Cause, sin of war, continue from within Oval Office

The transgressions and failings of our leadership are being paid for with the lives and innocence of our child warriors, Iraqi citizens and our diminishing national treasure. As a patriotic American, these facts cause me pain, anger and frustration. These feelings plus confusion, anguish, aggravation and powerlessness to influence change are affecting many Americans.

I cannot countenance all the actions and reactions of our troops. However, I cannot, in heart or mind, condemn a squad of young Marines who recently were charged with the murder of Iraqi civilians. Our frontline troops patrol seven days a week, 10 to 14 hours a day, in 120 degree heat, carrying 80-plus pounds of equipment, all the while realizing they are no more then targets waiting to be eliminated. If they make it through this nightmare tour of duty facing them is the constant threat of being extended or being called back a second or third time.

These young warriors begin each new day minds filled with the faces of comrades killed and maimed. The squad was under extreme duress following the detonation of an improvised explosive device that blew apart their friend and brother Marine. Their collective consciousness realized it was activated by someone close by. Out of their young minds with fear, filled with grief, bodies pumped full of adrenalin, minds racing, bordering on panic, they reacted as they were taught to react, in unison, as one weapon. They penetrated the structures nearest the explosion. It was not premeditated murder that was the objective but survival.

The condemnation of these adolescent warriors left to fend for themselves should be directed at those who placed them in the hell and life-or-death predicaments they face every second. Even at home base they are exposed to constant mortar fire. I will not allow these young Americans to be sacrificial lambs. The administrations policy of "shock and awe" killed thousands of innocent civilians. This fact screams out the absolute hypocrisy of this contrived war.

I do not condone the result of the young Marines actions. They will suffer the consequences of their response for the rest of their lives. That they were put in this position I see as grievous a sin as the killing of innocent civilians. The final judgement should focus on those who created the inevitable result. Punish not the pawns but the incompetent chess masters

The cause and the sin began and continues from within the Oval Office.

WILLIAM OUIMET

Sandpoint