Posted by Guamo at 12:07pm Apr 6 '10The first round of firing I'm ok with. I can see how the cameras would look like weapons. I can even see how the group may have looked like insurgents. And I'm sure they were there for a reason too, and looking for insurgents. So yeah, it was unfortunate, but the military has to make tough decisions some times.
However when the van pulls up, and the helicopter starts firing upon the people trying to help the wounded, without confirming any weapons I feel that boundaries were crossed. That doesn't seem like it fits. I do feel good that they at least wouldn't fire upon the wounded without seeing any weapons, but why would they fire upon unarmed people trying to help the wounded? There must be a protocol there as well, since they asked for and received permission to fire upon the van.
The general bloodlust shown by the military is also excusable in my eyes. These guys are trained to fight and in constant warfare. It is only natural to want to take out as many of the enemy as possible (and I'm confident they felt these guys were the enemy). Also, this was the heat of the moment and adrenaline was probably running high.
Overall, I feel like this was unfortunate, but I think they seemed to have followed protocol (I'm assuming firing upon the van fit some protocol) and thought they were firing upon insurgents. I think the video does a good job at stirring up anti war emotions, but I think honestly, it just shows me that at least the military is taking some precautions (have to ask for permission to engage, need to confirm weapons, etc). What angers me more is that the military tried to cover it up after the fact. Saying they didn't know how these reporters were killed, or how the children got injured, etc seems duplicitous to me. I can understand it on some level, they are trying to damage control. But cover ups, when leaked, damage the military far more IMO.
Overall, as much as I feel this was probably warranted, I am very glad I am not over there. These killings make me feel sick and angry (and would even if they weren't civilians). This is why I support stopping the hostilities in the middle east. We don't need to be partaking in these activities.
However when the van pulls up, and the helicopter starts firing upon the people trying to help the wounded, without confirming any weapons I feel that boundaries were crossed. That doesn't seem like it fits. I do feel good that they at least wouldn't fire upon the wounded without seeing any weapons, but why would they fire upon unarmed people trying to help the wounded? There must be a protocol there as well, since they asked for and received permission to fire upon the van.
The general bloodlust shown by the military is also excusable in my eyes. These guys are trained to fight and in constant warfare. It is only natural to want to take out as many of the enemy as possible (and I'm confident they felt these guys were the enemy). Also, this was the heat of the moment and adrenaline was probably running high.
Overall, I feel like this was unfortunate, but I think they seemed to have followed protocol (I'm assuming firing upon the van fit some protocol) and thought they were firing upon insurgents. I think the video does a good job at stirring up anti war emotions, but I think honestly, it just shows me that at least the military is taking some precautions (have to ask for permission to engage, need to confirm weapons, etc). What angers me more is that the military tried to cover it up after the fact. Saying they didn't know how these reporters were killed, or how the children got injured, etc seems duplicitous to me. I can understand it on some level, they are trying to damage control. But cover ups, when leaked, damage the military far more IMO.
Overall, as much as I feel this was probably warranted, I am very glad I am not over there. These killings make me feel sick and angry (and would even if they weren't civilians). This is why I support stopping the hostilities in the middle east. We don't need to be partaking in these activities.
Hmm - Guamo