Michelle Malkin » Haditha Marine Lt. Andrew Grayson acquitted

Haditha Marine Lt. Andrew Grayson acquitted

By Michelle Malkin • June 5, 2008 07:10 AM

Paging John Murtha: Haditha Marine Lt. Andrew Grayson found not guilty on all counts. See if you can find the story on the NYTimes or any other MSM outlet that splashed the original accusations all over their front pages. You’ll need a magnifying glass.

Go to Defend Our Marines for all the background on the case and breaking developments.

Bob Owens at PJM reports and reminds:

Early in the investigations, based upon unknown evidence, Democratic Rep. John Murtha (PA) stated that “there was no firefight, there was no IED that killed these innocent people. Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood.”

Barack Obama, asked about Murtha’s charge by Alan Colmes in June of 2006, stated, “I would never second guess John Murtha… I think he’s somebody who knows of which he speaks.”

Murtha’s “in cold blood” statement and the Democratic Presidential nominee’s unquestioning acceptance came seven months before the military charged eight Marines with various offenses in December of 2006. Charges against five of the eight Marines have since be dropped for lack of evidence, and in the first of three scheduled trials, Grayson has been acquitted. It remains to be seen if Rep. Murtha or Senator Obama will offer Lt. Grayson an apology, cold-blooded, or otherwise.

Of the two cases remaining, only Staff Sergeant Frank Wuterich faces charges directly related to the killings. The most serious charges he faces are nine counts of involuntary manslaughter. Curiously, his case has been postponed indefinitely, and was not expected to resume until after both of his military defense attorneys had retired, weakening his defense in a complex case. Late-breaking information from Bruce Kessler of The Democracy Project, who has been covering the Haditha cases in detail, states that Lt. Col. Colby Vokey will delay his retirement again to stay with Wuterich’s defense.

The third case, against commanding officer Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, is said to be tainted by “unlawful command influence” in charging Chessani according to the judge presiding over the case, suggesting that Chessani is a political scapegoat for higher-ranking officers seeking to appease anti-war politicians. His trial is expected to commence June 17.

Flashback: Murtha cuts and runs when confronted about his slander by YAF/Hot Air TV correspondent Jason Mattera:

You can run, but you can’t hide.

***

Bruce Kesler has much more on the steadfastness of Lt. Grayson.

Gary Gross, who has followed the case from day one, writes:

It’s disgusting that these Marines were wrongly accused. It’s obvious that this was a corrupt prosecution that wouldn’t have happened if not for Murtha’s unfounded accusations. He’s one of the most vile, despicable exuses for a human being I’ve ever seen, ranking only a few paces ahead of Judas Iscariot of thirty pieces of silver fame.

Once Sgt. Wuterich and Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cjhessani are acquitted, I will demand a full apology from Rep. Murtha. This blog’s followers know that I called Murtha’s DC office to get his statement after the charges against Justin Sharratt were dropped in july, 2007. Here’s what Brit Hume said about my call on that day’s Political Grapevine:

Pennsylvania Democratic Congressman John Murtha refused to comment today when asked by Gary Gross of the Let Freedom Ring blog for a reaction to Colonel Ware’s recommendation. You’ll recall that Murtha has said the Marines “overreacted” and “killed innocent civilians in cold blood.” But today his office said he would not comment because the investigation is ongoing.

Rep. Murtha won’t be able to hide behind that excuse much longer. When Col. Chessani and SSgt. Wuterich are acquitted, I’ll place that call again. When I call again, I will demand that they fully apologize for Rep. Murtha’s despicable accusations.

That day is coming soon.

Posted in: Haditha, John Murtha

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Comment pages: « 1 [2]

#101

On June 5th, 2008 at 1:43 pm, AlohaGuy said:

This is not complex stuff.

That’s why we think you’re stupid sausage.
#102

On June 5th, 2008 at 2:01 pm, RetFireman said:

On June 5th, 2008 at 12:54 pm, DesertLover said:
RetFireman

Although I agree with your logical thoughts there I find myself not able to comfortably accept that the courts will take that path …

I have recent examples of their illogical approach in the form of Ramos, Compean, and Libby …

All of them are in jail over alleged “cover ups” of things that were not crimes to begin with …

Like I said…don’t hold your breath. We all know that the word “Logic” and the word “Liberal” are never used in the same sentance other than: “Liberals are never known to use logic”
#103

On June 5th, 2008 at 2:24 pm, tuffy said:

Congrats, Grayson.
#104

On June 5th, 2008 at 2:59 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

I came here thinking NO WAY could a troll come up with some stupid carp on this thread.

I am wrong again - thanks snausage.

snausage is still pissed all Europeans are not speaking German. Don’t forget to thank us on the way out snausage.
#105

On June 5th, 2008 at 3:14 pm, Christian Soldier said:

Want to get rid of the Murtha’s of the world? ((-: I mean-vote them out of office)……….

Support honorable people who are willing to run against them!!!!

TALK - talk - talking is NOT going to do it!

I gave to William Russell’s campaign last Oct.-07.

I checked his site today-there is no indication that he is or isn’t still in the race to un-seat Murtha. Anyone know?
#106

On June 5th, 2008 at 4:11 pm, emjem24 said:

Rep. Murtha owes each and every one of these Marines an apology for the way he politicized and mischaracterized Haditha. He exploited Haditha to add more fuel to the anti-war fire and castigated each and every one of these fine men for what? Politics.

Will Murtha apologize? Not likely. The man knows more about self-righteous bluster than honor or character. I think he’s been hugging his pork a little too long.

It takes an honourable man, a hero to stand with and for other heroes. Too bad Murtha knows little in respect of supporting one’s military in a time of war. Then again, liberals consistently have missed the memo regarding supporting the military since the 60’s.
#107

On June 5th, 2008 at 4:25 pm, sasintexas said:

Does anyone know if Murtha has an email address or just an address to make sure he knows the “not guilty” on all accounts verdict? I’d like to send him
a message along the lines of eating crow
and how about an apology to our brave & honorable MARINES. I know hell will indeed freeze over before this joker apologizes for anything. Newsmax went to bat for all the marines who were charged and asked for donations to help with their defense if anyone is interested in donating, and I believe Newsmax also gave $25,000 themselves. If you can give please do so they are all worthy of our support and how grateful we are for their service to this country as well as their families.
You can contact Newsmax to learn how to
donate.
#108

On June 5th, 2008 at 4:44 pm, emjem24 said:

sausage said:

This is not complex stuff.

24 Iraqi civilians were killed by these marines - we know that as a fact. So we have been told that the majority are innocent of the crime of murder… but they still killed the civilians.. That’s probably why people are still just a bit upset about it on the Iraqi side.

You know, families of those killed. Just a bit pissed off.

The Marines have been found innocent of killing them on purpose. They just killed them by mistake.

Again, not difficult to understand why some people might think - Gee, killing a few Iraqi civilians in a strip of homes could be considered a mistake - but 24…? That’s quite a lot of mistakes. Especially as babies tend not to carry guns.

But as Bush says, winning hearts and minds….

It’s nice to know that as usual, the anti-military bigot comes out from underneath his rock to play. Even though, what you’ve never served in the military, weren’t in Haditha, have never seen a combat area, let alone how the military operates and functions.

This military spouse sees right through your spiel for what it is- an ignorant, hateful riff on something you don’t understand from a media that doesn’t investigate but sure likes to slander our troops a lot.

It’s nice to see how one-sied your universe is, isn’t it, snausage. I guess it doesnt’ bother you that the Marines were being fired on from the houses where said civilians were killed, that the civilians weren’t just “civilians” but terrorists, and that these “insurgents” regularly terrorized the civilian population by using them as “fodder” or cover, or their homes for protection.

What the hell are the freaking Marines supposed to do? Stand by and not defend themselves? Stand by and watch their friends get mowed down? I’m astonished at what appears to be a severe lack of critical thinking or analytical skills on your part, snausage. Then again, Americans tend to ignore what is little more than inconvenience to them and you.

Please…. you underwhelm me with your military knowledge. Instead of threading an original thought, it would seem that parroting anti-military, anti-war talking points is more your style. Yes, yes, we all know…. it’s all about those poor, helpless Iraqi civilians you use as an excuse to ignore the obvious…. they weren’t all just “civilians.”
#109

On June 5th, 2008 at 4:52 pm, nlebou said:

Murtha For Congress Committee
647 Main St. Suite 200
Johnstown, PA 15901

PHONE: 814-539-8196
800-630-8196

FAX: 814-539-2121

No email address.
#110

On June 5th, 2008 at 4:53 pm, DBNinKY said:

On June 5th, 2008 at 4:11 pm, emjem24 said:

Rep. Murtha owes each and every one of these Marines an apology for the way he politicized and mischaracterized Haditha.

Major agreement, Emjem!

I also think Rep. Kanjorski should do some apologizing as well!

What’s more, I’d be curious to know if and to what degree Kanjorski and Murtha acted in collusion to plan and carry out that treasonous PR campaign of scoring political points for the Democrats by degrading our troops and denigrating their successes in Iraq.
#111

On June 5th, 2008 at 4:59 pm, DBNinKY said:

On June 5th, 2008 at 9:24 am, sausage said:

24 Iraqi civilians were killed by these marines - we know that as a fact.

Sausage, please! The only way you could know this is through the media, and surely you are not that naive.
#112

On June 5th, 2008 at 5:42 pm, graysonret said:

Murtha does owe an apology…not that we will ever see it. That man is NO patriot and is interested in only advancing his own welfare, at the expense of the USMC. This is the type of person will be controlling congress in the future, if the public doesn’t react. Personally, I would love to see Murtha come to a military base and see the troops execute an “about face” and look away from him, each and every time.
#113

On June 5th, 2008 at 10:26 pm, dakine said:

That’s a pretty good post emjem, but don’t pretend you know all that went on. That would be pretty disingenuous. The military justice system is working, and that’s the important point. I’d feel the same way if these marines had been convicted.
#114

On June 6th, 2008 at 2:30 am, ct davis said:

I figured it out.. Sausage is a Brit. Or worse, a Brit Wannabee. No one reads the Guardian except the mothers of Scouser football hooligans (that’s Britcode for the fine youth of Liverpool-another product of Socialism). Sausage, you need to understand that US Politics are just that. No one here really cares about Brit politics.. Watching Commons for us is more like something you have to do in the proctologists waiting room because it makes you feel good about your upcoming exam.

The American MSM is bad enough. I am here in Europe with only CNN International and BBC to watch. CNN International makes CNN America look like they would have supported Regan. The Lefties use it as a way to bash America from afar. BBC is just as bad but they consider “Great Reporting” to be a reading of the Newspaper Headlines. Sad.

Thank God that these brave men were acquitted. Lets get some of these Dems convicted of Sedition. The evidence is all on film. Should be a slam dunk.
#115

On June 6th, 2008 at 4:06 am, RetFireman said:

Civilians killed in a war zone? Unthinkable…unheard of…who would have thought…no wonder little poo-butts like snausage are all upset. I guess we should begin war crime proceedings on the several million WWII vets…especially the pilots and crews of all the B-25’s and other bombers for all the civilians “accidentally” killed (or in Libspeak, murdered) trying to irradicate the Nazi scourge from Africa, the Mediteranian and Europe. Not to mention all the innocents murdered in the Phillipines, the Pacific, Japan etc. Why, all this time, with all the years of study and research I have done on WWII, I am now ashamed to have been considering these men and women who served and fought in WWII in the various theaters of operation as heros, brave souls who saved the world from utter destruction by Socialist, Fascists and other megalomaniacal thugs. How was I to know that I was paying hero worship to murderous animals who are no better tha Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo and others themselves…if not worse.

My God…how could we all be so supid as to think that these soldiers, Marines, sailors, WACS, WAVES, Tommies and others could be congratulated and honored for what, according to Snausage and others of his ilk, are low down, dirty scum-sucking murderers.

Thank you Snausage. Were it not for you, I would never have had the true understanding of what a War Zone and those who operate within one really and truly are. You have done a great service here today, and I for one praise you for your honesty and integrity…in speeking “Truth to Power” With any luck, with people like you in the world, we will soon be rid of such murderous and maniacal thugs as the United States Marines, United States Navy, United States Army, United States Air Force and the United States Coast Guard.

Keep fighting the good fight brother…we must lead by example, and…if we do it right…once our military is exposed as murderers and thugs, it will be disbanded, all the money used to fund entitlements and Universal Healthcare and the rest of the world, especially those peace loving Muslims and Communists in North Korea, Cuba, and China will follow suit, disband their armies and terrorist organizations and we can all gather around the big hooka and smoke the herb of peace and brotherly love, singing Kumbaya and have a “Hands Across the Globe” event for all time.

You jackass.
#116

On June 6th, 2008 at 9:35 am, ct davis said:

Outstanding post RetFireman.
#117

On June 6th, 2008 at 2:42 pm, Chief RZ said:

Just called. They have a Marine on the phone, retired E-6: Vietnam and Desert Shield Desert Storm VET. He said Murtha can not say anything now on advise of council. Good PR.