by George Dienhart, guest contributor
As a former Marine I am keeping a watchful eye on the sevem Marines and one Navy corpsman that are being held at Camp Pendleton. To say that I have some mixed emotions on how this is being handled would be a gross understatement. It angers me to think that a United States Congressman would use this situation to push an ultra left wing defeatist agenda.
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The accused Marines and sailor deserve the due process of law that is guaranteed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. They do not deserve a free pass because of the war. If there is evidence that they have murdered an Iraqi civilian, then they should be held pending charges. Once an investigation takes place charges should be filed, or they should be released. Military law, in this case guarantees rights similar to those we enjoy as a civilian.
A murder investigation is no simple matter, let alone when it must be conducted in a war zone. This is not an episode of television, despite the similarities to an episode of Bones first shown in May. I would guess that Congressmen Jack Murtha may have watched this episode. It was rife with conspiracy. Mujahideen Murtha appears to be looking for a conspiracy, and he seems to have found it on the Fox television network.
Congressman Murtha has been quick to criticize President Bush. That was, evidently, just his opening act. He has now turned his attention to the troops. We have heard over and over again that the left (led by Murtha and Senator bin Durbin) support the troops. I would think that this would include supporting the troops rights to due process, but alas, no. Commenting on a similar incident at Hamandiya Murtha states "There has to have been a cover up of this thing. No question about it." No need to trouble ourselves with an investigation, let alone a trial. Senator bin Durbin shows his support for our troops by comparing them to Nazi’s. Support? No. Shameful? Yes. This is how leadership on the left cares for the troops.
I believe this war is just a stepping stone for Jack Murtha. He used his own purported experiences in Viet Nam to garner attention early in his career. He headed to the hill, squeezed out some tears, and wham-o! Instant celebrity. Now it appears he may be using the current war to build up to run for President. He seems to be quite comfortable using the situation that has surrounding these Marines for his own personal gain.
Today, we hear that charges are pending against the sailor and Marines. Once charged, the process of their legal defense can begin. The point is they will get their day in court. This will be despite the right’s demand that they be freed, or the left’s demand for their heads. No one will know the outcome until they have had their day in court. That’s the great thing about America. They will have a trial, even if they have already been convicted by the press. Sorry Congressman Murtha, but these men are innocent until proven guilty. No question about it.
