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UPDATE- June 12, 2008: |
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Lance Cpl. David Motari, 22, of Monroe, WA is being discharged from the Marines as punishment for his role in a video that showed him throwing a puppy off of a cliff in Iraq. The Marine Corp issued a statement today which included the following: "The
actions seen in the Internet video are contrary to the high standards we
expect of every Marine and will not be tolerated. The vast majority of
Marines conduct their duties with honor and compassion that makes
American people proud." |
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Pasado's Safe Haven, which
shares the same hometown as Lance Cpl. David Motari, agrees that this
marine was not following the high standards expected by our country. But
then we wondered why our own mayor decided to take a different stand on
this horrific act of animal cruelty.
Donnetta Walser, Mayor of Monroe, WA, was stated as saying that it would be wrong to let the video define Motari’s character. "You never know how young men will react in a war zone," Walser said. "It's unfortunate that this overshadows what he's done in serving our country." (Published Thursday June, 12, 2008, Everett Herald)
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| So, if this Marine beat his wife, would the mayor consider that to overshadow what he has done to serve our country? Isn't cruelty wrong, period? Are his actions being excused? Abusive actions by men that used to be accepted and excused are unacceptable in our society today. Neither animals nor humankind deserve to be treated cruelly. And it is also common knowledge that abuse towards animals is often a precursor to abuse towards humans. These are not the actions of an honorable Marine. And these actions should not be excused. | |
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Here's another chance to use YOUR VOICE to speak up for animals. Would you like us to send your polite and professional comments to Mayor Donnetta Walser? Click here. Let her know that this act or cruelty should not be excused. |
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We've already heard from you:
"Regarding your
comment about the US Marine. Obviously the stresses of war take
their toll, however it is the quality and integrity of the
American people which our soldiers protect and represent in the
face of war. This was an act contrary to this belief and is
disrespectful to fellow soldiers who have died for this very
principal we hold so dear." |
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As humans, soldiers, men, and women, we are
defined by what we do. A uniform does not make a man. Going to war does
not automatically signify bravery, valor, or heroism. It is what we DO
while at war that makes us either callous killing machines or men of
honor and integrity. - R.W., Bremerton, WA |
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Marine Corps Statement
Marines in puppy video disciplined |
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 This Marine has been identified as being from the same town as Pasado's Safe Haven- Monroe, WA |
March 2008 The Few, the Proud, the Ugly |
| Since this story broke, we have had numerous acts of animal cruelty by US soldiers reported to us. While these individuals do not represent the majority of those who do serve our country with integrity and honor, we are still left to wonder - If these acts were caught on film, what is happening behind the scenes? | |
| As one reader shared with us: | |
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"There are no excuses for this behavior. These are sick individuals who take pleasure in inflicting pain and suffering on defenseless animals. Watch these videos and see the similarity between them and the St. Bernard Pet Massacre and Street Killings. These barbarians torture animals and laugh as the animals scream in pain. They continually throw rocks at a crippled dog and laugh uncontrollably as the dog struggles to stand and staggers off on TWO legs. They enjoy this and will do it overseas, or will do it here at home, wherever they can get away with it. They are fulfilling sadistic fantasies. I'm really sick of those who defend them with excuses such as, they have been in a war zone too lone, they are numb in regards to killing, etc, etc. Give me a break! For every sub-human soldier out there who is getting his thrills by torturing defenseless animals, there are thousands of genuine soldiers who would never walk that line, who would never imagine doing something so heartless. These videos are graphic, but those who have any ounce of sympathy or excuses for the soldier who threw the puppy off the cliff, do watch these videos. These soldiers should not be "defending" our freedom; they should be locked up for life." |
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WARNING: The following videos are very graphic |
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Soldiers taunt & kill crippled dog in Iraq |
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US Soldier shoots dog with M203 training round |
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Puppy Appearing to be thrown off of a cliff |
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| About the video about the little puppy appearing to be thrown off of a cliff: | |
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Could a Marine really
throw a helpless puppy off of a cliff? This is the questions thousands of YouTube viewers are asking after they watched a video clip which appeared to show this horrific act. The video, which has since been pulled off of YouTube for "terms of use violation", shows two Marines talking as one holds a puppy by the back of the neck before throwing the it over what appears to be a cliff. The tiny puppy yelps as it is flying through the air. |
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"That's mean, that was mean," someone says off-camera while addressing the alleged puppy thrower by his last name. The marine has been identified as a lance corporal who returned to Hawaii in October from Iraq. |
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If the video is authentic,
the Marines involved could face judicial charges, a reduction in rank
and pay and a court-martial. They could also be discharged. "It's all governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and anything from reduction in pay to reduction in rank to confinement to discharge from the Marine Corps" is possible, Marine Corps spokesman Maj. Chris Perrine said. If others are involved, they too will be disciplined, he said. |
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| It is important also to remember all of our Marines who have shown amazing acts of compassion by bringing home pets that they met in Iraq. These men and women, who represent the majority, are those we are proud to have representing our country. | |
