thedrifter
11-06-07, 08:16 AM
The rules of engagement hamper war
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL
The latest controversy in Washington has brought back some very unpleasant memories. I'm referring to the heated discussions surrounding waterboarding or other rather unpleasant information-gathering techniques.
Of course our adversaries have no problem with beheadings or severe torture and dragging the bodies of our troops though their cities. But we're better than that -- we have to use puritanical standards. I'd support unlimited waterboarding and even a beheading or two if the information to be gathered saved even one U.S. serviceman or woman.
The current rules of engagement are another topic certain to turn the stomachs of every combat veteran. In World War II, if a unit was taking fire from a structure, the structure was destroyed along with all of its occupants. We also "carpet bombed" many cities, without much regard for collateral damage.
Our policy now has our soldiers and Marines more concerned with a possible court-martial than the elimination of the enemy, because of possible collateral damage. This policy further endangers all of our troops.
The civilian policy-makers in Washington want us to fight another war with our hands tied, just as they did in Vietnam, when certain targets and countries were off limits, furnishing our enemy safe locations from which to operate. Few of these policymakers have spent even an hour in combat. And few are willing to send their sons and daughters to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan.
War ain't pretty, but at least give our servicemen and women a fighting chance.
R. Lane Hoeck
Sarasota
Last modified: November 06. 2007 12:00AM
Ellie
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL
The latest controversy in Washington has brought back some very unpleasant memories. I'm referring to the heated discussions surrounding waterboarding or other rather unpleasant information-gathering techniques.
Of course our adversaries have no problem with beheadings or severe torture and dragging the bodies of our troops though their cities. But we're better than that -- we have to use puritanical standards. I'd support unlimited waterboarding and even a beheading or two if the information to be gathered saved even one U.S. serviceman or woman.
The current rules of engagement are another topic certain to turn the stomachs of every combat veteran. In World War II, if a unit was taking fire from a structure, the structure was destroyed along with all of its occupants. We also "carpet bombed" many cities, without much regard for collateral damage.
Our policy now has our soldiers and Marines more concerned with a possible court-martial than the elimination of the enemy, because of possible collateral damage. This policy further endangers all of our troops.
The civilian policy-makers in Washington want us to fight another war with our hands tied, just as they did in Vietnam, when certain targets and countries were off limits, furnishing our enemy safe locations from which to operate. Few of these policymakers have spent even an hour in combat. And few are willing to send their sons and daughters to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan.
War ain't pretty, but at least give our servicemen and women a fighting chance.
R. Lane Hoeck
Sarasota
Last modified: November 06. 2007 12:00AM
Ellie