Give the soldier, the military, NBC and the reporter the benefit of the doubt. As others have noted here, Kevin Sites did give plenty of BOTD to the soldier (possible self defense, etc.) Let the facts be put forth without rushing to kill the messenger.

The footage and reports filed by this reporter prior to this incident were some of the most piercing insights available on the day-to-day war -- and have been praised and respected by military and non-military people. If you doubt this, just go back and look at the discussions.

Please, no more flip flops, or hostile knee jerk reations. It's not helpful to anyone.

We all understand the soldiers are in extreme difficult sitiations -- Kevin Sites is there, and understands that more than any of us writing here does. I think that's why this Marine unit specifically requested this specific reporter be embedded with them.

It would be a hollow victory to the freedoms we claim we are fighting for, to then supress, threaten the messengers and hide information like this. This is one of the fundemental principals that shoud continue to differeentiate us from those we are fighting. I've been a member of the wider military community and trust that the vast majority military personel and community would agree with this need for the facts to be known -- even if it is the worst news possible.

If you actually listen to the commentary that Kevin does, he says that the soldier had already been removed from the field of operations, therefore the military already knew and had taken action before Kevin did his commentary of the video and prior to it being sent to NBC.

Kevin also states in his commentary that this is a possible case of self defense, due to the booby trapped bodies being set by the insurgents and other conditons upon the battlefield.
 
Kevin has also released a statement that says "during my time with the marines I has witnessed the Marines behaving as a disciplined and professional force throughout this offensive and that the only person actually knows what happened and what he was thinking is the marine himself".

NBC does not have anything to do with this blog, it so states on their website.

To blame the bearer of bad news is not a very realistic endevor by anyone.
Name calling, swearing and other forms of childish behavior really don't help the situation any, but I suppose might make the person doing so, feel that they have vented their rage and I suppose feel better about it? It does not however, say very much about them as a person.

You people bashing Kevin Sites need help. You are blaming him and accusing him of atrocious things in the same breath as whining that people you perceive as anti-military will do the same to the soldiers in the video. Perhaps thou protest too loudly...

if people are concerned about what they see its only because the military folks at Abu Ghraib gave them ample reason to be, not Kevin Sites. If the benefit of the doubt is lacking then it's not his fault, it's Lyndie Englands.

Edited by author 11-17-2004 11:35 AM
We need to show some repect for the journalist who was a mere witness. Don't put your frothing agendas onto him! The innocent community members in Fallujah are trapped between the soldiers and the insurgents. A humanitarian disaster is being created, which is no surprise. This is what happens in war.

There are no uniforms worn by the enemy to tell our soldiers who is out to kill them and who is pleading for their innocent life. Ask yourself or the person next to you: if you were in that soldier's shoes, what would you have done? None of us can say we know. If we think we do, we're fantasizing.

You are all naive to think anyone is going to be "civil" when there is a war and it's either you or them who shall die on any given day. This is what happens when we make a decision to put our troops in harm's way. War, when it's YOU participating in it, strips away all mythic pretense.

To the grunt, this isn't Gods and Generals or Geneva Convention Watch. It's getting back to your wife and kids. It's insuring your next breath.
 
Playing armchair judge and jury is pointless. Accusing Kevin Sites, the journalist who only shows you reality, of being a non-patriot is agenda-driven extortion and abhorrent to any of us who believe in true freedom. War is war, war's rotten. If you think for a minute any of those soldiers WANT to be there and play "hero", you're nuts. They want to do their duty and go home. They'll do anything to get there, and if you sit in judgement of them, you ought to take their place for a while.

If you're going to be angry about this shooting in Fallujah, think of the people (the neoCon-soaked administration) who SENT the soldiers to the hellhole on a false pretense to begin with.

Get real.

http://iddybud.blogspot.com

Reporters are there to report - eyewitness to the world. This guy's got guts. If you lot don't like what the reporter's camera shows, and how the rest of the sane world views you - invaders, holier-than-thou, mass murderers, morons serving the interests of the Halliburtons of this world, then, poor devils, perhaps you shouldn't have opened the Pandora's box in the first place.

HOW DARE YOU ASSES!!! As a long time reader of this blog, I have come to trust Kevin's reporting. When I first heard and seen this story, I too wondered why he would have released something that was so ???????? But really, reading what you idiots bashing him have to say makes me see that he had no choice. What is he supposed to be the editor of the war for the world? His ass was in that room too, and maybe he has seen so much that he didn't view this at the time as the scandal it has become. I have heard he first took the tape to the military before broadcasting it and they took immediate action in pulling the marine in. We should all be standing behind both Kevin and that marine. They are facing animals over there, and Kevins job is to report what is going on, not just what we may like. Learn to take the good with the bad people. GROW THE FUCK UP. I worry that this will hinder other reporters from reporting truly. Let the military decide if there own has errored. But if we can stomach what is going on, we have to stomach it all. Who can honestly say what they would have done if they were either Kevin or that marine? Whom ever says they can is a fucking LIAR or living in LA LA LAND.

Well Raptor, glad you got the frustration out! Good to talk about it all with you--makes me a better American. Good debate makes us all better Americans. Later.

I hear you, TOW--I was with 2nd Plt., Lima 3/1 ((84-85), which is the unit that the Marine was with (not sure about platoon). I was never in harm's way, though, and couldn't even begin to know how I'd react in those circumstances. I do know that I'm 100% behind all the coalition forces over there, and wish them the best.

Good talking with ya'll (that's for you, Ant!). 'Till next time...

Anyway, I'm outta here. Good to meet you Raptor & edman. Lets hope that good comes out of this mess for everyone.

Sorry, gentlemen, but I was caught watching the majority of "Scarborough Country" (MSNBC). Moderator Pat Buchanan is debating the exact topic we're debating with a Medal of Honor (Vietnam) winner, G. Gordon Liddy, a Time reporter (recently back from Iraq), and a Marine infantry Captain (back from Iraq, wounded). Ironically, they're going over the EXACT points we were, and in many times, using the same words. Anyway, I'm back to the TV. Just thought you'd like to know.

Edman – true, this was an isolated case - unless it happened to be the only one caught on film. We can only speculate. But if we take that position, we might also take it on Abu Ghraib; the list could go on. To add to that, in Fallujah, we had that Jordanian dirtbag Al Zarqawi given full media attention which has consequently painted all Iraqi resistance as terrorists beheading people which is simply not the case. It works both ways. Those rules apply if we’re dealing with a truly balanced media, but CNN, FOX & all mainstream outlets are anything but fair & balanced.

OK Ant. You make some good points and my first few posts here was just my venting frustration with the way Western media is covering this war. I shouldn't have attacked you the way I did. I apologize.

Live feeds, biased and sensationalized bylines, pounced upon by liberal 'news' organizations because they keep people glued to their TVs is what's wrong. I have friends in Iraq, anything that endangers their lives, and their ability to do their jobs, really pisses me off.

It is a war, you don't get to decide what to show and what not to show if you are a true journalist. None of these young men are to blame for anything that is going on in Iraq. George Bush and his desire to do what his dad could not do is the reason we are there and yet under that premise we are asking everyone to behave properly. I don't blame the Marine or Kevin. They were both doing their jobs, ugly as that may be. Yes, the behavior of the Marines can be shocking and at times I don't know what to think or feel. Much like them I am sure. Funny how everyone claims this is all for freedom and free speech yet Kevin was suppose to censor, lie, and hide what he saw happen. Pull the journalist out, you must be kidding! So the next place Bush wants to barge into we can feel good about because we won't know the truth. Not all young men and women in this country are in the Armed Forces and they need to see the truth of war. And do you really think that this video is what is going to make the rest of the world mad at us? A little late I think. Please, as much as this all hurts, what happened happened and I for one am glad I know. Why is it that only our troops can be brave, why not our media? The main stream media has been too reserved about this war from the beginning. I choose to believe this Marine was a victim of this war. I cannot believe in my heart these young men go out with the idea of acting like henchmen. Unlike the Iraqi's, I admit. Still, our young men are put in a situation that only those who have been there can know. I can not say what I would have done, most of us can't. That said, I would like to believe I would have done what Kevin did. We can't have it both ways. Our men dying for the freedom of the people in Iraq yet our journalist and media censored? Isn't freedom of the media in Iraq one of the things we would hope for them to attain at the cost of our young men? If they don't have that, our men fought and bled for what? Oh yeah, Bush's agenda. Well, now that we are there and the ultimate sacrifices have been made, I pray that Iraq will know freedom, complete freedom, not what someone else decides. Like, well, your journalist can report this but they can't report that. To anyone I have offened, I am sorry. To Kevin and that young Marine, may God Bless you both and keep you safe and healthy.

Edited by author 11-16-2004 08:46 PM
Actually, in defense of the journalist, it's not his/her job to moralise, only report the truth. Transparent media should not make assesments of current situations; that is not what s/he is trained for. Whether the journo knows or not the workings of the law is irrelevent, apart from his or her own transgression of it. I would have thought, having seen other media reports by Kevin that his reporting was actually strongly biased towards the right wing. He is not supposed to be merely a propaganda machine for the soldiers. He is a public reporter. Reporting this only balances it a little. Good reporting Kevin

All bad news should be supressed. Well, maybe not all bad news, but anything that shows the US Armed Forces in a bad light should never be released. </sarcasm>

But no doubt the lynch mob here thinks the reporters who broke the My Lai story should have been strung up too. And heck, those Germans who tried to alert the country to what was happening in concentration camps in WWII were unpatriotic traitors too.

      While a cooler head now prevails I first want to apologize to those who may have seen my post on the other message board and may have been offended by the language that I used in such a open, public forum, but unregretfully I do not and will not apologize to kevin. To you kevin, I hope you had the chance to see what I posted, if not then please refer to your topic administrator. I still feel what I said about you and will not until you come out with an open apology to everyone affected by your attempt to gain fame in the name of "journalism".
 I do have 2 questions for you though. #1. Using the word you like to use, "appears", If this was an execution, then why does it appear that the other Marines in that exact same spot you were in, did not react in such a manner that something terribly wrong had just happened. There were no frantic yells of correction or concern to their fellow Marine that he had just commited a crime. No, it "appears" that everyone is remaining calm and cool under the circumstances. Surely someone else should have thought that that Marine had just did something terribly wrong.
  Secondly- You were there, the sound was on, why didnt you verbally protest what had just happpend before your very eyes? You obviously taped afterwords and still not a peep out of you, mr. righteous? How many of those Marines that were in that room with you, were around you at the moment you sent the video back to NBC? Or were you holed up in a secure area that those very Marines were protecting so that you would be safe to send that video back?
   Instead of giving one to the Corps. why didnt you just take one for the Corps. and report to the Gunny what had happened and let the chips fall where they may. Oh, wait a minute, now I know why--------Pulitzer.

Edited by author 11-16-2004 08:34 PM
Good on you Kevin for keeping the media transparent. Don't worry about all those redneck morons, ah hic, ah, heckling you. Half of them can't even spell correctly. It's important that both sides of this war are held accountable for their actions, especially the invading side, whose job is to show just reason for their actions, which so far they haven't. All the U.S forces have done so far is stir up the hatred towards the 'coalition of the willing' & hence, the western world. I guess America will pay for their actions soon enough, but until then, keep hollering you ole hoochie rednecks, if you can read this, that is. Don't get all huffed up now ye hear?

Media has it's good and bad. And when I saw this in the news, I felt bad for the Marine because I knew he would be investigated for it. He killed the insurgent, but this man would have killed him and even you. They don't care. I did notice the camera turning away from the shot that went off. I'm sure you didn't know this was going to happen. But you should have just trashed that video afterwards to spare this Marine. The thing is, by filming these types of things, you are hurting our soliders. I do appreciate reading your blogs and seeing the photos you posted, as I will continue to read on because I do care about this war. But these people are horrible. (the insurgents) If we shot all of them, whether armed or not, we would have done well. Our soliders are doing their job. To protect and bring order in Iraq. I could care less about the insurgent. But I do care about that Marine, although I do not know him. I just do. I wish him well.

GOD BLESS OUR SOLIDERS!

HotRodKitten "Snake" is your husband?! God Bless you and keep you strong! You have one awesome husband, you must be so proud of him!!!!! You and your girls are in my prayers!!!!!! Thank you for serving our country too!!!!!!

Kev - nice to see the faces of the brave Marines you sold out for your story. Have you forgotten who is keeping you alive while you are there? Have you no respect for the job they are doing? What if that terrorist was trying to detonate a grenade or suicide belt like they've done before? Fuck you asshole!

Well.. I am glued to the TV.. my husband is LCPL (not Pfc.) "Snake".. My nerves are shot, lack of sleep is gettin bad..

Kevin I thank you for your report.. It has made me feel a bit better to know what is going on with 3/1

OH YEAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES!!!!!

i can't seem to stop watching TV lately i don't think anyone that has family or friends in 3/1 has been able to stop watching TV, i'm a former member of weapons CO. 81's PLT, i was with them from June 99' till July 03' so i was out there with them the frist time they were in IRAQ. They use to call me Dominican LOU, so when you run in to anyone from weapons CO. let them know that they are in my prayers which i was out there with you guys again. P.S. Tell them i'll be at the Grinderwaiting for them with a beer for each of them nice and cold. SEMPER FI Weapons!!!

Kevin,

Thank you!!! Simply put you are a life line for those of us back home. I am a former member of 3/1 Lima company and its nice to know that someone is there to tell their story. Make sure you pass on to all those Leathernecks we are proud of them and the job they are doing.

Semper Fi

Kevin...praying for you and everyone...thank you for all of your reporting...may you and everyone stay safe...people do care

Kevin, Saw you report on MSNBC today, also on Brokaw. Excellent work! Wow, its gettin' a bit dangerous out there. You are fortunate to be embedded with the "Thundering Third." They are well trained and many have been to Iraq before. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and keep you all safe.

I don't know if you are still with the "Thundering Third" or not, but if you are I pray that all of you are safe. My son is a communications officer in H&S Company and I have appreciated your "snapshots" from Fallujah -- makes a mom feel like she has a window on her child's life. Your lack of bias is both appreciated and applauded.

Kevin, Have been watching your blog for a few weeks, as I have a relative in 3/1. Hope this e-mail finds you safe and well. You're with a great bunch of Devil-Dogs. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Keep low and stay safe. Keep those wonderful photos from the troops coming, they are great!

Hey, what Nadine and Kathy said...from me too.

send all of your good thoughts to kevin and all of the men and women in fallujah, it is a frightening situation right now for all of us. lots of love from home...

Thank you for the great reporting on MSNBC this morning. So appreciate knowing what is going on. I am praying for all of you and your safety as well for the people who as you mentioned, may not have been able to leave Fallujah. Continue to keep the truth coming.

Many thanks to you Kevin and the 1st Blt 3rd Marines. A special thanks to my son LCPL Beechler and a friend LCPL Bailey.You are appreciated TAKE CARE

just want to wish the marines of the 1st blt. 3rd marine a safe journey into fallugah,especially lcpls beechler and bailey we love you guys

Hi Kevin...I find your blog fascinating and the pictures are wonderful. Many thanks. Bet those Green Books are worth their weight in platinum for the history they now hold...to say nothing of the men themselves. My thanks to them and you and may you all stay safe and get home soon.

Kevin...memories and hope...do matter...may you and everyone stay safe...people do care

Me and my band say thank you for the look on the inside of the soldiers who are giving all....cool posting! Been watching the news all day...heard you earler..Vaya con Dios