February 07, 2005
Mudwrestling: Crime Against Humanity
The fact that a couple of female MPs
engaged in some mud-wrestling at an Army Detention Center in Iraq isn't too shocking. Young people like to party hard, and cops party even harder.
As long as the women—and the men cheering them on—were off-duty, and provided none of the prisoners witnessed the event, I'm not so sure this was an awful, awful thing.
Kids are at the mercy of their hormones sometimes, and need to blow off steam. This was a way to do so relatively harmlessly.
Posted by: Attila at
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I'm not wild about this sort of thing going on in a combat zone — it's a straight, if long, line between this and the orgies that were part of the mess at Abu Ghraib — but bottom line: they're grown-ups. They're out there standing between us and evil. Who are we to scold them for getting wild off duty?
I will confess that I didn't realize thongs were GI-issue underwear these days, but I'm awfully out of touch about these things.
Posted by: Jeff Harrell at February 07, 2005 01:15 PM (UAuME)
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The only thing I can imagine being a problem is if some of the participants or spectators are superiors of others involved. Just like you wouldnt have either a female boss or employee behave like this at a company picnic, this shouldnt happen in the military. It likely strains or completely breaks the chain of responsibility and/or command.
Posted by: David C. at February 07, 2005 04:45 PM (Smzsb)
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This all seems ridiculous to me. How much manpower (read $) have they spent on this inconsequential BS?
And, I'm not sure the demotion of this one woman was entirely fair. I mean, surely there were guys involved? I don't know too many women who like to just spontaneously mud wrestle in the absence of getting egged on by the guys. Well, except in certain blue movies I guess.
Posted by: k at February 07, 2005 05:15 PM (6krEN)
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I think the thing that bothers me the most is that now the news had gotten ahold of the story there won't be any "soldiers gone wild" video hitting the streets soon. Darn the bad luck.
The next thing you know people will be demoted for "smiling" on duty because it might offend someone.
Posted by: Jeremy at February 09, 2005 12:06 PM (farnf)
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February 02, 2005
Frank J.
. . . . explains how the Iraqi elections prove he's
always been right about
everything. (Note to self: must speak to his siblings regarding this assertion.)
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February 01, 2005
Why We Fight
. . . and Why We Write.
Mike at Cold Fury sums up the case for the war in Iraq. He doesn't baby the opposition, though: if you're one of my lefty readers, you'll have to be in the mood for something bracing if you go there.
Hat tip: Andrea Harris, who is always bracing.
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Once a Marine
Don Danz tells the
story of Sgt. Rafael Peralta of the USMC, who was mortally wounded in the fight over Fallujah, yet managed in one last heroic act to save four other nearby Marines.
In compiling photos of Sgt. Peralta from his personal life, Don underscores the significance of this fine young man's actions. He was a credit to the Corps.
If you are a Catholic—or belong to another sect that remembers the dead in a special way—say a prayer for him.
If you aren't, do it anyway. And tell me how it feels.
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Finally Found One I Like
Of course, the very best one is over at Treacher's place. I even saw that same pic in its original habitat, but somehow wasn't able to copy it onto my hard drive; very annoying. (I guess I could steal it from Treacher, but that would be wraaaawng.)
The point is, we deserve lovely images about this pivotal moment in middle-eastern history. One we helped bring about. Cherish them.
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I used the one Treacher did, but I sure like the one you found. The complete face reveals a determination behind the purple finger. Beautiful girl.
Posted by: King of Fools at February 01, 2005 01:32 PM (ktIW6)
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Actually, I like yours better. I like seeing the whole face that way, and the lines and shadows are stunning. I like the power in her face, her absolute certainty.
All day Sunday I was rummaging around looking for my old bottle of purple printer's ink. Couldn't find it. I really wanted to sport a purple finger, just in solidarity, you know?
Posted by: k at February 01, 2005 06:31 PM (6krEN)
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It's amazing to be watching historic, tectonic events unfold. Like living thru WWII. And how pathetic that for the Boxers & Kennedys, it means nothing beyond how-does-this-advance-my-partisan-politics? Bankrupt.
Posted by: jeff at February 01, 2005 10:18 PM (aWEQo)
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I feel just like that. I find myself trying to figure out how I'd describe this time to my grandkids: there are those moments of hyper-awareness, and those times that everyday life interferes with the sense of awe we sometimes carry around.
Auden was right about suffering and the old masters, but what he said about suffering also applies to triumph: there's history, and there's the pedestrian. Great events occur, and life goes on.
Very strange.
Posted by: Attila Girl at February 01, 2005 10:42 PM (RjyQ5)
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I'd like to make a comment that has no political or social value at all - she looks like she could be John Travolta's sister.
Posted by: Donna at February 06, 2005 03:35 PM (0yEW+)
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