Troops who did the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam did not go to prison. So why should the Iraqi veterans?

Question

Over 300 innocent men women and children were killed in Vietnam in March 1968. Those troops walked. ( Anyone know about the My Lai Massacre?) So why should our troops in the Iraqi war be sent to prison?

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/vietnam/trenches/my_lai.html

Answer 1

You'd think we'd have learned our lessons from such events; however, some of obviously haven't. Maybe the US military ought to spend more time teaching their recruits how to act in various war-related situations. There is a right and a wrong way to treat prisoners of war and innocent civilians. I know many men and women of the US military work hard to protect our country and I thank them for it; however, a few have stepped beyond the bounds of decency. Both in Iraq and at Guantanamo Bay, a few American soldiers have shown that not all of us honor the rights we say we protect under our Constitution. How can we encourage citizens of other countries to believe democracy is a better system if we don't honor the rights of all those we come into contact with, whether in war or not? We have to practice what we preach or we just make our country look foolish on the world stage. And it is this type of double standard that creates more animosity towards our nation.

Answer 2

I think if they are proved guilty (not because of political pressure) than they should be punished. If there was no rule of conduct we would have a lot more of these things happening. Having said that war is insane. Never knowing if you will be alive at the end of the day or if you will live the rest of your life with no arms or legs. Being shot at every day. Now we got men and women going back over there 3 and 4 times it has to take a toll. That is an incredible amount of pressure put on our troops.

Answer 3

First and foremost, what happened in Mai Lai, let alone the rest of the Vietnam War, cannot be compared to anything that happened in Iraq. If you look beyond the media and see the actual facts, you will see that the two wars and the two countries have very little in common excepot that American soldiers are fighting and dying in them.

That in mind, if the soldiers in Iraq did something wrong, then they should be judged on what happened in Iraq, and not on what happened over 35 years ago in a country that is thousands of miles away from them.

Answer 4

To teach lesson to others and show them that this act is a crime and should not be repeated. How d u feel when two of American soldiers were killed in 'barbaric way'? That is the same thing that Iraq people feel, even more than that.

Answer 5

Considering that was 38 years ago, it is not really relevant as a case study today.

If people are now tried for a crime under current statute and found to be guilty through due process then the sentence is determined by the serving judge on his judgement.

My Lai is not really relevant.

Answer 6

Lt. Calley was mad the scapegoat for the infamous "My Lai"
massacre. Again, the big picture points to RMK-BRJ who
were the main contractors rebuilding, supplying, and training.
Today, they operate in the name of Haliburton (same owners)
and more involved in the schemes than ever. Do your homework.

Answer 7

Yes, I know about the Massacre, and obviously I know more than you do about it. Re check your facts. How many times do I have to tell you people, know your history before you make a fool out of yourself with an asinine question?

Answer 8

Only one person was convicted in the My Lai massecre. One was known to have committed suicide due to guilt.

Answer 9

*******This guy is an idiot...his posts are worthless - check them out. I've known him for years - He was administratively discharged from the military for minor misconduct, now hes out to smear his previous employer.

Answer 10

Murder is unacceptable.It was then and it is now.Some greaseballs think wearing a uniform is justification for their racist ideals and they should be arrested and put to death for their actions.