YankeeFan's Blog

Here is another e mail that I received  from a Marine who is on his third tour to the middle east which would further dispell a few more myths perpetuated by the liberal left wing twits.... Just one more example (with a good deal of humor) to add to my growing (but no where near complete) list of evidence and answers ... surge not working? Support the troops by sending them home? (uh, this is a volunteer military and here is one of many Marines who is on his third deployment when he could just as easily have resigned his commission and made a great deal more money in the private sector), Al Quaida was never in Iraq?

•  "Eighteen American soldiers died in May, the lowest total of the war and an 86 percent drop from the 126 who died in May 2007."

·         It will be an interesting campaign if the Dems continue to pull the get out of Iraq because we are losing schpeel - - just wonder if any journalist will have the guts to say, "Um, excuse me, last we checked, we're winning."

·         The surge didn't work in Iraq…………….no really, they said that, or should I say continue to say that.

Local Sheiks in our area have continued to tell of stories about how life was with Al-Qaida present. The evil that existed and now, its not a new way of life, it's a new era.

Economy growing, shops opening, insurgents are now the outcast..... not the shop owner, not the Iraqi Policeman - the insurgents. I remember how it was on my previous deployments; it was not a good way of life for any of the above, except for the enemy.

Now things are  in the peoples hands. Why can't some Americans see this? Why can't they see the growth of the Iraq's, their leadership taking steps, their cohesion? Maybe  those that deny it see it but ignore it. The insurgents see this, and they hate it.  Maybe a letter from one insurgent to another would read like this.

Here is another e mail that I received  from a Marine who is on his thrid tour to the middle east which would further dispell a few more myths perpetuated by the liberal left wing twits.... Just one more example (with a good deal of humor) to add to my growing (but no where near complete) list of evidence and answers ... surge not working? Support the troops by sending them home? (uh, this is a volunteer military and here is one of many Marines who is on his third deployment when he could just as easily have resigned his commission and made a great deal more money in the private sector), Al Quaida was never in Iraq?

•  "Eighteen American soldiers died in May, the lowest total of the war and an 86 percent drop from the 126 who died in May 2007."

·         It will be an interesting campaign if the Dems continue to pull the get out of Iraq because we are losing schpeel - - just wonder if any journalist will have the guts to say, "Um, excuse me, last we checked, we're winning."

·         The surge didn't work in Iraq…………….no really, they said that, or should I say continue to say that.

Local Sheiks in our area have continued to tell of stories about how life was with Al-Qaida present. The evil that existed and now, its not a new way of life, it's a new era.

Economy growing, shops opening, insurgents are now the outcast..... not the shop owner, not the Iraqi Policeman - the insurgents. I remember how it was on my previous deployments; it was not a good way of life for any of the above, except for the enemy.

Now things are  in the peoples hands. Why can't some Americans see this? Why can't they see the growth of the Iraq's, their leadership taking steps, their cohesion? Maybe  those that deny it see it but ignore it. The insurgents see this, and they hate it.  Maybe a letter from one insurgent to another would read like this.

Here is another e mail that I received  from a Marine who is on his thrid tour to the middle east which would further dispell a few more myths perpetuated by the liberal left wing twits.... Just one more example (with a good deal of humor) to add to my growing (but no where near complete) list of evidence and answers ... surge not working? Support the troops by sending them home? (uh, this is a volunteer military and here is one of many Marines who is on his third deployment when he could just as easily have resigned his commission and made a great deal more money in the private sector), Al Quaida was never in Iraq?

•  "Eighteen American soldiers died in May, the lowest total of the war and an 86 percent drop from the 126 who died in May 2007."

·         It will be an interesting campaign if the Dems continue to pull the get out of Iraq because we are losing schpeel - - just wonder if any journalist will have the guts to say, "Um, excuse me, last we checked, we're winning."

·         The surge didn't work in Iraq…………….no really, they said that, or should I say continue to say that.

Local Sheiks in our area have continued to tell of stories about how life was with Al-Qaida present. The evil that existed and now, its not a new way of life, it's a new era.

Economy growing, shops opening, insurgents are now the outcast..... not the shop owner, not the Iraqi Policeman - the insurgents. I remember how it was on my previous deployments; it was not a good way of life for any of the above, except for the enemy.

Now things are  in the peoples hands. Why can't some Americans see this? Why can't they see the growth of the Iraq's, their leadership taking steps, their cohesion? Maybe  those that deny it see it but ignore it. The insurgents see this, and they hate it.  Maybe a letter from one insurgent to another would read like this.

I just received this e mail from one of our adopted Marines of the 2/24 and thought it worth passing on since it will never make the news and since many  Americans will make judgements  on both the War and the Men who wear the title US MARINE .. without know much about either - Someone posted a blog recently demanding answers to "why" we are still there, etc. etc.  Now, this is not from a grunt but an officer serving with a front line unit.  so, prior to passing judgement, ask yourself, "would I endure these things becuase my country asked me to?"  Not for the president, not whether or not you feel the war is just but.. to serve your country when called. This should dispell several myths "They don't want us there" and "Support the Troops, Bring them home" ... This is not my only post contrasting these sentiments so, prior to jumping on my blog to spew ignorant, incorrect liberal agendas, please educate yourself prior to speaking  

Missions are going very well for us. We have detained several bad guys and corresponded warrants for them. The weather has been hot, then full of sand as the movie like sandstorms roll into our area.  

As we conduct our partnered American and Iraqi missions, we compliment one another as they can notice things we cant and we can bring a hell storm to the scene in a blink of an eye. I know you aren't hearing anything about how well the Iraqi's are doing but they are doing great things, every day. They are listening to us, learning and when we see them make several small strides we know we are on the right path. Some working for free, only to make a difference. They are making a difference!

Your Marines have great morale.

Living in sandy uncomfortable conditions, covered in sand after each sandstorm as their wooden swa hut allows the dirt to flow in from the constant blowing wind. 

 I love these times, I really do. You have those unforgettable events with fellow Marines, you live them. Like the ones you may have have experienced at a family reunion when you laughed so hard you cried. Here, there are times to laugh and times you are ready to throttle up. Times that make you shake your head and think that there is no way you could make these things up. Sharing the misery, building an indescribable bond.  

 Making a difference, a difference that won't be on the TV screen in front of America's faces tonight but a difference to that family who has lived in fear but now can replant their fields to grow vegetables because "We are so glad the Marines are around to keep us safe".  

You've been on the go all day, have a thin layer of dirt on your face where your glasses aren't. The sun beats down on you as you feel the sweat run down your back between your skin and your armor.

 Your skin looks like its permanently tattooed from the dirt.

The blowing dirt collects in the corners of your eye and your clothes are soaked. Hot chow in the morning, MRE for lunch. Dinner brings a nice stuffed frozen pork chop or maybe some spaghetti. Neither will agree with you later on.

There are no 15 min smoke breaks, you see Marines burn them at the cyclic rate. There is not a one hour lunch because you are eating in the hummer on your way to your next patrol. 

You might enjoy an occasional quiet gathering of Marines at sunset and enjoy a cigar. Talk and make deals and wheel and deal as you review the day. 

 These are your Marines.  

That's all we ask for. A simple Thank you. We will walk through fire for you when you say that to us. We don't do it for money, we don't do it for gain. We do it for each other and for all of you so you don't have to feel any pain. We are proud to be your Marines   Semper Fi

I just received this e mail from one of our adopted Marines of the 2/24 and thought it worth passing on since it will never make the news and since many  Americans will make judgements  on both the War and the Men who wear the title US MARINE .. without know much about either - Someone posted a blog recently demanding answers to "why" we are still there, etc. etc.  Now, this is not from a grunt but an officer serving with a front line unit.  so, prior to passing judgement, ask yourself, "would I endure these things becuase my country asked me to?"  Not for the president, not whether or not you feel the war is just but.. to serve your country when called. This should dispell several myths "They don't want us there" and "Support the Troops, Bring them home" ... This is not my only post contrasting these sentiments so, prior to jumping on my blog to spew ignorant, incorrect liberal agendas, please educate yourself prior to speaking  

Missions are going very well for us. We have detained several bad guys and corresponded warrants for them. The weather has been hot, then full of sand as the movie like sandstorms roll into our area.  

As we conduct our partnered American and Iraqi missions, we compliment one another as they can notice things we cant and we can bring a hell storm to the scene in a blink of an eye. I know you aren't hearing anything about how well the Iraqi's are doing but they are doing great things, every day. They are listening to us, learning and when we see them make several small strides we know we are on the right path. Some working for free, only to make a difference. They are making a difference!

Your Marines have great morale.

Living in sandy uncomfortable conditions, covered in sand after each sandstorm as their wooden swa hut allows the dirt to flow in from the constant blowing wind. 

 I love these times, I really do. You have those unforgettable events with fellow Marines, you live them. Like the ones you may have have experienced at a family reunion when you laughed so hard you cried. Here, there are times to laugh and times you are ready to throttle up. Times that make you shake your head and think that there is no way you could make these things up. Sharing the misery, building an indescribable bond.  

 Making a difference, a difference that won't be on the TV screen in front of America's faces tonight but a difference to that family who has lived in fear but now can replant their fields to grow vegetables because "We are so glad the Marines are around to keep us safe".  

You've been on the go all day, have a thin layer of dirt on your face where your glasses aren't. The sun beats down on you as you feel the sweat run down your back between your skin and your armor.

 Your skin looks like its permanently tattooed from the dirt.

The blowing dirt collects in the corners of your eye and your clothes are soaked. Hot chow in the morning, MRE for lunch. Dinner brings a nice stuffed frozen pork chop or maybe some spaghetti. Neither will agree with you later on.

There are no 15 min smoke breaks, you see Marines burn them at the cyclic rate. There is not a one hour lunch because you are eating in the hummer on your way to your next patrol. 

You might enjoy an occasional quiet gathering of Marines at sunset and enjoy a cigar. Talk and make deals and wheel and deal as you review the day. 

 These are your Marines.  

That's all we ask for. A simple Thank you. We will walk through fire for you when you say that to us. We don't do it for money, we don't do it for gain. We do it for each other and for all of you so you don't have to feel any pain. We are proud to be your Marines   Semper Fi

I just received this e mail from one of our adopted Marines of the 2/24 and thought it worth passing on since it will never make the news and since many  Americans will make judgements  on both the War and the Men who wear the title US MARINE .. without know much about either - Someone posted a blog recently demanding answers to "why" we are still there, etc. etc.  Now, this is not from a grunt but an officer serving with a front line unit.  so, prior to passing judgement, ask yourself, "would I endure these things becuase my country asked me to?"  Not for the president, not whether or not you feel the war is just but.. to serve your country when called. This should dispell several myths "They don't want us there" and "Support the Troops, Bring them home" ... This is not my only post contrasting these sentiments so, prior to jumping on my blog to spew ignorant, incorrect liberal agendas, please educate yourself prior to speaking  

Missions are going very well for us. We have detained several bad guys and corresponded warrants for them. The weather has been hot, then full of sand as the movie like sandstorms roll into our area.  

As we conduct our partnered American and Iraqi missions, we compliment one another as they can notice things we cant and we can bring a hell storm to the scene in a blink of an eye. I know you aren't hearing anything about how well the Iraqi's are doing but they are doing great things, every day. They are listening to us, learning and when we see them make several small strides we know we are on the right path. Some working for free, only to make a difference. They are making a difference!

Your Marines have great morale.

Living in sandy uncomfortable conditions, covered in sand after each sandstorm as their wooden swa hut allows the dirt to flow in from the constant blowing wind. 

 I love these times, I really do. You have those unforgettable events with fellow Marines, you live them. Like the ones you may have have experienced at a family reunion when you laughed so hard you cried. Here, there are times to laugh and times you are ready to throttle up. Times that make you shake your head and think that there is no way you could make these things up. Sharing the misery, building an indescribable bond.  

 Making a difference, a difference that won't be on the TV screen in front of America's faces tonight but a difference to that family who has lived in fear but now can replant their fields to grow vegetables because "We are so glad the Marines are around to keep us safe".  

You've been on the go all day, have a thin layer of dirt on your face where your glasses aren't. The sun beats down on you as you feel the sweat run down your back between your skin and your armor.

 Your skin looks like its permanently tattooed from the dirt.

The blowing dirt collects in the corners of your eye and your clothes are soaked. Hot chow in the morning, MRE for lunch. Dinner brings a nice stuffed frozen pork chop or maybe some spaghetti. Neither will agree with you later on.

There are no 15 min smoke breaks, you see Marines burn them at the cyclic rate. There is not a one hour lunch because you are eating in the hummer on your way to your next patrol. 

You might enjoy an occasional quiet gathering of Marines at sunset and enjoy a cigar. Talk and make deals and wheel and deal as you review the day. 

 These are your Marines.  

That's all we ask for. A simple Thank you. We will walk through fire for you when you say that to us. We don't do it for money, we don't do it for gain. We do it for each other and for all of you so you don't have to feel any pain. We are proud to be your Marines   Semper Fi

Updates from the Marines of the 2/8

Friendfolks & Kinfolks,

Yes it has been a minute but I wanted to let everybody know that the Marines and I are doing well.  As it sits, we are getting close to that one-month out mark but even more work remains to be completed between now and the time we step off from Ramadi.  Much in the area has improved significantly since our last update: 

Ø The Iraqi Police(IP), close to 24,000-strong, are running IP-only patrols

Ø IP Districts of the city are more cooperative (instead of shooting each other, they work together to apprehend suspected, active insurgents...always good)

Ø IPs are running intelligence-driven operations resulting in the detainment of several high value individuals

Ø In accordance with progress towards Provincial-Iraqi-Control, the battalion has now assumed a decreased presence within the city--shutting down several of our predominately Coalition Force fixed positions

Ø Traffic-lanes have opened up for both local and Coalition Force use (so our convoy operations now resemble driving down "the 5"...or I-95 for everyone at home on East Coast)

Ø The local general hospital has increased its capabilities…now able to care for 800-1000 people at once

Ø More than half of the homes in the city have electricity on a continuous 24-hr basis

Ø Local businesses such as souks, markets, auto-shops, etc are popping up every week

You know commerce is thriving when western influence becomes apparent: locals driving BMW X5s,  IPs riding crotch-rocket motorcycles, 7-Elevens & KFCs opening and houses being built that would put some homes in California to shame.  Though we will most likely not bear witness to the total hand-over during our deployment, this city will be a bit better upon our exit than when we first arrived.

The Marines have transported an obscene amount of goods thus far with the last big haul occurring on our way out.  They have worked hard and learned valuable lessons in leadership and life that will carry them well from this point forward.  On behalf of all of us out here, I want to say THANK YOU for your support throughout the deployment.  Whether it was care packages, cards for the holidays, the classic letters, emails or insane amounts of deer jerky straight from the ranch, we appreciate every bit of it!  

On closing---family, friends and supporters, please take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.  

 Thanks again and many blessings.

-Mos

But You Have NO Idea !!

I recently received this from a Marine in one of our adopted Units. He is on his third deployment to the middle east and I wanted to share it because, well, It doesn't get explained much better than this ..

. We are Marines.

Many people don't understand what we do as Marines or do they really want to know. Many are just thankful that we are out there - the force between them and evil.

 They are quick to chastise us or point out the rare occasions when we drift however, they beg for us to go stand between them and fear.

In the very recent past, we have lost 2 Marines from our unit, the first of this deployment, and many,many more the last few deployments.

 God Bless them both and their families - Semper Fi

They are warriors, school teachers and sons. They wanted to make a difference and they did. Now that we have grieved and held a memorial, we put our helmets back on, push outside the wire and continue to keep the wolf at bay. Why, you ask?

Because we are Marines

2/24 Weaps

    Want To Support A Marine In Harm's Way                    But Don't Know How??
www.supportourmarinesinc.org
Because Freedom Isn't Free!

But You Have NO Idea !!

I recently received this  from a Marine in one of our adopted Units. He is on his third deployment to the middle east  and I wanted to share it because,  well... It doesn't get explained much better than this ...

We are Marines.

Many people don't understand what we do as Marines or do they really want to know. Many are just thankful that we are out there - the force between them and evil.

They are quick to chastise us or point out the rare occasions when we drift however, they beg for us to go stand between them and fear. In the very recent past, we have lost 2 Marines from our unit, the first of this deployment, and many,many more  the last few deployments.
 
God Bless them both and their families - Semper Fi

They are warriors, school teachers and sons. They wanted to make a difference and they did. Now that we have grieved and held a memorial, we put our helmets back on, push outside the wire and continue to keep the wolf at bay. Why, you ask?

Because we are Marines

2/24 Weaps

Want To Support A Marine In Harm's Way                   
But Don't Know How??
www.supportourmarinesinc.org
Because Freedom Isn't Free!

But You Have NO Idea !!

I recently received this  from a Marine in one of our adopted Units. He is on his third deployment to the middle east  and I wanted to share it because well... It doesn't get explained much better than this ...

We are Marines.

Many people don't understand what we do as Marines or do they really want to know. Many are just thankful that we are out there - the force between them and evil.

They are quick to chastise us or point out the rare occasions when we drift however, they beg for us to go stand between them and fear. In the very recent past, we have lost 2 Marines from our unit, the first of this deployment, and many,many more  the last few deployments.
 
God Bless them both and their families - Semper Fi

They are warriors, school teachers and sons. They wanted to make a difference and they did. Now that we have grieved and held a memorial, we put our helmets back on, push outside the wire and continue to keep the wolf at bay. Why, you ask?

Because we are Marines

2/24 Weaps

Updates from Our Heroes of the 2/8

Friendfolks & Kinfolks,

Yes it has been a minute but I wanted to let everybody know that the Marines and I are doing well.  As it sits, we are getting close to that one-month out mark but even more work remains to be completed between now and the time we step off from Ramadi.  Much in the area has improved significantly since our last update: 

Ø The Iraqi Police(IP), close to 24,000-strong, are running IP-only patrols

Ø IP Districts of the city are more cooperative (instead of shooting each other, they work together to apprehend suspected, active insurgents...always good)

Ø IPs are running intelligence-driven operations resulting in the detainment of several high value individuals

Ø In accordance with progress towards Provincial-Iraqi-Control, the battalion has now assumed a decreased presence within the city--shutting down several of our predominately Coalition Force fixed positions

Ø Traffic-lanes have opened up for both local and Coalition Force use (so our convoy operations now resemble driving down "the 5"...or I-95 for everyone at home on East Coast)

Ø The local general hospital has increased its capabilities…now able to care for 800-1000 people at once

Ø More than half of the homes in the city have electricity on a continuous 24-hr basis

Ø Local businesses such as souks, markets, auto-shops, etc are popping up every week

You know commerce is thriving when western influence becomes apparent: locals driving BMW X5s,  IPs riding crotch-rocket motorcycles, 7-Elevens & KFCs opening and houses being built that would put some homes in California to shame.  Though we will most likely not bear witness to the total hand-over during our deployment, this city will be a bit better upon our exit than when we first arrived.

The Marines have transported an obscene amount of goods thus far with the last big haul occurring on our way out.  They have worked hard and learned valuable lessons in leadership and life that will carry them well from this point forward.  On behalf of all of us out here, I want to say THANK YOU for your support throughout the deployment.  Whether it was care packages, cards for the holidays, the classic letters, emails or insane amounts of deer jerky straight from the ranch, we appreciate every bit of it!  

On closing---family, friends and supporters, please take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.  

 Thanks again and many blessings.

-Mos

Updates from the Marines of the 2/8

Friendfolks & Kinfolks,

Yes it has been a minute but I wanted to let everybody know that the Marines and I are doing well.  As it sits, we are getting close to that one-month out mark but even more work remains to be completed between now and the time we step off from Ramadi.  Much in the area has improved significantly since our last update: 

Ø The Iraqi Police(IP), close to 24,000-strong, are running IP-only patrols

Ø IP Districts of the city are more cooperative (instead of shooting each other, they work together to apprehend suspected, active insurgents...always good)

Ø IPs are running intelligence-driven operations resulting in the detainment of several high value individuals

Ø In accordance with progress towards Provincial-Iraqi-Control, the battalion has now assumed a decreased presence within the city--shutting down several of our predominately Coalition Force fixed positions

Ø Traffic-lanes have opened up for both local and Coalition Force use (so our convoy operations now resemble driving down "the 5"...or I-95 for everyone at home on East Coast)

Ø The local general hospital has increased its capabilities…now able to care for 800-1000 people at once

Ø More than half of the homes in the city have electricity on a continuous 24-hr basis

Ø Local businesses such as souks, markets, auto-shops, etc are popping up every week

You know commerce is thriving when western influence becomes apparent: locals driving BMW X5s,  IPs riding crotch-rocket motorcycles, 7-Elevens & KFCs opening and houses being built that would put some homes in California to shame.  Though we will most likely not bear witness to the total hand-over during our deployment, this city will be a bit better upon our exit than when we first arrived.

The Marines have transported an obscene amount of goods thus far with the last big haul occurring on our way out.  They have worked hard and learned valuable lessons in leadership and life that will carry them well from this point forward.  On behalf of all of us out here, I want to say THANK YOU for your support throughout the deployment.  Whether it was care packages, cards for the holidays, the classic letters, emails or insane amounts of deer jerky straight from the ranch, we appreciate every bit of it!  

On closing---family, friends and supporters, please take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.  

 Thanks again and many blessings.

-Mos

BTW - Not mentioned is that the evidence that saved the Marines was the tape taken of the whole thing by a predator unmanned plane showing that they did nothing wrong. S/F

Freaking liberals.. won't they EVER learn that the lies  they tell to further their agenda will catch up to them eventually leaving them looking like the brainless  twits they are ? One (meaning me) has to wonder if  Time Magazine  will take a commensurate amount of time reporting the actual truth as it is now or if Mr. Murtha will issue a formal apology to the Marines whose name he smeared

  By Michael Reagan
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
  You'd hardly know it if you relied on the mainstream media, but the government's case against the Haditha Marines took another body blow last Friday that may be the beginning of the end for this whole sorry attempt to severely punish eight heroic United States Marines for doing what they are trained to do.   In a surprise development on the day Lance Cpl. Stephen Tatum's court martial was scheduled to begin, all charges against him were dropped without explanation.   Tatum, facing charges of reckless endangerment and aggravated assault that could have sent him to prison for 18 years, was the fifth Marine -- and the second of three enlisted men -- to be exonerated, leaving only one enlisted Marine still facing court martial.  

Tatum's exoneration should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the real facts in the case. During an ambush by insurgent forces in Haditha, 15 civilians and nine insurgents were killed by Marines of Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. The incident began when an IED explosion killed a Marine and wounded two others. In the wake of that explosion, a squad of Marines came under insurgent gunfire.   The 15 civilian deaths, which came during house-clearing operations, were the result of a time-honored insurgent tactic of hiding themselves among civilians when ambushing U.S. forces, hoping to score a propaganda coup when the civilian shields are killed in the ensuing crossfire. 

 Full details of the incident on November 19, 2005 were supplied in great detail to the entire command structure the very night of the engagement, and the incident was regarded for what it was -- a tragic result of an enemy ambush. No further action was required or taken.   Months later, however, Time magazine published a story reporting that the Marines had gone on a rampage, wantonly killing innocent civilians to avenge the death of their fellow Marine killed in the IED explosion.   Using Time magazine's fallacious account of the civilian deaths, Pennsylvania's Democratic Rep. John Murtha went on a rampage of his own, telling every media outlet that would listen that the Marines had committed "cold-blooded murder." He first claimed that his information came from a briefing from the Marine Corps Commandant, but when that claim was disproved he admitted that his source was Time magazine.   Murtha's charges were broadcast far and wide, and before any investigation of the incident could get underway, the media joined Murtha in finding the Marines guilty of a massacre.   In the ensuing media firestorm that broke out, many news reports here and abroad compared the Haditha deaths to the infamous My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War. Neither Murtha nor the mainstream media bothered to check Time's sources -- two known insurgent propagandists and insurgent-friendly Haditha residents living under the guns of insurgent killers who were the only authority in town.   It wasn't because the real facts were not available to any reporter willing to investigate the Haditha case, yet only one news source bothered to look into the case.   As early as May 31, 2006, NewsMax.com had begun to poke holes in the case, and from that time down to the present, NewsMax continued to report the truth about Haditha and defend the Marines who were innocent of the charges eventually leveled against them.   Yet all this time, the media and Rep. Murtha continued to peddle the insurgent lie that a massacre had taken place in Haditha, even though all murder charges had long ago been dropped in favor of lesser charges.   There was a crime, but it was the media and Rep. Murtha who committed it against heroic Marines whose careers have been destroyed and some of whose families were bought to the edge of bankruptcy defending their sons.   Thanks to NewsMax readers, who contributed over $500,000 for their defense, some of that burden was lifted.   And thanks to John Murtha and the liberal media, these Marines can now join my Dad's wrongly accused Secretary of Labor Ray Donovan in asking where they go to get their reputations back,

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of Ronald Reagan, s heard daily by over 5 million listeners via his nationally syndicated talk radio program, "The Michael Reagan Show."
Haditha

BTW - Not mentioned is that the evidence that saved the Marines was the tape taken of the whole thing by a predator unmanned plane showing that they did nothing wrong. S/F

Freaking liberals.. won't they EVER learn that the lies  they tell to further their agenda will catch up to them eventually leaving them looking like the brainless  twits they are ? One (meaning me) has to wonder if  Time Magazine  will take a commensurate amount of time reporting the actual truth as it is now or if Mr. Murtha will issue a formal apology to the Marines whose name he smeared

  By Michael Reagan
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
  You'd hardly know it if you relied on the mainstream media, but the government's case against the Haditha Marines took another body blow last Friday that may be the beginning of the end for this whole sorry attempt to severely punish eight heroic United States Marines for doing what they are trained to do.   In a surprise development on the day Lance Cpl. Stephen Tatum's court martial was scheduled to begin, all charges against him were dropped without explanation.   Tatum, facing charges of reckless endangerment and aggravated assault that could have sent him to prison for 18 years, was the fifth Marine -- and the second of three enlisted men -- to be exonerated, leaving only one enlisted Marine still facing court martial.   Tatum's exoneration should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the real facts in the case. During an ambush by insurgent forces in Haditha, 15 civilians and nine insurgents were killed by Marines of Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. The incident began when an IED explosion killed a Marine and wounded two others. In the wake of that explosion, a squad of Marines came under insurgent gunfire.   The 15 civilian deaths, which came during house-clearing operations, were the result of a time-honored insurgent tactic of hiding themselves among civilians when ambushing U.S. forces, hoping to score a propaganda coup when the civilian shields are killed in the ensuing crossfire.   Full details of the incident on November 19, 2005 were supplied in great detail to the entire command structure the very night of the engagement, and the incident was regarded for what it was -- a tragic result of an enemy ambush. No further action was required or taken.   Months later, however, Time magazine published a story reporting that the Marines had gone on a rampage, wantonly killing innocent civilians to avenge the death of their fellow Marine killed in the IED explosion.   Using Time magazine's fallacious account of the civilian deaths, Pennsylvania's Democratic Rep. John Murtha went on a rampage of his own, telling every media outlet that would listen that the Marines had committed "cold-blooded murder." He first claimed that his information came from a briefing from the Marine Corps Commandant, but when that claim was disproved he admitted that his source was Time magazine.   Murtha's charges were broadcast far and wide, and before any investigation of the incident could get underway, the media joined Murtha in finding the Marines guilty of a massacre.   In the ensuing media firestorm that broke out, many news reports here and abroad compared the Haditha deaths to the infamous My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War. Neither Murtha nor the mainstream media bothered to check Time's sources -- two known insurgent propagandists and insurgent-friendly Haditha residents living under the guns of insurgent killers who were the only authority in town.   It wasn't because the real facts were not available to any reporter willing to investigate the Haditha case, yet only one news source bothered to look into the case.   As early as May 31, 2006, NewsMax.com had begun to poke holes in the case, and from that time down to the present, NewsMax continued to report the truth about Haditha and defend the Marines who were innocent of the charges eventually leveled against them.   Yet all this time, the media and Rep. Murtha continued to peddle the insurgent lie that a massacre had taken place in Haditha, even though all murder charges had long ago been dropped in favor of lesser charges.   There was a crime, but it was the media and Rep. Murtha who committed it against heroic Marines whose careers have been destroyed and some of whose families were bought to the edge of bankruptcy defending their sons.   Thanks to NewsMax readers, who contributed over $500,000 for their defense, some of that burden was lifted.   And thanks to John Murtha and the liberal media, these Marines can now join my Dad's wrongly accused Secretary of Labor Ray Donovan in asking where they go to get their reputations back,

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of Ronald Reagan, s heard daily by over 5 million listeners via his nationally syndicated talk radio program, "The Michael Reagan Show."
Haditha

Not mentioned is that the evidence that saved the Marines was the tape taken of the whole thing by a predator unmanned plane showing that they did nothing wrong. S/F

Freaking liberals.. won't they EVER learn that the lies  they tell to further their agenda will catch up to them eventually leaving them looking like the brainless they are ? One (meaning me) has to wonder if the Times will take commensurate amount of time reporting the actual truth as it is now or if Mr. Murtha will issue a formal apology to the Marines whose name he smeared

  By Michael Reagan
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
You'd hardly know it if you relied on the mainstream media, but the government's case against the Haditha Marines took another body blow last Friday that may be the beginning of the end for this whole sorry attempt to severely punish eight heroic United States Marines for doing what they are trained to do. In a surprise development on the day Lance Cpl. Stephen Tatum's court martial was scheduled to begin, all charges against him were dropped without explanation. Tatum, facing charges of reckless endangerment and aggravated assault that could have sent him to prison for 18 years, was the fifth Marine -- and the second of three enlisted men -- to be exonerated, leaving only one enlisted Marine still facing court martial. Tatum's exoneration should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the real facts in the case. During an ambush by insurgent forces in Haditha, 15 civilians and nine insurgents were killed by Marines of Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. The incident began when an IED explosion killed a Marine and wounded two others. In the wake of that explosion, a squad of Marines came under insurgent gunfire. The 15 civilian deaths, which came during house-clearing operations, were the result of a time-honored insurgent tactic of hiding themselves among civilians when ambushing U.S. forces, hoping to score a propaganda coup when the civilian shields are killed in the ensuing crossfire. Full details of the incident on November 19, 2005 were supplied in great detail to the entire command structure the very night of the engagement, and the incident was regarded for what it was -- a tragic result of an enemy ambush. No further action was required or taken. Months later, however, Time magazine published a story reporting that the Marines had gone on a rampage, wantonly killing innocent civilians to avenge the death of their fellow Marine killed in the IED explosion. Using Time magazine's fallacious account of the civilian deaths, Pennsylvania's Democratic Rep. John Murtha went on a rampage of his own, telling every media outlet that would listen that the Marines had committed "cold-blooded murder." He first claimed that his information came from a briefing from the Marine Corps Commandant, but when that claim was disproved he admitted that his source was Time magazine. Murtha's charges were broadcast far and wide, and before any investigation of the incident could get underway, the media joined Murtha in finding the Marines guilty of a massacre. In the ensuing media firestorm that broke out, many news reports here and abroad compared the Haditha deaths to the infamous My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War. Neither Murtha nor the mainstream media bothered to check Time's sources -- two known insurgent propagandists and insurgent-friendly Haditha residents living under the guns of insurgent killers who were the only authority in town. It wasn't because the real facts were not available to any reporter willing to investigate the Haditha case, yet only one news source bothered to look into the case. As early as May 31, 2006, NewsMax.com had begun to poke holes in the case, and from that time down to the present, NewsMax continued to report the truth about Haditha and defend the Marines who were innocent of the charges eventually leveled against them. Yet all this time, the media and Rep. Murtha continued to peddle the insurgent lie that a massacre had taken place in Haditha, even though all murder charges had long ago been dropped in favor of lesser charges. There was a crime, but it was the media and Rep. Murtha who committed it against heroic Marines whose careers have been destroyed and some of whose families were bought to the edge of bankruptcy defending their sons. Thanks to NewsMax readers, who contributed over $500,000 for their defense, some of that burden was lifted. And thanks to John Murtha and the liberal media, these Marines can now join my Dad's wrongly accused Secretary of Labor Ray Donovan in asking where they go to get their reputations back,

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of Ronald Reagan, s heard daily by over 5 million listeners via his nationally syndicated talk radio program, "The Michael Reagan Show."
Haditha