James on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:32 AM:

They didn't report these actions to the chain of command because in many instances the chain of command was apathetic or complicit in these events. This was a theme that was repeatedly confirmed and reconfirmed by the various testimonies of the soldiers, from higher-ups covering up sexual assaults to actually conspiring to remove soldiers from their division simply for being homosexual.

These testimonies showed that racism, sexism and homophobia have permeated the military.

Support the Troops. Send them home.

Support Iraq Veterans Against the War!

Jacob Flom on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:21 PM:

Sgt. Retzlaff, As a veteran I find it laughable that you think soldiers conduct themselves with "honor and class". We both wish they did, and we both know the military dehumanizes soldiers in basic and trains them to kill more effectively. The results of this are the actions we see outlined by the Winter Soldier testimonials. I have personally talked with many of the veterans who testified at Winter Soldier. Most of them have never met before, coming from all over the country, yet their testimonies were strikingly similar. Most of the veterans in the ROE panel testified about the use of drop weapons, something which was previously covered up and unknown, yet several unrelated vets had proof of such actions throughout the invasion and occupation from cities all over Iraq and Afghanistan. These disturbing war crimes are not just actions of a few bad apples, but results of training men to kill and then using them as a police force in a country with no security and giving them no motivation or purpose to be there. Because the military leadership allows and supports the dehumanization of Iraqi citzens, there are no moral consequences for soldiers who don't reconsider themselves, and certainly no legal accountability.

Johanan Raatz on Apr 21, 2008 at 11:00 PM:

"Sgt. Retzlaff, As a veteran I find it laughable that you think soldiers conduct themselves with "honor and class"."

Well he's speaking from personal experience from his service in Iraq. I think we should listen to him. Now judging from my experience with American soldiers I have known personally known who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan they are very honorable individuals and far above what you suggest.

"These disturbing war crimes are not just actions of a few bad apples,"

How do you know?

"We both wish they did, and we both know the military dehumanizes soldiers in basic and trains them to kill more effectively."

I had a brother who went through basic training for the Air National Guard he didn't describe it as dehumanizing. Yes it is tough training but all soldier's throughout all of history have been trained like that.

Johanan is right. on Apr 22, 2008 at 07:56 AM:

...which is why soldiers throughout history have committed atrocities.

Johanan Raatz on Apr 22, 2008 at 09:35 AM:

"...which is why soldiers throughout history have committed atrocities."

Yeah but that's just an unfortunate part of war that happens some times. It's all the more reason to win the war as soon as possible.

Allyson on Apr 22, 2008 at 12:06 PM:

It's amazing that we're expected to go all out all or nothing on the IVAW. It's like when they give testimonies, then suddenly, we're supposed to drop to our knees and exclaim, "I've seen the light!!"

No.

These actions are most certainly deplorable within our armed forces, but they are not common.

When soldiers like Sgt. Retzlaff testify, you discard their responses and regard them as brainwashed, and less of American soldiers than the ones that fit your own agenda. There is no room for diversity in your one-sided agenda, and your ears are clearly deaf to progress.

Perhaps we should show the same consternation towards the radical muslim soldiers who are lopping off the heads of journalists and taking hostages... Or are these traits acceptable to you within their forces?

There's a double standard and a very closed mind at work here.

Johanan Raatz on Apr 22, 2008 at 02:07 PM:

When soldiers like Sgt. Retzlaff testify, you discard their responses and regard them as brainwashed, and less of American soldiers than the ones that fit your own agenda. There is no room for diversity in your one-sided agenda, and your ears are clearly deaf to progress.

They say that because they are brainwashed themselves. America is an "evil corporate empire" that "exploits all of the worlds wealth" you see and so everything it does must be "evil." Thus it's soldiers must also be "evil."

Disgruntled Voter on Apr 23, 2008 at 12:05 AM:

"Perhaps we should show the same consternation towards the radical muslim soldiers who are lopping off the heads of journalists and taking hostages... Or are these traits acceptable to you within their forces?"

Technically, I would have to argue that these traits ARE acceptable within their forces. They're DEFENDING their turf. I don't really see the difference between what they're doing and what the US is doing aside from the fact that these "radical Muslim soldiers" are on the defensive front, defending themselves from an invading military force that has a more solidified financial backing.

It's a fair fight, and really, who doesn't like a fair fight? If we're allowed to use a chair in the boxing ring, then at least let them hit below the belt.

The irony, however, is in the intent, and ultimate "end". The idea of "winning" a war has left. This war won't be "won" by anyone... not the "radical Muslim soldiers" or the US Military. The Iraqi people won't win, and neither will most Americans.

This is the shape of things to come. Even in this presidential election, no one will actually win, but EVERYONE will lose. Quite the paradox, indeed.

I'm going to go pour myself a drink, and maybe, just maybe, you'll all come to your senses and realize that no matter what, each and every one of us is at one point in time or another responsible for taking our own hostages and committing our own atrocities.