military to do is fight with their hands tied. Those we are fighting don't care about treating people nicely. Look what has happened to troops captured and killed. Their bodies have been hung on bridges, dragged through streets. Get over it people. War is not a nice business. You get dirty. And collateral damage is going to happen. We just try to reduce the amount. But it is going to happen. Just like a drive by shooting you see in the news here in the US. The bad guys get those they are shooting at, but others nearby also get it. It's reality. Face it and get your heads out of the sand.
Now your thinking like a terrorist
They don't take a knife to a gunfight either, they find out where the gunfight is and who will be there and go after that since they know fighting head on is a losing situation. They are not bound by rules, places or any other standards. In every disenchanted muslim lies their DNA which like wolves in Twilight can be switched on without notice. Take your guns to the knife fight - if you can find the venue. War has evolved beyond the boundaries of battlefield. If we are going to win, we need to find where the knifes are being made and put a stop on it.
Support for SEALS
If we keep going at the rate we are we will PC outselves into the weakest nation on the face of the earth.
My last rant on the subject
I agree with the Patriot post by oldiebutgoodie. We are a nation that is supposed to uphold the highest standards of human conduct. We are not supposed to "go with the crowd" when something is not right. We are not supposed to look the other way when we do not want to see someone else doing something that we secretly want to do ourselves, but know it is wrong. We are a strong country because we believe in the ideals that when fairness is being attacked, we stand on its side, when justice, ideally blind, is doing its job, we make sure the path is clear. Emotion takes hold of all of us, and it is character that guides us through that cloud. The same character that has has tempered rash decisions throughout the years, and enabled rational thinking to make this the great country that it is today!
How would George handle it ?
USNRet742W4 Very well spoken, as I read your well written comment I could not help but think of one of our great WWII generals, Gen George Patton. Had he been alive and in charge does anyone think for a second he would have these brave men up on charges ? Gen Patton may have had his faults with the media but he was a "real" leader and demanded the same from those under his command, unlike the spineless PC generation in charge now!!
SEALS' Pearl Harbor Day
Today, December 7th, a day which will live in infamy for the dastardly act the Navy hierarchy hounding these Navy warriors for the alleged mistreatment of one captured terrorist. No one can blame the Navy JAG for carrying this act for it is just another tool in imposing political correctness and sensitivity. The Navy establishment today has a climate that reflects the sentiments of the White House and the Pentagon. And these SEALs will be made an example on how to toe the line of political correctness. Unfortunately being or becoming a warrior is totally alien to the currently serving CNO and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. These two Admirals are the classic "ticket punchers" on the flag fast track, and would not have a clue what these brave SEALs have been through while in combat. And would not hesitate to sacrifice anyone to protect their careers. By the way, getting a medal for excellence in a think-tank or combat simulation does not translate to combat valor. Check them out, neither the CNO nor the Chair of the JCS have any decorations for valor.
Patriot
A patriot does not violate the law in a fit of emotionalism.
A patriot does not violate the law for the sake of expendiancy.
A patriot does not abuse the defenseless.
A patriot does not comply with illegal orders.
It is increasingly apparent that the majority of people have never served in the military. They exhibit a lack of understanding regarding the maturity and discipline required of those who serve in the military thinking it no more than a street gang brawl which is driven by personal greed and revenge. To think in such a fashion is to be disrespectful to every member in good standing of the military service and to undermine the values of the military and country.
Sailor's Creed I am a
Sailor's Creed
I am a United States Sailor.
I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.
I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and all who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.
I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment .
I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.
Support the SEALS
I can't believe we are turning into a bunch of pansies here in the USA. These are our soldiers who we train to kill, and who are out in the thick of it every day saving our BACKSIDES. They are doing their job well and need no appologies. Good job fellas - keep up the good work! Let them go with a slap on the wrist and send the team back out on the field to win the game!
The Frog