Trevor Bothwell called my attention to this Haditha hysteria from left-wing Arizona Republic cartoonist Steve Benson published last week (click for full-size):

The paper has received “more than 160 letters about the cartoon…from around the country.”

A sample:

Regarding Republic cartoonist Steve Benson’s Wednesday:

His disrespect for the Marines and the Marine Corp emblem is a slap in face to all the military. This is a very sad example of his generation. – Lee Folk, Surprise

The writer is a World War II Marine veteran.

***

I am appalled by the Benson cartoon depicting the emblem of the United States Marine Corps as if it were bleeding and the pennant below the globe saying, “United States Massacre Cover-up.”

The “artist” has made the leap (as have most of the media) that these allegations are true and the Marines are guilty of some war crimes. I ask: Will this “artist” have the integrity to recant his position if these allegations prove to be untrue?

While satirical editorial cartoons are protected by the First Amendment, a fact I truly appreciate, I believe that this picture slanders the reputations of the millions of men who have, are currently and will in the future wear the uniform of the United States Marine Corps.

The public must not lose sight of the fact that it is extremely easy to malign the fine men and women in the military while the “artist” sits safely in his home.

Richard Van Luvender, Havertown, Pa.

***

I am disgusted that you allowed the desecration of the symbol of the United States Marine Corps to be published in your paper.

The Marine Corps is a very proud organization and is proud of its history. We are a band of brothers, not a band of murderers.

The fog of war is a very large part of many battles, and I’m confident that the Marines that Steve Benson suggests are murderers saw it differently while engaged in combat.

Benson should apologize to the world’s premier fighting force.

Kenneth Etringer, Green Bay, Wis.

Want to add to the 160 letters the Arizona Republic has received?

Contact info here.

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