"War Criminal" - What Does it Really Mean?

[qwlauren35]

I have been thinking about the entire Stolen Honor issue, especially the comment by the NYT, and I'm trying to understand it. But then, I never understood Vietnam.

During WWII, WE (the Allies, the victors) called Nazis war criminals PRIMARILY when they were involved in mistreating or killing non-combatant civilians (which the Jews were.)

And then, we signed the Geneva Convention documents....
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/91.htm

And the definitions of criminal acts were pretty clearly documented. No torture, mutilation or killing of civilians. No torture, mutilation or killing of prisoners of war.

So herein lies the problem...
1.) If Vietnam Vets purposely killed innocent men, women or children because IN THEORY, they might have retaliated, then they are war criminals.
2.) If Vietnam Vets burned down entire villages, then they are war criminals.

However, since we associate the term "war criminal" with Nazi's, the term is bound to offend veterans who were doing what they were told -OR- simply trying to deal with a truly f*ed up situation.

It seems to me that Kerry's accusations that some Vietnam vets are "war criminals" are technically accurate... but highly inflammatory.

Is that why so many vets are upset with him?

Am I getting it right?

[tridim]

1. So many vets are "upset" with Kerry

because he's not Bush, and he's not a Republican.

If they were really upset with Kerry, why did they wait 30 years to speak out?

[qwlauren35]

5. Somehow....

I just don't think that's the reason why.

I think they came out of the woodwork now because he's running for a national office.

Kerry has voted to support many veterans issues, but if you look at his record with Veterans groups, its piss poor. I don't think it's just that he's a Democrat. I think it's a vendetta. And what I'm trying to understand is whether it is directed at his PRESENCE in the anti-war movement or specifically his STATEMENTS.

However, maybe this isn't the right place to try to get answers to such questions.

I was hoping that perhaps some of the Dem vets could help me make some sense of it.

[porphyrian]

2. A soldier who assaults the enemy with peace? - n/t

[knowbody0]

3. everything we are doing now is technically a war crime

illegal invasion, occupation, illegal imprisonment, torture, bombing civilians.
the world watches
technically the bush administration should stand trial

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

4. One person's war criminal is another's hero.

Lt. Calley served 6 months house arrest.
Oliver North is a celebrity.
Henry Kissinger is considered an "expert" commentator.
The ex-POW's, many of whom bombed hospitals, schools, villages, are politicians.
The guys now bombing wedding parties and apartment buildings in Iraq are "Our brave servicemen and women.."

etc.