CarolC - Since I work in Family Advocacy I would say that I am in a better position than yourself to know what occurred at that base. We were briefed on those families right after they occurred. All four families had been at very high risk long before they went to the war zone.

It is incredibly unusual to have that many deaths at one time. My apologies if I inferred that the war had absolutely nothing to do with them as everything those families were involved in played a part. But to lay the deaths at the door of the war is irresponsible. Nothing is caused by just one thing. And having seen the cases I can say that the war was a very minor piece. In reality the deployment probably kept the folks alive for that period of time.

Deaths occur in the real world from domestic violence. And troops come from the general population. So those figures should be comparable. That they aren't, domestic violence in the military is actually lower, is a tribute to the organizations set up to intervene and assist im making folks deal with situations differently.

I'm at a loss as to why you think I am angry with you. Never said it nor inferred it. Simply stated that in my opinion it was irresponsible to make a blanket statement about four different situations that resulted in deaths. I feel no need to "take it out on some of" you as there is nothing to take out. My opinion - nothing more and nothing less.

So if you feel offended my apologies -

Bobert - I was in a war zone. The rules are this - if they are out there they are fair game for a bullet of a bomb. Once I touch them they are POWs and are to be transported to the rear for processing as a POW. It does not make any difference if they are signatories to the Geneva Convention or not. We ARE signatories to it.

If I was told to violate those rules I don't think I would. But then again I've never been in a prison as a guard or prisoner so have no first hand knowledge of what goes on. I'd like to think I wouldn't do those things if ordered. But like you said my Brother - things get twisted around when folk's lives are on the line. I too hope the higher ups - right up to the general in charge - get their butts in a wringer. It's just wrong. And no rules are necessary to know that it is wrong.

Steve