VHawk: "How does the public express its discontent with its government waging war, without alienating and offending the professional soldiers who are ordered to prosecute that war?"

V-I totally got the topic and am not whatsoever offended by what's written here. A lot of good conversation, some controversy, some solid jabs. I saw them all. Truly though, none of it bothers me. At this point, I am oblivious to opinions that aren't my own, but still read them so as to further educate myself on what others think about the War, and those waging it. I stand by my commander, legitimately, not just because it's my duty. Speaking of duty, which is one of Seven Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage (LDRSHIP). Loyalty, if I had to choose one, in my opinion is first for a reason, it is the most important. I don't choose one, because they are all equally important. I live these 24/7/365. Honor is the duty in question here, and I emphatically display my displeasure in knowing that those Soldiers (Marines) may have violated that, and other personal and Army Values.

"...no one should be surprised when more 'Haditha' type incidents start popping up in the news. Until we start building armies out of robots, we will see the effects of combat stress get worse the longer our men are under constant threat of fire."

Totally agreed. No robot here, or anywhere else. War or not...there are monsters out there out of uniform as well. (Green River Killer) Look at the case of the Soldier returning home to Fort Lewis who killed his young wife not too long ago. I point out both civilian and military incidents to shed light on the fact that it's MAN that's committing the crimes. MAN, not ROBOT. I agree with you Vince. It's horrible.

Sardo: "Been there, done that, tank company, 161st inf Reg."

Thank You Sardo. Hart's Lake Prarie is same as it ever was...I think your Sherman tank tracks are still there. HA HA!!!!! I got the historical time frame correct, right? HA!!!

Great topic. I am always interested in all the opinions of the Military, though I don't agree with all of them. Again, my right, given to me by my forefathers who wore a uniform. Thank you all, and for crying out loud...can we all just

SHUT UP AND FISH!!!!!!!!!!