This is really off topic, but related (i.e. mercaneries).
It occures to me that footballer Pat Tillman death, who died by “friendly fire” in Afganistan is not all that different to the Blackwater Group in Iran. They were at the time guarding members of Congress which may well have put an extra edge on their “alertness” (?)
It’s different to the conduct of Prison Officers who are likely to act in more “deliberate” (even “considered”) fashion.
Unintended mistakes are made all the time in the edgy circumstances of wars and sometimes “firing first” at those that carry themselves in a suspicious manner might well be warranted. Had there been real terrorists there and a few Congressmen and Women had died (?), WHAT would have been the reaction of the Authorities and the “quick to blame” Press ?
My guess is that the VP statement on the latter issue is mostly “diplomatic” for Iraqi consumption and will fade away with the passage of time
Yes, I know there are bad people in every area of life, I know that there was some “speculation” that Tillman’s death was a “deliberate” act and I’ve talked many years ago with a US soldier who served in Veitnam. He told me that in his unit the men deliberatly shot their highly despised Sergeant on an occasion when they were under fire.
All things are possible but not every regetable mistake is a crime.
Add to that the fact that the enemy refuses to wear uniforms and has often used women and children as shields, it’s doubly tough to be a soldier under those conditions.
A shame that Tillman, who postponed a promising career to fight for a cause, had to be the one.
margueritem over 14 years ago
Aha, a renegade mercenary…
LordDogmore over 14 years ago
“Renegade mercenary”, isn’t that a bit redundant? Oh and good morning Margueritem.
margueritem over 14 years ago
As opposed to a plain ol’ mercenary, Lord D
;-)
sydney over 14 years ago
Here we are - Tuesday margueritem, - any medical news yet ?
Hope I don’t sound as if I’m prying (?)
Ray_C over 14 years ago
Don’t knock being a mercenary. Not all mercs are jerks. And they get good perks. (OUCH! That hurts!)
BillTA over 14 years ago
I have a friend who thinks a mercenary is an automobile.
doghollar over 14 years ago
Aha. Blackwater works for the Blue Circle!
margueritem over 14 years ago
Sydney, nothing yet.
sydney over 14 years ago
This is really off topic, but related (i.e. mercaneries).
It occures to me that footballer Pat Tillman death, who died by “friendly fire” in Afganistan is not all that different to the Blackwater Group in Iran. They were at the time guarding members of Congress which may well have put an extra edge on their “alertness” (?)
It’s different to the conduct of Prison Officers who are likely to act in more “deliberate” (even “considered”) fashion. Unintended mistakes are made all the time in the edgy circumstances of wars and sometimes “firing first” at those that carry themselves in a suspicious manner might well be warranted. Had there been real terrorists there and a few Congressmen and Women had died (?), WHAT would have been the reaction of the Authorities and the “quick to blame” Press ?
My guess is that the VP statement on the latter issue is mostly “diplomatic” for Iraqi consumption and will fade away with the passage of time
Yes, I know there are bad people in every area of life, I know that there was some “speculation” that Tillman’s death was a “deliberate” act and I’ve talked many years ago with a US soldier who served in Veitnam. He told me that in his unit the men deliberatly shot their highly despised Sergeant on an occasion when they were under fire.
All things are possible but not every regetable mistake is a crime.
Ray_C over 14 years ago
Add to that the fact that the enemy refuses to wear uniforms and has often used women and children as shields, it’s doubly tough to be a soldier under those conditions. A shame that Tillman, who postponed a promising career to fight for a cause, had to be the one.
hossblacksilver over 14 years ago
Oliver, this guy isn’t on ANYBODY’S payroll anymore.
davidf42 over 5 years ago
Morning, Anniephans!