Bible coin -- Marine removed from duty over Bible coin reports

Hello all

Not sure what to think about this story! Who made
the coins, and how did this one (soon-to-be),
X-Marine get them?



FROM:
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/me...29/iraq.bible/

Marine removed from duty over Bible coin reports

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A U.S. Marine in Iraq has been
removed from duty amid complaints that he was handing
out coins with Bible verses at an American checkpoint,
the military said Thursday.

A military spokesman said Iraqis in Falluja complained
that the Marine was giving the coins, which were
printed in Arabic, to people at an entry control point
in Falluja.

U.S. military regulations prohibit religious
proselytizing.

"This has our full attention," said Col. James L. Welsh,
chief of staff of Multi-National Force, West. "We
deeply value our relationship with the local citizens
and share their concerns over this serious incident."

At least one of the coins is stamped with the words
"Where will you spend eternity?" according to a report
published Thursday by McClatchy Newspapers.

The other side of the coin reportedly contains a verse
from John 3:16 that reads, "For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Several Falluja residents said they were given the coins
over a two-day period and complained that U.S. troops,
whom they consider foreign occupiers, were acting as
Christian missionaries.

"Regulations prohibit members of the coalition force
from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices,"
said Col. Bill Buckner, a coalition spokesman. "Our
troops are trained on those guidelines before they
deploy."

A military statement said "appropriate action" will
be taken if the reports are substantiated.

The reports stoked religious concerns in Iraq just
weeks after Iraqi police discovered that a U.S. soldier
had used the Quran, Islam's holy book, for target
practice.

The U.S. commander in Baghdad took the unusual step of
holding a public ceremony and reading a letter of
apology from the soldier, a sniper section leader, to
local Iraqi leaders.

Many in attendance were members and leaders of
Sunni militias that the U.S. military has courted to
help fight al Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgents.
Sunnis often face criticism from other Iraqis for
cooperating with American troops.

Falluja, also a mostly Sunni city, was the scene of
bitter and bloody fighting early in the Iraq war
between U.S. troops, al Qaeda in Iraq and Sunni
insurgents loyal to Saddam Hussein.


...

On May 29, 11:00�pm, "Arizona Coin Collector"
wrote:
Hello all

Not sure what to think about this story! Who made
the coins, and how did this one (soon-to-be),
X-Marine get them?



FROM:http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/me...29/iraq.bible/

Marine removed from duty over Bible coin reports

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A U.S. Marine in Iraq has been
removed from duty amid complaints that he was handing
out coins with Bible verses at an American checkpoint,
the military said Thursday.

A military spokesman said Iraqis in Falluja complained
that the Marine was giving the coins, which were
printed in Arabic, to people at an entry control point
in Falluja.

U.S. military regulations prohibit religious
proselytizing.

"This has our full attention," said Col. James L. Welsh,
chief of staff of Multi-National Force, West. "We
deeply value our relationship with the local citizens
and share their concerns over this serious incident."

At least one of the coins is stamped with the words
"Where will you spend eternity?" according to a report
published Thursday by McClatchy Newspapers.

The other side of the coin reportedly contains a verse
from John 3:16 that reads, "For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Several Falluja residents said they were given the coins
over a two-day period and complained that U.S. troops,
whom they consider foreign occupiers, were acting as
Christian missionaries.

"Regulations prohibit members of the coalition force
from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices,"
said Col. Bill Buckner, a coalition spokesman. "Our
troops are trained on those guidelines before they
deploy."

A military statement said "appropriate action" will
be taken if the reports are substantiated.

The reports stoked religious concerns in Iraq just
weeks after Iraqi police discovered that a U.S. soldier
had used the Quran, Islam's holy book, for target
practice.

The U.S. commander in Baghdad took the unusual step of
holding a public ceremony and reading a letter of
apology from the soldier, a sniper section leader, to
local Iraqi leaders.

Many in attendance were members and leaders of
Sunni militias that the U.S. military has courted to
help fight al Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgents.
Sunnis often face criticism from other Iraqis for
cooperating with American troops.

Falluja, also a mostly Sunni city, was the scene of
bitter and bloody fighting early in the Iraq war
between U.S. troops, al Qaeda in Iraq and Sunni
insurgents loyal to Saddam Hussein.

..

To the Marine, read Luke 6, 22-23.

Strange, isn't it? A Christian serviceman is trying to avoid violence
and build rapport, and the Islamic locals want his head. And the PC
Marines are going to give it to them.

Jerry

On Fri, 30 May 2008 18:14:43 -0700 (PDT), Jerry Dennis
wrote:

On May 29, 11:00?pm, "Arizona Coin Collector"
wrote:
Hello all

Not sure what to think about this story! Who made
the coins, and how did this one (soon-to-be),
X-Marine get them?



FROM:http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/me...29/iraq.bible/

Marine removed from duty over Bible coin reports

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A U.S. Marine in Iraq has been
removed from duty amid complaints that he was handing
out coins with Bible verses at an American checkpoint,
the military said Thursday.

A military spokesman said Iraqis in Falluja complained
that the Marine was giving the coins, which were
printed in Arabic, to people at an entry control point
in Falluja.

U.S. military regulations prohibit religious
proselytizing.

"This has our full attention," said Col. James L. Welsh,
chief of staff of Multi-National Force, West. "We
deeply value our relationship with the local citizens
and share their concerns over this serious incident."

At least one of the coins is stamped with the words
"Where will you spend eternity?" according to a report
published Thursday by McClatchy Newspapers.

The other side of the coin reportedly contains a verse
from John 3:16 that reads, "For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Several Falluja residents said they were given the coins
over a two-day period and complained that U.S. troops,
whom they consider foreign occupiers, were acting as
Christian missionaries.

"Regulations prohibit members of the coalition force
from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices,"
said Col. Bill Buckner, a coalition spokesman. "Our
troops are trained on those guidelines before they
deploy."

A military statement said "appropriate action" will
be taken if the reports are substantiated.

The reports stoked religious concerns in Iraq just
weeks after Iraqi police discovered that a U.S. soldier
had used the Quran, Islam's holy book, for target
practice.

The U.S. commander in Baghdad took the unusual step of
holding a public ceremony and reading a letter of
apology from the soldier, a sniper section leader, to
local Iraqi leaders.

Many in attendance were members and leaders of
Sunni militias that the U.S. military has courted to
help fight al Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgents.
Sunnis often face criticism from other Iraqis for
cooperating with American troops.

Falluja, also a mostly Sunni city, was the scene of
bitter and bloody fighting early in the Iraq war
between U.S. troops, al Qaeda in Iraq and Sunni
insurgents loyal to Saddam Hussein.

..

To the Marine, read Luke 6, 22-23.

Strange, isn't it? A Christian serviceman is trying to avoid violence
and build rapport, and the Islamic locals want his head. And the PC
Marines are going to give it to them.

I think the Islamic locals would settle for a someone who respected
their right to their own religion. You don't "build rapport" by
trying to convert people who don't want to be converted.

You have a soldier who deliberately and with prior planning violated
regulations that "prohibit members of the coalition force
from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices" in a manner that
he should have known could cause violence.

And you blame the military for removing him from duty? That *is*
strange.



--
Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida

On May 30, 9:56*pm, tony cooper wrote:
On Fri, 30 May 2008 18:14:43 -0700 (PDT), Jerry Dennis





wrote:
On May 29, 11:00?pm, "Arizona Coin Collector"
wrote:
Hello all

Not sure what to think about this story! Who made
the coins, and how did this one (soon-to-be),
X-Marine get them?



FROM:http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/me...29/iraq.bible/

Marine removed from duty over Bible coin reports

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A U.S. Marine in Iraq has been
removed from duty amid complaints that he was handing
out coins with Bible verses at an American checkpoint,
the military said Thursday.

A military spokesman said Iraqis in Falluja complained
that the Marine was giving the coins, which were
printed in Arabic, to people at an entry control point
in Falluja.

U.S. military regulations prohibit religious
proselytizing.

"This has our full attention," said Col. James L. Welsh,
chief of staff of Multi-National Force, West. "We
deeply value our relationship with the local citizens
and share their concerns over this serious incident."

At least one of the coins is stamped with the words
"Where will you spend eternity?" according to a report
published Thursday by McClatchy Newspapers.

The other side of the coin reportedly contains a verse
from John 3:16 that reads, "For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Several Falluja residents said they were given the coins
over a two-day period and complained that U.S. troops,
whom they consider foreign occupiers, were acting as
Christian missionaries.

"Regulations prohibit members of the coalition force
from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices,"
said Col. Bill Buckner, a coalition spokesman. "Our
troops are trained on those guidelines before they
deploy."

A military statement said "appropriate action" will
be taken if the reports are substantiated.

The reports stoked religious concerns in Iraq just
weeks after Iraqi police discovered that a U.S. soldier
had used the Quran, Islam's holy book, for target
practice.

The U.S. commander in Baghdad took the unusual step of
holding a public ceremony and reading a letter of
apology from the soldier, a sniper section leader, to
local Iraqi leaders.

Many in attendance were members and leaders of
Sunni militias that the U.S. military has courted to
help fight al Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgents.
Sunnis often face criticism from other Iraqis for
cooperating with American troops.

Falluja, also a mostly Sunni city, was the scene of
bitter and bloody fighting early in the Iraq war
between U.S. troops, al Qaeda in Iraq and Sunni
insurgents loyal to Saddam Hussein.

..

To the Marine, read Luke 6, 22-23.

Strange, isn't it? *A Christian serviceman is trying to avoid violence
and build rapport, and the Islamic locals want his head. *And the PC
Marines are going to give it to them.

I think the Islamic locals would settle for a someone who respected
their right to their own religion. *You don't "build rapport" by
trying to convert people who don't want to be converted. *

You have a soldier who deliberately and with prior planning violated
regulations that "prohibit members of the coalition force
from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices" in a manner that
he should have known could cause violence. *

And you blame the military for removing him from duty? *That *is*
strange.

I agree with Tony on this one.

"Jerry Dennis" wrote in message
...
On May 29, 11:00�pm, "Arizona Coin Collector"
wrote:
Hello all

Not sure what to think about this story! Who made
the coins, and how did this one (soon-to-be),
X-Marine get them?



FROM:http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/me...29/iraq.bible/

Marine removed from duty over Bible coin reports

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A U.S. Marine in Iraq has been
removed from duty amid complaints that he was handing
out coins with Bible verses at an American checkpoint,
the military said Thursday.

A military spokesman said Iraqis in Falluja complained
that the Marine was giving the coins, which were
printed in Arabic, to people at an entry control point
in Falluja.

U.S. military regulations prohibit religious
proselytizing.

"This has our full attention," said Col. James L. Welsh,
chief of staff of Multi-National Force, West. "We
deeply value our relationship with the local citizens
and share their concerns over this serious incident."

At least one of the coins is stamped with the words
"Where will you spend eternity?" according to a report
published Thursday by McClatchy Newspapers.

The other side of the coin reportedly contains a verse
from John 3:16 that reads, "For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Several Falluja residents said they were given the coins
over a two-day period and complained that U.S. troops,
whom they consider foreign occupiers, were acting as
Christian missionaries.

"Regulations prohibit members of the coalition force
from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices,"
said Col. Bill Buckner, a coalition spokesman. "Our
troops are trained on those guidelines before they
deploy."

A military statement said "appropriate action" will
be taken if the reports are substantiated.

The reports stoked religious concerns in Iraq just
weeks after Iraqi police discovered that a U.S. soldier
had used the Quran, Islam's holy book, for target
practice.

The U.S. commander in Baghdad took the unusual step of
holding a public ceremony and reading a letter of
apology from the soldier, a sniper section leader, to
local Iraqi leaders.

Many in attendance were members and leaders of
Sunni militias that the U.S. military has courted to
help fight al Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgents.
Sunnis often face criticism from other Iraqis for
cooperating with American troops.

Falluja, also a mostly Sunni city, was the scene of
bitter and bloody fighting early in the Iraq war
between U.S. troops, al Qaeda in Iraq and Sunni
insurgents loyal to Saddam Hussein.

..

To the Marine, read Luke 6, 22-23.

Strange, isn't it? A Christian serviceman is trying to avoid violence
and build rapport, and the Islamic locals want his head. And the PC
Marines are going to give it to them.

Jerry

I agree Jerry. The ones persecuting him dont understand that he does it
because he loves them and and cares about what happens to them. They have a
right to what ever religion they choose, but handing out a coin with a Bible
verse on it is hardly forcing them to convert. Ill be praying for this
soldier.
B

"Brian Oakley" wrote in message
...

"Jerry Dennis" wrote in message
...
On May 29, 11:00?pm, "Arizona Coin Collector"
wrote:
Hello all

Not sure what to think about this story! Who made
the coins, and how did this one (soon-to-be),
X-Marine get them?



FROM:http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/me...29/iraq.bible/

Marine removed from duty over Bible coin reports

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A U.S. Marine in Iraq has been
removed from duty amid complaints that he was handing
out coins with Bible verses at an American checkpoint,
the military said Thursday.

A military spokesman said Iraqis in Falluja complained
that the Marine was giving the coins, which were
printed in Arabic, to people at an entry control point
in Falluja.

U.S. military regulations prohibit religious
proselytizing.

"This has our full attention," said Col. James L. Welsh,
chief of staff of Multi-National Force, West. "We
deeply value our relationship with the local citizens
and share their concerns over this serious incident."

At least one of the coins is stamped with the words
"Where will you spend eternity?" according to a report
published Thursday by McClatchy Newspapers.

The other side of the coin reportedly contains a verse
from John 3:16 that reads, "For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Several Falluja residents said they were given the coins
over a two-day period and complained that U.S. troops,
whom they consider foreign occupiers, were acting as
Christian missionaries.

"Regulations prohibit members of the coalition force
from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices,"
said Col. Bill Buckner, a coalition spokesman. "Our
troops are trained on those guidelines before they
deploy."

A military statement said "appropriate action" will
be taken if the reports are substantiated.

The reports stoked religious concerns in Iraq just
weeks after Iraqi police discovered that a U.S. soldier
had used the Quran, Islam's holy book, for target
practice.

The U.S. commander in Baghdad took the unusual step of
holding a public ceremony and reading a letter of
apology from the soldier, a sniper section leader, to
local Iraqi leaders.

Many in attendance were members and leaders of
Sunni militias that the U.S. military has courted to
help fight al Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgents.
Sunnis often face criticism from other Iraqis for
cooperating with American troops.

Falluja, also a mostly Sunni city, was the scene of
bitter and bloody fighting early in the Iraq war
between U.S. troops, al Qaeda in Iraq and Sunni
insurgents loyal to Saddam Hussein.

..

To the Marine, read Luke 6, 22-23.

Strange, isn't it? A Christian serviceman is trying to avoid violence
and build rapport, and the Islamic locals want his head. And the PC
Marines are going to give it to them.

Jerry

I agree Jerry. The ones persecuting him dont understand that he does it
because he loves them and and cares about what happens to them. They have
a right to what ever religion they choose, but handing out a coin with a
Bible verse on it is hardly forcing them to convert. Ill be praying for
this soldier.

In my theology, the use of the name of the Deity in public and political
contexts is considered blasphemy.

James

On Wed, 4 Jun 2008 21:41:11 -0500, "Brian Oakley"
wrote:


Marine removed from duty over Bible coin reports

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A U.S. Marine in Iraq has been
removed from duty amid complaints that he was handing
out coins with Bible verses at an American checkpoint,
the military said Thursday.

A military spokesman said Iraqis in Falluja complained
that the Marine was giving the coins, which were
printed in Arabic, to people at an entry control point
in Falluja.

U.S. military regulations prohibit religious
proselytizing.

"This has our full attention," said Col. James L. Welsh,
chief of staff of Multi-National Force, West. "We
deeply value our relationship with the local citizens
and share their concerns over this serious incident."

At least one of the coins is stamped with the words
"Where will you spend eternity?" according to a report
published Thursday by McClatchy Newspapers.

The other side of the coin reportedly contains a verse
from John 3:16 that reads, "For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Several Falluja residents said they were given the coins
over a two-day period and complained that U.S. troops,
whom they consider foreign occupiers, were acting as
Christian missionaries.

"Regulations prohibit members of the coalition force
from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices,"
said Col. Bill Buckner, a coalition spokesman. "Our
troops are trained on those guidelines before they
deploy."

A military statement said "appropriate action" will
be taken if the reports are substantiated.

The reports stoked religious concerns in Iraq just
weeks after Iraqi police discovered that a U.S. soldier
had used the Quran, Islam's holy book, for target
practice.

The U.S. commander in Baghdad took the unusual step of
holding a public ceremony and reading a letter of
apology from the soldier, a sniper section leader, to
local Iraqi leaders.

Many in attendance were members and leaders of
Sunni militias that the U.S. military has courted to
help fight al Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgents.
Sunnis often face criticism from other Iraqis for
cooperating with American troops.

Falluja, also a mostly Sunni city, was the scene of
bitter and bloody fighting early in the Iraq war
between U.S. troops, al Qaeda in Iraq and Sunni
insurgents loyal to Saddam Hussein.

To the Marine, read Luke 6, 22-23.

Strange, isn't it? A Christian serviceman is trying to avoid violence
and build rapport, and the Islamic locals want his head. And the PC
Marines are going to give it to them.


I agree Jerry. The ones persecuting him dont understand that he does it
because he loves them and and cares about what happens to them. They have a
right to what ever religion they choose, but handing out a coin with a Bible
verse on it is hardly forcing them to convert.

That form of religious arrogance is exactly why they are at war with
us and why we are hated around the world.

Ill be praying for this soldier.

Pray that he is transferred to some post where his disobediance of
orders and intolerance for the beliefs of others will not continue to
aggravate this conflict.



--
Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida

Strange, isn't it? A Christian serviceman is trying to avoid violence
and build rapport, and the Islamic locals want his head. And the PC
Marines are going to give it to them.


I agree Jerry. The ones persecuting him dont understand that he does it
because he loves them and and cares about what happens to them. They have
a
right to what ever religion they choose, but handing out a coin with a
Bible
verse on it is hardly forcing them to convert.

That form of religious arrogance is exactly why they are at war with
us and why we are hated around the world.

Ill be praying for this soldier.

Pray that he is transferred to some post where his disobediance of
orders and intolerance for the beliefs of others will not continue to
aggravate this conflict.



--
Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida


Hear hear. Another Christofascist trying to bring about armageddon. Send
him to the brig for endangering fellow marines.


*
/?\
/___\
-O=O-
^
AS & His Magic Hat

A conclusion is simply the place
where you decided to stop thinking.

In article ,
says...

"Jerry Dennis" wrote in message
...
On May 29, 11:00�pm, "Arizona Coin Collector"
wrote:

Not sure what to think about this story! Who made
the coins, and how did this one (soon-to-be),
X-Marine get them?

FROM:http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/me...29/iraq.bible/
Marine removed from duty over Bible coin reports

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A U.S. Marine in Iraq has been
removed from duty amid complaints that he was handing
out coins with Bible verses at an American checkpoint,
the military said Thursday.

A military spokesman said Iraqis in Falluja complained
that the Marine was giving the coins, which were
printed in Arabic, to people at an entry control point
in Falluja.

U.S. military regulations prohibit religious
proselytizing.

"This has our full attention," said Col. James L. Welsh,
chief of staff of Multi-National Force, West. "We
deeply value our relationship with the local citizens
and share their concerns over this serious incident."

At least one of the coins is stamped with the words
"Where will you spend eternity?" according to a report
published Thursday by McClatchy Newspapers.

The other side of the coin reportedly contains a verse
from John 3:16 that reads, "For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Several Falluja residents said they were given the coins
over a two-day period and complained that U.S. troops,
whom they consider foreign occupiers, were acting as
Christian missionaries.

"Regulations prohibit members of the coalition force
from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices,"
said Col. Bill Buckner, a coalition spokesman. "Our
troops are trained on those guidelines before they
deploy."

A military statement said "appropriate action" will
be taken if the reports are substantiated.

The reports stoked religious concerns in Iraq just
weeks after Iraqi police discovered that a U.S. soldier
had used the Quran, Islam's holy book, for target
practice.

The U.S. commander in Baghdad took the unusual step of
holding a public ceremony and reading a letter of
apology from the soldier, a sniper section leader, to
local Iraqi leaders.

Many in attendance were members and leaders of
Sunni militias that the U.S. military has courted to
help fight al Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgents.
Sunnis often face criticism from other Iraqis for
cooperating with American troops.

Falluja, also a mostly Sunni city, was the scene of
bitter and bloody fighting early in the Iraq war
between U.S. troops, al Qaeda in Iraq and Sunni
insurgents loyal to Saddam Hussein.


To the Marine, read Luke 6, 22-23.

Strange, isn't it? A Christian serviceman is trying to avoid violence
and build rapport, and the Islamic locals want his head. And the PC
Marines are going to give it to them.


I agree Jerry. The ones persecuting him dont understand that he does it
because he loves them and and cares about what happens to them. They have a
right to what ever religion they choose, but handing out a coin with a Bible
verse on it is hardly forcing them to convert. Ill be praying for this
soldier.


I think it was a dumb idea to hand them out. As I understand it,
Islam includes Jesus Of Nazareth as a wise prophet, but NOT as
the Messiah/savior. So Muslims have respect with limits, which
is OK.

Prostheletising is annoying enough if it is LDS, or JW, or
Scientologist, in a country that is at peace. And I feel that it
is totally out of line to do it in a context where the audience
feels forcibly occupied by an army that is associated with death
and destruction. And then at a roadblock where the foreigners
make you ask permission to travel in your own country.

It is simply violating common sense to hand those items out then
and there. Personally, I would be extra ****ed-off to receive a
religious suggestion in an equivalent context. And, while I
might just have a negative opinion, there are people in Iraq who
may feel encouraged to act out physically, which is bad for
everyone involved.


--
Get Credit Where Credit Is Due
http://www.cardreport.com/
Credit Tools, Reference, and Forum

"Coffee's For Closers" wrote in message
g...

I think it was a dumb idea to hand them out. As I understand it,
Islam includes Jesus Of Nazareth as a wise prophet, but NOT as
the Messiah/savior. So Muslims have respect with limits, which
is OK.

Prostheletising is annoying enough if it is LDS, or JW, or
Scientologist, in a country that is at peace. And I feel that it
is totally out of line to do it in a context where the audience
feels forcibly occupied by an army that is associated with death
and destruction. And then at a roadblock where the foreigners
make you ask permission to travel in your own country.

It is simply violating common sense to hand those items out then
and there. Personally, I would be extra ****ed-off to receive a
religious suggestion in an equivalent context. And, while I
might just have a negative opinion, there are people in Iraq who
may feel encouraged to act out physically, which is bad for
everyone involved.

Very well put. Thanks for posting my thoughts for me.

The only thing I'd add off the top of my head is how although this is almost
certainly an isolated (and fairly minor) incident, it reinforces the notion
that our presence over there is "The Crusades Redux". What he did was even
more idiotic examined in the context of the history of the region. The last
thing we need is to hand the bad guys one more bit of evidence against us to
use as a recruiting tool. And speaking of "tools", throwing this one in the
brig is exactly what's needed here. He ought to be on his knees thanking his
god that he didn't stop a Muslim bullet with his head. I'm glad for him in
that regard...now he needs to pay the price for his sin and/or naivete.
Although I'd certainly consider it a waste, I don't much care if he wants to
martyr himself; I'd just rather he did it on his own time, under the aegis
of his own authority...not ours.

And while we're on the subject of tools (listening Oakley?) he's not being
"persecuted". He's going to be (hopefully) "prosecuted" and punished (again,
hopefully) in appropriate measure for violating the agreement that he made
with the Marine Corps. Or doesn't his word count for something, and
shouldn't he be held accountable for his actions?