I do try spend some time thinking Republican's might be right. I mean, why not? Personally, I value a robust social system - enought that I'd prefer not to have a tax cut, a subject which is pretty heavily debated here at the moment.

This whole greatest country crap is pretty aimless. You definitely have the greatest military and greatest GDP.

But really, why should those be the only things that matter?

Actually numbnuts, the photo you posted is not from Haditha, but Ishaqi where the investigation has already shown the soldiers were innocent. Perhaps you should apologize...or at least attempt to get the story straight before making accusations. Simply posting a picture of dead bodies means nothing as the terrorists kill dozens of innocents each day and such photos are plentiful...and would be even more so without our brave men (all volunteers) there in harm's way.

Jeff, are you saying there IS honour in murdering women and children, planting false evidence, covering it up and lying to investigators?

Or are you just cross that I said there is no honour in murdering women and children, planting false evidence, covering it up and lying to investigators?

stuart is not a us citizen so who cares what he thinks of the US military. Hopefully one day he will have contact with them on the receiveing end of an M-16.SmileWavy

David--et all--thanks for your service.

Stuart, I'm "cross" because you painted a lot of very honorable men and women with your broad brush of accusation. It's one thing to dislike the politics and general world-wide meddling of my country; it's quite another to drive that hatred down to the level of those that serve, and have served, with courage and honor. That was totally innappropriate, and I think you owe those folks an apology.

What nonsense.

Its not hatred. Its a statement of fact, if indeed that is what transpired at Halditha. That is, there is no honour in killing women and children. Do you say differently?

Im not singling out your military. This is what occupying militaries do. Always have. And its happening EVERY WEEK in Iraq, and iit s being systemically down played by the military institution.

Read your words. US soldiers -allegedly- murder women and children and you say I owe the military an apology for questioning its honour.

What planet do you live on?

Because you would be speaking Chinese or German if it wasn't for us...that is why.

BTW...Maybe trusting NZ politicians to mold and shape society works, and is efficient, in your insignificant corner of the planet, but here in America social construction creates not only more problems but more corruption...Something tells me that more problems and corruption is, or will be, the byproduct in your country too.

Stuart, why don't you try pulling your head out from "down under" long enough for a reality check? So in your simplistic view of the military, everyone who has ever worn a uniform of any kind is guilty of war crimes. I guess that keeps it less confusing for you. The rest of us are able to apply a little more reason to this and actually differentiate between those who serve with honor and those who don't.

Stuart is playing his games. He paints all Marines with the stench of the alleged foul acts of a few. Then when called on it, he responds with "so you defend the acts?". As if anyone would or more importantly did.

Hell, arguments with coolchick are less childishly circular, and that's saying something.

Maybe. Maybe not.

Corruption is a national mindset - we are either the least corrupt, or the second least corrupt country on earth. (I just checked - second equal least corrupt, behind Iceland).

Most of the countries above yours in that list are naughty socialist European ones. Basically, you've got NFI but are good out mouthing off about it.

New Zealand? Nah. But they would have ABSOLUTELY have been conquered and occupied by Japan during WWII. No way around that fact. Wether the allies could have stopped Japan after they seized the Solomons, New Zealand and Australia would be an interesting discussion.

During WWII, nearly every able bodied Kiwi was in the North African desert fighting Rommell. There was no one left to defend New Zealand.

You are being, perhaps deliberately, obtuse.

1.If you put a (anyones) military in this situation (iraq), a "Halditha" is inevitable. It can be easily and relaibly predicted. Its as old as time and occupying armies.

2.Blaming the indivividual soldiers, beyond punishing them as oone would any criminla, is pointless. Again, you may as well blame a dog for savaing a toddler. You would still shoot the dog.

3.Halditha is not an isolated incident. The Iraqi PM, US puppet, has stated so.

4. Whats to blame is a) the foreign policy that put the US military in this situation, and b) the culture within that military organisation which condones, instituationally, spin, cover up and lies.

5. The "code" and "honor" being discussed in thjis thread is a concept that exists only within, and only applies to, the military itself. Its simply tribalism, it is rancid, and its leads directly to this type of event. You disagree? These Marines- allegedy- shot and killed women and children. The military insitution from the ground up, covered it up and lied to protect the interests of the institution. Again.

6. The US military, specifically, has, like the IDF, in the face of any critical analysis, forfeited any right it may have claimed to a benefit of the doubt. Which is quite sad, as the the US military is the very visible face of US foreign policy.

At least the IDF stands up, tells it lies and doesnt expect expect anyone to beleive them anyway. Its purely for form, and to appease internal hardliners. The US is a long way down that road. Then again, what % of Americans still beleives that Saddam attacjked the WTC?

Stuart, I do not approve of our President or the war in Iraq. However... The task of the U.S. Marine Corps is to wreck ***** and kill people. The freedom we enjoy in our country is due in large part to the fact that our Marines perform this task more efficiently than any fighting force on earth.

The Marines are not some group of feel-good peace keepers. They are the baddest of the bad. They have earned our respect and admiration... and the world's fear.

Stuart? Just answer yes or no. Are you a Sunni?

Awww, c'mon, Moses. Everyone knows Marines are a bunch of softies... ;)

http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/4657/di.jpg

http://www.mfr.usmc.mil/4thmardiv/25..._lee_ermey.jpg

Randy

I thought about it, I concluded that Japan would eventually speak German and, therefore, also would the sheep #*&^ers (this word is not 'herders').

Thats a movie.

Your point is...?

Actually, except for Matthew Modine (The guy with glasses in the bottom pic), they're ALL Marines, AFAIK.

But for you, here are a few more...

http://www.villagehatshop.com/media/...instructor.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1149589899.jpg

http://www.mytwinsburg.com/assets/photos/Dombek.jpg

Randy

Stinky breath?

Oh, and F-U Lendaddy. LOL

Looks like a bit of man to man loving? Read the "The Thin Red Line" once. Not uncommon, apparently. Esprit de Corp, n'all.