In 1971, when majority of Americans were turning against the Vietnam War, we had the leak of the devastating Pentagon Papers. Now, in 2010, with Americans still waiting for our equally senseless military action in Iraq to finally end, that war has its own Pentagon Papers -- a video called "Collateral Murder" that shows the 2007 slaughter of two Reuters news employees -- including one carrying a camera that is mistaken for a rocket launcher -- and other civilian bystanders by American war helicopters. I do not in any way blame the American troops who were placed in the middle of a war that never needed to happen. It is George W. Bush and Dick Cheney -- still held unaccountable for their crimes against humanity -- who have this innocent blood on their hands. President Obama has promised to end this war -- he must do so as quickly as possible while ensuring the safety of the departing troops.
And every American needs to watch "Collateral Murder," heartbreaking as it is.
One more thing -- God bless the people at WikiLeaks for getting this kind of information out to the world. The issue of government secrets is just as sensitive today as it was in 1971, but the reality of our actions in the world -- and not the santitized version that the people in power want you to believe in -- is information that U.S. citizens must have, and we cannot afford to err on the side of caution.
Hey Will, don't denigrate our success. Iraq is a democratic flower blooming in an otherwise barren middle east. We are beloved, and the good will between Sunni and Shiite (predicted by that dick Cheney) has come to full fruition, a symbol of american intellect and foresight. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA, sorry couldn't keep it going.— CiceroSpuriousDeodatus- I watched the entire video, (including it's "heart wrenching" text before and after). Yes, a tragedy, but that happens in war. "War is Hell" is not just a cutesy expression, it is the most accurate description available. As one commenter on the site stated... basically This is what happens in war, it is important for the public to know how bad war is, so when we commit to it, we understand the mess we will step into.— turkytom
- Will, you may also be interested in this. Unfortunately, you can't blame the previous admin for it. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36173179/ns/world_news-the_new_york_times/— RG
- Bunch, the only 'crime against humanity' I see here is your idiotic ranting. Back to your hole!— JerryCurlan
- The guy had an RPG, those journalists should have chosen another story.— largato
- And then we wonder why people hate us....what would happen if the Iraqi Army did that in Bryn Mawr? What did Iraq do to us again?— offshorehedgefund
Comment removed.- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziZHoCaZ1Fs— th
- What a World ?— BADFLY
- It's called WAR! if the nosy, so-called journalists weren't in a WAR zone they wouldn't get shot. Not to mention 99.9% of those 'journalists' (Bunch) wouldn't have the nerve to do what the soldiers have to do!— keapitreal
- Terrible judgement - it shames our forces. No actual engagement by the enemy. Firing on people evacuating the wounded and laughing. Shameful. These are lousy soldiers setting back our primary objective.— IM
- Thanks America for your freedom.— Snakeboss
War is a sad action anytime. With that said, I can not feel upset like the writer wants me to feel. It is war. If you go into a war zone that is infiltrated by opponents who hide in the crowd/shield themselves with civilians, expect to be in danger. I respect the reporters for doing such a dangerous job. They should be remembered as courageous and deeply committed to telling the story. They are heroes. It is sad they died this way. But they knew the risk too. Thats what makes them great. As a "ordinary citizen" watching this for the first time, I found the military men/women who did the attack did so with what I see as due cause. If it were me, I would have thought the same thing. I think the question not asked regarding the children is, "was the hospital they were taken to closer than where they would have brought them for treatment?" It may have a lesser treatment, but in life or death situations, I would think going to the nearest hospital would be right. I wonder if the writer of this story can find out and tell us? But over all. I am not "shocked" or dismayed. It is war, and it is sometimes the ugliest man can get. I sit here and wonder, why haven't we seen from this writer the children of dead U.S. military being told that their Mom or Dad are not coming home because a RPG or some other method like a suicide bomber killed them? Where is that video? I hope we can send everyone home soon. I am more sadden that this will make the Men and Women who are doing the best job they can will be made villains by this one sided view. I wonder what has the writer of this article and up loader of this video done to resolve the problems is this part of the world? Oh just sit at a lap top and point fingers? Sorry the whole thing didn't get me upset and rallied for peace.- Bill Hicks was a great man.
- It was all worth it. Cheney's buds made billions off of each of the wars. But how do you go to war with countries that have no air force, navy, and hardly any army? Shock & awe shucks.— riverhealer
Will Bunch, a senior writer at the Philadelphia Daily News, blogs about his obsessions, including national and local politics and world affairs, the media, pop music, the Philadelphia Phillies, soccer and other sports, not necessarily in that order.
E-mail Will by clicking here.
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