Reply #102: We hold our soldiers to a higher standard [View All]

[tkmorris]

Seriously, this is a surprise to you? I don't agree with some of the comments on this thread, in particular the ones that were deleted wishing bodily harm on the taunting soldier, but I am not as willing to excuse their behavior as you seem to be either.

I don't think anyone will become an insurgent over this. However an incident like this does illustrate the widespread disregard for the welfare of the Iraqi people displayed by our troops. And yes, that HAS been the norm rather than the exception. This is mostly fostered by the attitude inherent in their commanding officers, and passed down to the troops via the orders they are tasked with carrying out. If their officers demanded they treat Iraqis humanely they would, but instead they order them to treat the Iraqis as animals, not worthy of courtesy or consideration, or even of life itself.

The military I served in would not have tolerated this kind of thing. It dishonors the uniform and my country. MY country. I demand better.