This first video is required viewing. We will discuss it on Wednesday. Expect a quiz.
This next one is the video Devin discussed on Friday, for those of us who missed it.
REMINDER: Extra credit paper on journalism, its impacts and import, is due on Wednesday.
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I think that while we are quick to defend the soldiers from Collateral Murder, we must also investigate their behavior.
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand that their behavior was in the "guidlines," I agree with Prof. Sewall that the "guidlines" themselves must be examined. We can't simply overlook this as justified behavior. If that was my family or children being rushed out of the vehicle, I would want some sort of justice served, whether their actions were justified or not.
Regardless of what led up to this situation, the soldiers must consider their decorum as they are taking human lives, armed or not. Even if they don't see them as humans, they don't need to make it appear as their victims are less than that.
Jared, excellent points. One of the most disturbing aspects of the video is the cavalier attitudes of the shooters as they take human lives. They even hope to be able to kill. No ethic could condone that; everyone must despise it. So, while we shouldn't vilify soldiers for doing their jobs, we must condemn anyone who openly wants to kill other people.
ReplyDeleteI think we have every right to vilify the soldiers when they are committing what can only be described as murder.
ReplyDeleteI know this isn't a microcosm of the armed services, or at very least I'd like to believe it, but it is still a dangerous outlier and needs to be addressed.
Well said, Anonymous. I'm not sure how much of an outlier this is, but the fact that it seems to be perfectly within the Rules of Engagement are the most troubling parts. This is, in all likelihood, a more common occurrence than we'd like to believe.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, Last week the Times published a story about checkpoint deaths in Afghanistan and Gen. McChrystal, head of NATO forces, said this:
"We have shot an amazing number of people, but to my knowledge, none has ever proven to be a threat."
Could you give a link for the videos? I want some of my friends and family to watch them to make them more aware of media and propaganda influences. It could change some people for the better I think.
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