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Well it happened again, folks. It was only a matter of time before someone outdid the efforts of LCpl. Motari with his infamous puppy-toss video. I’m sure you’re all aware of the recent video that surfaced online of the Marines in Afghanistan that are peeing on (what we assume anyway) a few dead Taliban combatants. It’s been all over the news, I actually found out about it last night watching the local Bay Area news on TV.
You can view the video here. (It’s graphic, FYI)
My initial reaction to the video was something along the lines of, “What? How stupid do you have to be to film something like this and put it up online?” Many people are reeling in disgust, the very idea that someone could do such a thing to another human being is outrageous to most Americans. But then again, most Americans have never stepped foot in a combat zone, let alone killed anyone.
My question for the average person then is what is the line? The powers of the United States government have given Marines not only a license, but a mission to kill the enemy overseas in brutal combat. You can’t simultaneously praise the legal killing of other human beings and then be angered when you see the reality of it. When it’s all said and done, what difference does it actually make? The Marine Corps isn’t upset that these Marines relieved themselves on a dead enemy, they’re upset they got caught.
I guess I look at it the same way I look at why I don’t give a shit about eating free-range chickens and grass-fed cows. These animals are being raised to be slaughtered and eaten, regardless of how good or bad their lives are. In the end, does it really make you feel better if the animal had a good life and then found its way onto your plate?
If there is a line, it is a line of ethereal and subjective principle, not fact.
I’m not saying it’s in any way right, or that I would have done it myself; but to condemn these Marines for this is somewhat of a moot point considering the reality of it.
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