Sgt. Hutchins wrote on Nov 17, 2007 8:17 AM:Our prayers continue to be with you and your beautiful family!

Great wrote on Nov 17, 2007 5:16 PM:Just what the terrorists need, more propaganda. To many journalists in Iraq, ask not the butcher how he slaughters the pig, for he too has an unpleasant task.

get some FACTS wrote on Nov 17, 2007 9:44 PM:Unless this guy learns the difference between Marines and Soldiers this will have ZERO credibility from the start

Article 32 wrote on Nov 17, 2007 10:20 PM:The use of soldiers was used in the context that there are other members of the military serving in Iraq, I am making a change in the trailer to reflect that. As far as my credability I just spent ten days in and around Pendleton interviewing family members, legal counsel, and some of the Pendelton 8 themselves. Your comment is very short sighted and to some extent ignorant. I am actually being pro active in this situation by making a film that examines the injustice that Larry Hutchins faces sitting in that brig, I believe what I am doing is a lot more powerful than sitting around being critical on a message board. So talking about my credability is ignorant. And to go further, the film and the support it gives these young Warriors will speak volumes. I exepct nothing less from people who sit around being critical but yet do absolutely nothing to make a change.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 18, 2007 6:57 AM:To Article 32: I just read the comment made at 9:44PM last evening. It brought to mind the quote by Edmund Burke: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". You will never fall into that category. The government has taken everything from Larry, but it will never take the respect that those of us who know him will always have. He was most certainly unjustly convicted. The blogger at 9:44PM is either totally ignorant of the military system of justice and of the FACTS or, for some reason, does not care. If the wording bothered him so much he could have just stated that intelligently and respectfully. I'm proud to be a friend of Larry's and his family, and the FACT is that his friends will always stand by him; ignorance be damned.

John1 wrote on Nov 18, 2007 11:08 AM:I've spoken to Mr. Sikorski. My position is unchanged from 2006 and my support of my son and the rest of the Eight is unchanged.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 18, 2007 1:49 PM:To John1: Hi, my opinion is also unchanged and reinforced as I learn more and more. God Bless our Marines. They're getting the shaft and I'm not sure whether the public realizes the enormity of it. AW4.

Reality check wrote on Nov 18, 2007 3:43 PM:To Article 32, it sure sounds one sided if you are only going to ask the convicted felons of their commits. What truths are you going to get from them or their family members. The truth of the matter is that they (P8) committed murder plain and simple. I will say this in trials both civilian and military the whole truth never comes out. It is the job of the defense attorneys to muddy the water to benefit his defense. I myself wish this never happened. I have been to Iraq and I'm very proud of what our Marines and Soldiers have accomplished.

Jay wrote on Nov 18, 2007 4:05 PM:I have strong doubts as to whether AW4 even knows who Edmund Burke was. She must have a "Book of Famous Quotes" next to her keyboard now.

To reality check wrote on Nov 18, 2007 10:13 PM:what do you know about the p8 or their families? truth is you DON"T KNOW. and nothing in this war is or has been or will be simple, only comments like yours are simple......

MarineWife wrote on Nov 18, 2007 11:40 PM:I, for one, am sick of all these people protesting what our military does for them. If they don't like the way things are, then why don't they go out and try to make a difference rather than just make our military men feel bad. Not only are they away from their family, but they have to deal with all the hatred from you guys. I am glad that a documentary is being made. Thank you! I feel that not enough people know just what our guys go through when they are out there, and how much their lives are forever changed because of it. Those who protest what our military obviously don't know anything about rank and how it works. Point is, it may have been ..., but what would you have done if you were in the situation??? We need more people on the weekends lined up outside the gates of Camp Pendleton showing our Marines and Sailors that we care for them and support them. This coming Thanksgiving, when you are at home or whereever celebrating with your family, having a nice homecooked meal, think about all those men and women who are fighting for our country, or even just those who are here far away from their family, spending their Thanksgiving in the barracks. You guys need to be more appreciative.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 19, 2007 12:27 PM:To Reality Check: Here's reality for you. This is a quote from an NCT article: "In the military justice system, a defense request from witnesses is first filed with the prosecutors. If they reject the request, the defense can appeal to the hearing officer who has the authority to overrule the denial". You speak of being one-sided and muddying the waters. You put the blame for that one on the wrong party. In a system that truly seeks justice why in the world would the defense have to "request" permission from the prosecution to present what it needs for its defense? Then appeal it if the prosecution declines it? Then also fight the hearing officer if he doesn't seek justice for one reason or another? Wake Up! Our Marines were screwed over and there are more to come.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 19, 2007 12:44 PM:To Jay: I'm sure you have strong doubts about a lot of things, as well you should. No, I don't have a "Book of Famous Quotes". I find ones that I like and put them in a spiral notebook. You are correct. I don't know much about Edmund Burke. SO??? I can Google if I get that curious; which I'm not. As for his quote, I have it on a post-it on my calendar. I'm impressed by it, believe in it, and intend to live by it; as compared to some who have nothing more to offer than personal insults.

DESERT BUG wrote on Nov 19, 2007 1:39 PM:Here's a quote for you: "I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front, and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world!" Those were the words of 5-star General Douglas MacArthur. General of the Army MacArthur was as his rank indicated an Army officer. He commanded all branches of service during World War II. What he said then about Marines is as true today as it was then. When Marines fight, they fight to win. Any collateral damage is just that, the collateral damage of combat. The Pendleton 8,and most certainly including Sergeant Hutchins,are now victims of charges and prosecutions politically inspired and utterly wrong when viewed in the context of the combat they were in. AW4's quote of Burke is apt and cogent in the dialogue. I didn't know Burke or MacArthur personally nor do I have an encyclopedic knowledge of either. But I do know that these quotes from them are nothing but TRUE.

DESERT BUG wrote on Nov 19, 2007 2:05 PM:Just one more quote: "We’re surrounded. That simplifies our problem of getting to these people and killing them." The words of none other than Marine Lt. Gen. "Chesty" Puller, the most decorated Marine in history. General Puller knew what war is about. He is an icon and a hero beyond compare. Nobody knew the nature of war nor its consquences better than General Puller. The Pendleton 8 were surrounded by an enemy disguised as civilians. An enemy planting roadside bombs. An enemy who takes delight in beheading innocent civilians or dragging the burned corpse of an American through the streets and hanging it on a bridge trestle. An enemy who ties a plastic explosive on a girl and sends her into a crowd where it is detonated killing anyone and everyone. For those Marines to react as they did in that hellish environment was appropriate and understandable and completely defensible.

Jay wrote on Nov 19, 2007 2:13 PM:To help you out AW4, Burke was refering to citizens like myself with that remark, not the cheerleading team of government misconduct that you represent.

To Jay wrote on Nov 19, 2007 4:15 PM:You have forgotten that you have TWO EARS AND ONE MOUTH! You listen, not...and drivel on endlessly.And sadly, you think you know...and you think you are right! To be so condescending, without merit and so judgemental...it must be a sad and lonely life for you. That must be why you spend your time bashing others on these blogs. God help you.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 19, 2007 4:47 PM:To Jay: FYI; I neither want nor need your help. Accepting one's help requires trust. My experience with you for the past year has been one of personal attacks toward me rather than substance. As for Burke and to whom he was referring, I find it amazing that you are able to interpret his meaning when the whole literary world has several interpretations. You may thank Google for that bit of knowledge. Here's where I shall help You. You may thank Google for this one also: (1)"It is used to warn of the encroachments of government, and to warn that governments do not do enough. It appeals to both left and right alike, and is equally useful in either camp." I don't know which 'camp' you're in Jay; only that you are not in My camp. (2) "Seldom is it the numbers that determine the outcome, but whether those who claim to be good men are willing to stand up and fight for what they know to be right." I hardly think you were around in the 1700's so, when you say you know to whom Burke was referring, that doesn't exactly inspire trust. I, personally choose #2; which means I'll fight against anyone who persecutes innocent Marines and Soldiers who put themselves in harms way for me and my country. The government has made them criminals in a time of war. That is unacceptable. The numbers of those who feel the same are growing and people are not as uninformed anymore. "Unchecked power is the foundation of tyranny."

Spouse wrote on Nov 19, 2007 7:49 PM:First off Mr Sikorski, how can you have a true documentary if you don't interview all involved. Mr Sikorski you said "I am not taking a sympathetic approach. My approach is to tell the truth according to the individuals who participated in it." If you don't interview all involved investigators, prosecutors, Marine Corp brass, defense attorneys and yes the convicted service members how can you make such a statement above or a documentary with half truths in it. We have heard over the past year and half excuses made up by the defense and the individuals involved for their actions and non actions. None have take responsibility for their actions. Get real do the right thing Mr Sikorski and make sure you put out the real facts, not a bunch of excuses and accusations that can not be proven.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 19, 2007 11:41 PM:Your 2:13PM offer to help me is not necessary. I neither want nor need your help. Accepting one's help requires trust. As for Edmund Burke, you say he was referring to citizens like yourself. That can not be, since you cared not whether the accused rights were trampled, or whether they received fair trials. Your focus over the past year has been to denigrate our Marines. I researched Burke's comment for you. It was used to warn of the encroachments of government and what I call abuse of power over citizens. For good men to do nothing allows evil to triumph.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 19, 2007 11:50 PM:To Spouse: Mr. Sikorski said his approach is to tell the truth according to the individuals who participated init....in the incident. The investigators, prosecutors, Marine brass, and defense attorneys did not participate in it. He seeks the truth according to the P8. He reports....You decide. Sounds like you already did.

Jay wrote on Nov 20, 2007 1:22 AM:Instead of Google, try a history book. Burke was refering to the tyranny of the crown. I have deduced from your past remarks in support of institutionalized murder by uniformed representatives of our government that you are in fact exactly the type of person Burke was refering to. You are NOT standing up to tyranny but are in vociferous support of it, your current diatribes against Bush and co. not withstanding. I feel quite certain that you swallowed hook, line and sinker the lies linking Iraq as a threat and were in the front line of the cheering squad when our boys were sent off to die and in some cases murder. Distancing yourself from the administration and its policies after the fact only makes you duplicitous on top of your many other qualities.

Brad wrote on Nov 20, 2007 7:00 AM:"Unchecked power is the foundation of tyranny." and that is exactly why George Bush has been such a disaster for America and the world.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 20, 2007 9:42 AM:To Brad: The quote stands no matter who abuses power. This administration has done its damage. So has the media and those who reside on Capitol Hill. Frankly; there's TOO much blame to go around.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 20, 2007 10:14 AM:To Jay: Oh for goodness sake, I know that. Actually; if you really knew what the hell you were talking about you would find little reference to that particular quote in the history books, as the literary world can't even totally agree fully on exactly where or when he made it. Either way, Nitpick all you want. It doesn't change the meaning, which has been used over the years to apply to various situations. AW gads! There you go again with the "diatribe" routine. You accuse me, as usual, yet your comments are filled with it. ... Where did I say that I distance myself from the administration and its policies? You've known full well for over a year that my disagreements are with any and every one in power in this country who persecutes our troops or any American. That goes beyond the administration. Apparently, it includes you. Quit living in the past Jay. Get over the 60's. It's making you stone cold.

Jay wrote on Nov 20, 2007 12:58 PM:So let me get this straight AW4: You are and have been for for these past five years an anti-Iraq war protester? Funny, I haven't seen you at the marches or meetings. It would be incongrous for one to be opposed to this invasion and yet support a premeditated murder there. How many hundred thousand "good" American gals and boys have been there but you continue to delcare eight of them innocent though they in fact confessed? Strange, very strange indeed.

DESERT BUG wrote on Nov 20, 2007 12:59 PM:I can't understand what difference it makes as to which exact source a quote or anything else comes from. Googling is much faster than spending hours in a library and the information is just as valid and verifiable. After all, we're not born with reference material in our brains. We all get it from somewhere. As for you Jay, you destroy any crediility that you might otherwise have by making personal attacks on others. If one can't win an argument based on fact and logic, then the low road is to sling mud and be infantile. By the way, AW4 has forgotten more than you will ever know about the persecution of our Marines. Her detailed knowledge of the subject is amazing and many of us on here admire her intelligent advocacy for the rights of those Marines. AW4 ~ should be an attorney. She'd win em all.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 20, 2007 3:15 PM:Oh Mercy: The easy way would be to ignore ignorance. I've just never been any good at that, Edmund Burke and all. Jay! Where did I say I was an anti-war protestor or even anti-war? Do you ever read what people say, or do you just see their blog name and go off on a tangent? Gadzooks! You say you haven't seen me at the marches or meetings. Why in the world would I ever attend any meeting that you support...Give me a minute...OK! Haven't had a good laugh in awhile. Excuse me, but you seem to have missed the fact that plea 'Deals' were made. You, NCIS, and the prosecution choose to refer to 'Deals' as confessions. The clue is in the word DEALS! When you mention premeditated murder, I believe you refer to the accused who made 'statements' that NCIS conveniently defined as confessions. I believe you refer to honorable Marines who one would think you'd stand up for. Why??? Because these Marines are Americans, because these Marines have been screwed over by the very government you stand on corners and protest, because these Marines have been screwed over in the very war that you protest; a war that these Marines are fighting so that their country will remain free from barbaric, maniacal animals. The last thing they need is to have to fight the ignorance, prejudice, and personal selfish agendas of their own countrymen and their own leaders.

Jay, You don't know wrote on Nov 20, 2007 9:02 PM:what you are talking about when it comes to this case. You weren't there. Stop commenting as if you were and you know ANYTHING for fact. I assure you, you don't. You come on here to comment on a story, and then drivel on with a barrage of garbage and bashing on everyone else and their comments. I'd say it's way past time for you to grow up, make your comment on the story, and move on. Like I said previously, with your condescending, know it all attitude, (without merit) you must be very lonely. You don't know these Marines...stop talking about them as if you do!

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 21, 2007 1:14 PM:To Jay: YOU made an 'in your face' type of comment about me on Nobember 18th at 4:05PM, to which I responded. You say I should make my comment on the story and move on. I thought I had but, then, there You were. I merely responded. You said I wasn't there. If you're referring to Iraq, of course I wasn't there. Were You? I don't think so, but I'd be happy to go one on one with you concerning what I 'do' know, any day in the week (after the holiday). Remember months ago when you made a point of announcing to bloggers, falsely, that I made comments; comments I Never made? I hadn't even commented on the article you mentioned. I asked you to prove your accusation; to give the article, time and date. You just disappeared Jay. As for your comment; the one where you put your foot in your mouth, Quote: "You don't know these Marines". Jay, over the past months I corresponded with Sgt. Hutchins and eventually came to know and befriend his Mom, Dad, and Brother. In July my husband and I had the HONOR of meeting Sgt. Hutchins and his family. Our perceptions of him were reinforced. We believe in him and will always stand by him. I was with all of them at the court-martial, day after day, hour after miserable hour. I was there when he was unjustly convicted and sentenced. I met Trent and Magic and watched 'others' testify. I had the HONOR of meeting several retired and active duty Marines who have stood by and will continue to stand by Sgt. Hutchins. Marines from other states came to support him. There has been a grave injustice done to Sgt. Hutchins and all of these Marines, including the accused Haditha Marines. You are blind to this because you choose to be. The other comment you made to me, with your foot in your mouth, Quote: "you must be very lonely". I think that's called 'transference'. The last problem I have is loneliness. My life is filled with, not just my family, but a larger family of good, decent, honorable, patriotic, brave Americans; Americans whose strength and spirit will hopefully overcome the injustices done to their own...to OUR own!

DESERT BUG wrote on Nov 21, 2007 1:47 PM:to Jay: "and then drivel on with a barrage of garbage" Your phrase applies to you, not AW4. "your condescending, know it all attitude" characterizes you to a tee Jay. You are the one who knows little or nothing about these cases, nor were you "there" either. So don't pretend to know more than other bloggers on here, because "I assure you, you don't." For that matter none of those who decided to prosecute (persecute) these Marines were "there" either, nor was the convening authority, the judge nor jury. So? You have unfairly and wildly prejudged a matter that has yet to reach final adjudication. You use inflamatory words in an attempt to shore up your position. "institutionalized murder" If by that you mean that a war waged with the authorization of the Congress and the President is "murder", then you are a pacifist and so be it. But don't jump from that to labeling individual Marines as murderers because only a final (Supreme Court) finding can make that determination ~ not a mob and not the hysterical, politically motivated nutballs with a hidden agenda. Grow up Jay.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 21, 2007 1:52 PM:I really do know how to spell November. If I could just hit the right key it would help immensely. Now I'll wait for 'someone' to tell me it's trivial.

To DESERT BUG wrote on Nov 21, 2007 5:03 PM:First off you don't have a clue about the case to throw words around at JAY. If you had the knowledge you would have known that the investigators and some of the presecutors were in Iraq when the murder occurred. Hutchins, Magincalda and Thomas went to trial were found guilty by there peers (members). They are convicted felons.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 22, 2007 4:10 AM:To the post at 5:03PM who wrote to DESERT BUG: Your comments almost left me speechless....ALMOST! You say the investigators and some of the prosecutors were in Iraq when the insurgent... that would be...the enemy...was sent to meet his 72 virgins? PUHLEEZE share where you got that tidbit of information. Isn't it strange that it was never reported by Time, CNN, Washington Post, New York Times, etc. I'll bet you got that from Michael Moore. Oh! I forgot. He never reported that either. Do you know the investigators; that swell bunch of reliable??? NCIS employees such as Kelly Garbo who had never even read her manual and had to call the Pentagon to find out what questions to ask because she Wasn't Gettin' It Done? Do you know the Prosecutors? Strange how those things work out isn't it? Civilians, who are called to duty to act as prosecutors, are in Iraq at the time the "enemy" is sent to meet his 72 virgins. Gee! I wonder why they ever bothered to put our Marines in shackles for 3 weeks here in the states, since, as you say, they had every one right there in Iraq; even the so-called witnesses, the accusers, who our Marines had the legal right under the UCMJ to face. Shucks, the government might have saved $800,000.00 on that media center at Pendleton. Perhaps they'd only have had to spend half that...for the Haditha Marines...unless those investigators and prosecutors were in Iraq when that incident occurred; in which case, those Marines could also have faced their accusers. I think you're on to something. Let's get together and demand that this whole thing be done over right from the start...without the coercion and imprisonment of our Marines who, if you remember, at the time were presumed to be innocent but were "never" treated as such. Step up to the plate 5:03; get the word out how the government had all those people at its disposal and yet put our Marines through living hell for months. And, if you think my comments are outrageous, go back and re-read yours!

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 22, 2007 4:28 AM:To Sgt. Lawrence Hutchins III; Honorable Marine and my Friend: Dear Larry, should you ever read some of these outrageous, ignorant comments from people who are clueless, I want you to know that the values of people in this country changed while you were growing into a good and decent young man. Wars used to be lead by men who believed in winning them; not by men who would rather cower to political correctness and persecute their own for killing the enemy. You were too young to be aware of these changes in America's values because you believed in the old ones where honor, trust, and faith in your own leaders and men meant everything. You held that faith and stood by that honor. God Bless you, your strength, and your spirit, and thank you for being a part of the very reason that today Americans are giving thanks for the freedoms that remain. AW4!

DESERT BUG wrote on Nov 22, 2007 9:36 AM:to untitled blogger, 11-21 5:03PM: Your confusion and total misunderstanding of these cases is so profound as to be funny. Also, your post is illiterate: "presecutors" "there" rather than "prosecutors" and "their." Having been in Iraq does not mean that those who were were "there." I know of no instance where a prosecutor or investigator has testified in these cases as eye witnesses, nor were they such. Their knowledge of the case is no greater than defense counsel nor anyone who has studied the evidence adduced and certainly not as shallow as yours...

Hey you guys wrote on Nov 22, 2007 6:18 PM:The comment Nov. 20 @ 9:02 WAS made TO Jay by me...stating that Jay doesn't know what he is talking about. That was not JAY directing anything to you guys. So I thank you in supporting my opinion! Mom of a Marine

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 23, 2007 12:26 AM:To Mom of a Marine: AWgee! So sorry Mom. I thought it was like...Jay wrote...Well, I guess we told him, huh? Or, you! Really sorry about that. Don't feel bad. I got chewed on once when someone mistook who the comment was from. NOW, I like your comment. Thanks, and God Bless your son or daughter. You have every reason to be proud. Wait till Desert Bug sees this. Yoiks! We're in the doghouse. AW4.

DESERT BUG wrote on Nov 23, 2007 9:18 AM:Ohhhh, Ohhhh: So sorry Mom of a Marine!! My post-in-reply applies to Jay and certainly not you, of course. Not just Jay. But others who ignorantly and stupidly cheer this evil persecution of our Marines. God bless you Mom-of-a-Marine; God bless our brave Marines and all those who have so valiantly fought the devilish terrorists. A pox on the Quislings who rally to the side of the enemy and who at the same time are quick to prejudge and condem those who have defended our country against that enemy. What is it that inspires people like Jane Fonda to sympathize as she did with the Viet-Cong while our troops were being held prisoner and tortured in Saigon? Only God knows.

Mom of a Marine wrote on Nov 23, 2007 8:57 PM:And NO, there were no prosecutors in Iraq. They were assinged to the case back here (U.S.) They got their side of the story from the NCIS who could not eve prove WHO the dead man was. I won't even get going on them.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 24, 2007 9:38 AM:To Mom of a Marine: You tell em' Mom! I bet the Persecutors...uh!...Prosecutors would get a hoot out of the comments at 5:03 on the the 21st. Actually; it kind of sounds like one of the prosecutors could have written them. One is as unbelievable as the other.

A marine wrote on Nov 25, 2007 9:58 AM:The fact is that the story is always two sided and everyone thinks they are right. The other fact is that the men involved did do something wrong. I know the excuse is that he was a terrorist but we don't know that. Just think... if you were a father like me, would you want to be taken away from your family like that. Just think about that side of it and I guarantee that your views would change. It is our laws we have to abide here or there. Sure there is the other view of it was combat but many other have gone to Iraq frustrated and still kept their composure under the same circumstances. Everyone can be right in their own way but the big picture is it was a kidnapping and murder and it was wrong.

Reality check wrote on Nov 25, 2007 5:44 PM:To A Marine, 9:58Am Great thougths I could not have said it any better. Be ready, I know AW4 is going to have a comment or two towards you. She may even call you out by saying you are not a marine.

A marine wrote on Nov 25, 2007 9:42 PM:To Reality Check: It is totally understandable that I may get scrutinized for what I have said but some people look at one side and one side only. That's why every thinks that their idea and thoughts are right. If we were always right, the world would be perfect. Unfortunately, the world is not that way. So leaving my saying to that, why not everyone take a step back and look at it from the other side. Yes, call the Iraqis enemies but not all of them are. That is why we are doing humanitarian missions. We are not always on the offensive and we are not always trying to kill. We are TRAINED to kill but NOT trained to be murderers. A saying that my BC told us in Fallujah, "We are warriors not murderers."

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 26, 2007 4:37 PM:To Reality Check: You're right. Of course I'd comment. You wouldn't have it any other way. As for your idiotic comment, Quote: "She may even call you out by saying you are not a Marine"...I have no reason to think that. I DO have reason to think that, if 'A marine' truly is a Marine, I know that he is misguided. I feel that he must have low self-esteem because he doesn't spell the word Marine with a cap. Where's his pride? I use a cap. All of the Marines I know use a cap. It's a matter of respect for the title of U.S. Marine! As for a father being taken away from his family; give me a break! Gowad was an insurgent called the Prince of Jihad. The 'family man' you feel sorry for was his right hand man. I can't even imagine a Marine caring more about any insurgent more than about his own men. I won't say the blogger who calls himself 'A marine', isn't a Marine. I just think he should act like one or possibly join the Boy Scouts.

A marine wrote on Nov 26, 2007 5:34 PM:Give me a break! I'm the one who earned the title so I can use it however I want. Did you earn the title?? I don't think so, so don't you ever question my pride because I am proud to be a MARINE! There you happy now English teacher. I'm glad we are having an intellectual conversation about English!... We have standards and they were broken. There was nothing honorable about any of it! And by the way, get your facts right! Sure, Gowad may have been a terrorist but they killed Awad! Maybe you should research this a little more before you open up your mouth!

Reality check wrote on Nov 27, 2007 8:20 AM:To A marine, I told you AW4 would go after you because you speak the truth and AW4 can not handle the TRUTH. The truth was they all either took a plea deal or they were convicted by their peers for their involvement in the murder of Awad. Plain and simple. AW4 needs to learn to deal with the truth and reality that there are a few bad apples in every barrel and these marines might be bad and stop attacking people who disagree with her.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 27, 2007 9:31 AM:To A marine: You earned the title? Well, so did the Marines who were falsely accused by "insurgents". So did the Marines who were slandered by our media, coerced by their own government, and forced into plea deals. So did the only MARINE who stood up for the truth that was trampled and spit on by political agendas and ignorance; which possibly includes you. As for you using the title of U.S. Marine any way you choose; I thought the most important way was with honor and pride; not exactly represented well in your first comments. You need to work on that. You say the Corps' has standards and they were broken. It also has "orders" and they were followed. Those who gave them don't have the **** to own up to it. As for Awad; ... NOT an innocent family man. I've got "my" facts right and "have" researched...everything" about this farce. What research have you done, and if not, why so eager to believe the worst about your own? That's not very honorable. I'm a civilian and have more faith in your(?) Marines than you. At what point in your illustrious career did you forget that we are at WAR? At what point did you forget that one of your (?) Generals (Krulak) said there should be No Zero Defects Mentality when it comes to punishing lower ranking members during time of War? I did research it. I don't believe for one minute you ever made any attempt to do so. Were you at the court-martial? Which Marine were you? I met several. Perhaps "you're" the one who should research before you open "your" mouth.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 27, 2007 10:15 AM:To Reality Check: Thanks for agreeing. Finally! Yes! They took plea deals or were convicted by their peers. Reality check for you; There were orders. Orders come from higher up. Lower ranking men follow orders. I just want to be explicit so you'll comprehend what actually happened. The enemy Lies! Those who accused the Marines were insurgents! Wake Up! Politically Correct CO's cower to the likes of Maliki who we have yet to know whether or not he can be trusted, and NCIS is called to invesitigate...Oh! I almost forgot...to Coerce and do what it takes to get plea deals. NCIS PROSECUTES. It does not defend. Research it. I'll put my research up against anything you have to Prove otherwise. If you and your low self-esteemed marine friend can't do the same, then get off your prejudicial, arrogant, anti-American, anti-MARINE routine. In other words; Put up or shut up!

Mom of a Marine wrote on Nov 27, 2007 2:38 PM:And like I said before....They had to stop using the name Awad in court proceedings because...NCIS and the Prosecution...COULD NOT PROVE who the person killed was!!!!! They had no proof it was AWAD. That is who the insugensts said he was. So you, marine and reality check, DON'T HAVE THE WHOLE STORY! Wake up!

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 27, 2007 4:52 PM:To Mom of a Marine: Give em' heck Mom.

Semper Fi wrote on Nov 27, 2007 6:18 PM:Let me be a person who looks at this blog from the outside. I've read up on this situation and I have some thoughts. AW4 and Mom... why are you attacking A Marine. He's right... once a Marine always a Marine. He has earned a say in this blog and he too fights for your freedom. All I see are personal attacks towards him. He's not being anti-Marine. He is just stating his thoughts about it all. I, as we all do, believe in what our country fought for, our 1st amendment. Did he say he hated the men that did it? No... he is just stating the fact that it was wrong.(I will remain opinion less on that ) Now, i understand your side of all of it. Yes it was war and yes, a lot of politics are involved but that is how the world works. Sure, I think it is pretty f'ed up and the Marines like any other government organization has politics. Someone has to point the finger at somebody. Now I don't know the WHOLE story, but my Fellow Marines did convict every one of them. So someone tell me, who should I believe? 3 juries composed of fellow Marines and 5 guilty pleas or what you are telling me? My sorrow to the man still in prison and I feel that 15 years is hefty but don't bag on our govt. We are the best country in the World! So Semper Fi! I will always remain faithful to our Marines, even to A Marine and the Pendleton 8, as long as they believe in the Marine Corps. Goodnight.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 27, 2007 8:25 PM:To Semper Fi: Yes, you're looking at this blog from the outside. I visited with Sgt. Hutchins and his family over Thanksgiving. I'm not looking at this from the outside. I also read up on it, before I decided to research it from the beginning. If you were able to do the same you'd be apalled that any of these men were ever arrested. I have nothing but respect for Marines as a whole. Over the past year I've had the honor to meet several good men and families who I will always respect and consider friends. As for 'A marine'; he fired the first shot, so to speak, when he said , "Maybe you should research this a little more before you open up your mouth!" I give respect where respect is due. I know Marines believe that once a Marine always a Marine. The "reality" is evident in Congressman John Murtha. Need I say more? Of course not. You've read up on this so you're well aware of what I mean. When you say a lot of politics are involved and that's how the world works, you underestimate the reality of those politics which are sacrificing our troops...Your Marines...for personal agendas. It is out of control. The Corps' also says that Marines protect their own and stand by their own. Leave no man behind. There's more than one way to leave a man behind. On these blogs NO one knows who anyone really is. When one represents himself as a Marine yet doesn't believe in his brothers in arms and takes the word of insurgent accusers, the media, and an organization such as NCIS with it's history of questionable practices, then I don't have any trust in what he says. As for Your fellow Marines; the ones who passed judgment on ONE Marine who refused to take a bended knee because he had no reason to do so, those nine men sentenced one of their own to 15 years and gave him NO credit for time served. They did so because they felt he wasn't remorseful. Why should one be remorseful when he knew he was doing what he was asked to do? You ask who to believe. Think outside the box...Why do all of the others walk free? Plea Deals and 2 trials that allowed evidence and testimony NOT allowed at Sgt. Hutchins trial. It's hard to not "bag our government" when you have Congressmen putting the screws to Marines, leaking unauthorized information, and interfering with the whole process. There was no fair and impartial trial. But you can bet that Maliki over in Iraq is somewhat appeased, especially since his people(?) got their $2500.00 per person BEFORE any investigation was complete. So, please don't expect me to not respond to ignorant comments from someone who calls himself a Marine, yet doesn't represent!!!

A MARINE wrote on Nov 27, 2007 10:38 PM:Thank you fellow brother, Semper Fi. Oorah! I do proudly represent the Marine Corps with honor. I'm glad AW4 is stickin by his/her ideals. That's what this country was made upon. Kudos for that person. I fight for this persons freedom and this is what I get. I have done nothing wrong except for voice my opinion. You cry for justice but justice has been served. Our system works. It may not be perfect but it works.

to AW4 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 9:54 AM:Just out of curiousity, are you on the NCTimes payroll?

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 28, 2007 11:49 AM:To A MARINE: All caps is a little overkill and not all that convincing. What's with the "fellow brother" routine? Haven't heard that one in all my correspondence with many Marines, mostly retired. Gads! I'd love to know where and when you served, rank, company, etc. Maybe you served with some of the dedicated Marines I've met. Then again, I really doubt it. Nice try! I won't be commenting for a few days; a death in the family, so you guys have at it. I'll catch up in a few. AW4.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Nov 28, 2007 11:56 AM:To 'to AW4': Say What??? No! But I consider it a compliment. Thank You!

A MARINE wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:38 PM:Sigh... the world will always be this way. Just straight ignorance. I will be leaving this conversation for the fact that I do not care what AW4 thinks. I find it quit funny though and I get entertained at what idiotic, ignorant, and demeaning comments she makes towards me. You can "cry out loud" all you want because what's done is done. I'm moving on... maybe you should too. Hey, if you are so right and correct, why don't you go on tv or radio and let everyone know the truth. I would love to hear it. Convince people... let the world know. I'm looking forward to seeing it but my thoughts are set. It's half and half in the world. There are two sides that will never come together. God Bless you AW4.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Dec 3, 2007 1:46 AM:To A marine: Odd isn't it? I agree with you about your ignorance. I'm also ashamed for you that you can't even stand by those you profess to be a part of. I find that exremely odd. Frankly, I don't need or want your blessing. I get enough of that phoney line from a couple of other bloggers who are Not Marines. Oh! You forgot to let me know what company you were supposed to have served with, where, when, and what rank you supposedly held. Maybe the Marines I've met have heard of you.

IraqiWarVet wrote on Dec 5, 2007 9:12 PM:I would like to say to all the bloggers and with all due respect, all of you are pointing fingers, blaming and calling names and everyone has seemed to forget that the only people who really, truly knows what happened over there are the P8 - and regardless if they are guilty or innocent, their lives and those of theirs families are destroyed forever... and the filmmaker who has claimed that he's talked to 'everyone' is also not being truthful - he hasn't talked to one family for sure... and it's to bad. It's really to bad. I wish the world and civilians could see what goes on over there and every American could put their differences aside and unite as a country. Amen to the P8, their families and to all.