Reply #42: One can always make excuses for the behavior [View All]

[Dhalgren]

of anyone, in any circumstance. The question is, so what. The individuals who are responsible for treating POWs in the manner in which these photos show, should be held accountable. From the highest ranking officer (or civilian) to the actual, moronic "grunt" who did the deeds. This girl (and at 20, she's a girl, period) and her companions are guilty of crimes; they must answer for them. The military did not make them do what they did, no one can "make" them behave in such a inhumane way. All of the excuses for this type of behavior have already been used at Nuremberg (sp)and elsewhere. It wasn't accepted then and it shouldn't be now. This idea that because they are young or Americans or stupid they should then not be judged as functional adults (even young ones) is sad and pathetic.