The fate of Lt. Col. Chessani, continued
The legal nightmare continues for Haditha Marine Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani. David Harsanyi reports on the prosecution’s appeal of the dismissal of charges against Lt. Col. Chessani. Gary Gross has more and notes:
This is disgusting behavior on the military’s behalf. How can this go forward, especially considering LtCol. Chessani’s Combat Fitness Report applauds him for his qualities during the timeframe in which the Haditha firefight happened? Here’s what LtCol. Chessani’s CFR says in part:
* “Leads Marines from front in every operation. Demonstrates moral courage every day.”
* “Doesn’t hesitate to report bad news fast or contest unrealistic plans/poor concepts. Despite the complexity and size of his AO [area of operations], he always maintains a calm, cool demeanor.”
* “Gets the job done to an exceedingly high standard.”
The Thomas More Law Center, which is representing Lt. Col. Chessani, posts the notice of appeal and blasts the decision:
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, reacted with outrage, “This case has turned into the persecution of one of the Marine’s finest combat commanders. LtCol Chessani devoted his life to the Corps and his Nation. He served three tours of duty in Iraq, away from his wife and children in defense of us all. In their attempt ‘to get’ Chessani, prosecutors granted immunity to seventeen Marines, including one they had charged with murder. Still they failed. Sadly, in the process they have destroyed the career of an outstanding officer. Enough is enough.”
Enough is enough.
You can support the Thomas More Law Center’s work here.
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Dreadful. MM, you are spot on. Enough is enough.
The sound of crickets chirping from the White House lawn is deafening.
Prosecutors are a soulless bunch of bureaucratic parasites. Their entire existence is based on sucking the life out of productive citizens.
And since when has there been anything but cricket chirps coming from this administration, especially when it comes to defending our military?
…or border agents!
Hey Prosecutors, a “thank you” would be more appropriate.
I will keep Lt. Col. Chessani in my prayers.
What we need is more ‘oversight’, right? Or would that be considered ‘undue influence?’ Shame, shame on the prosecutors! The only one still with a marketable reputation is that slime-ball, John, “The Fat Man“, Murtha. He’s still open for business with other corruptocrats, and his below IQ constituency considers him a blessing…go figure!
Where are all the liberals now, crying “It’s not fair!” Silence….
Give our rights to those who want to kill us, and prosecute those who defend us.
Soon - Our troops will need to read the enemy their rights on the battlefield, or be charged with crimes at home.
This “type of justice” is our enemy within, give them a little more rope so that they can clearly demonstrate this to Americans. Then mark these traitors well, so that they can be dealt with “Real American Justice”.
Today, I trust a Marine more than the Supreme Court.
Donated what I could to Lt. Col. Chessani’s defense fund.
Murtha can rot for all the pain he’s caused this man and his family.
S.M. Sullivan who ever you are, crawl back under your rock kid.
I’m sure HDFOB is celebrating this, and praying that Lt. Chessani will end his military career in prison. After all, he cares so much about the mission.
And as I wrote regarding the same topic over on HotAir:
That’s something most Americans will never understand - it has something to do with duty and honor. The prosecutors in this case have lost whatever honor they once possessed.
Thank you for your outstanding service to the United States Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani. Our prayers are with you and your family.
The prosecution is desperate. Apparently there is a motion to dismiss the charges against SSgt Wuterich on teh same grounds as Lt. Col. Chessani. They are panicking given that there is a very good chance that their last case will fall apart.
There is a great body of people in the media, the administration and even on this board, who do not grasp that one of the reasons for Bush’s horrible approval ratings is his failure to defend American GIs, border guards, and even members of his own administration.
I can certainly understand the duty and honor part. But does one have any duty to those who would so freeling and willingly stab them in the back for doing their jobs, under such extremely difficult, and life-risking circumstances?
Is there any honor in defending those that will turn against you and ruin your life for the sake of political convenience or some Nifong-esque prosecutor’s vendetta?
This country better wake the f up and get this under control, or pretty soon we won’t be able to find people to risk their lives for us. Nor will we deserve to have anyone defend us.
Anyone else smell undo influence on the prosecution from say… someone in the Senate?
Just guessing but If I happened to be a loudmouth, two bit, scum sucking weasel breath traitor, I’d try to use my influence to try to get at least one of our marines. After all, the US Senate has its reputation to uphold.
- alert - sarcasm button stuck- alert - sarcasm button stuck–
Looks like the prosecutor is another Johnny (Boy) Sutton…looking for another innocent victim to convict…bastards all!
I can’t believe they’re going to try to appeal. Enough is enough. Move on.
And as far as Murtha is concerned, yeah, he should be sued.
Someone needs to be made an example of already, and Murtha’s ripe, considering his constant diarrhea of the mouth.
Maybe, just maybe, he’ll watch what he says going forward.
I’m presently unemployed but donated to the Fund. I’ll give more whenever I can…… the leftists will respond in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1….. but to hell with them… am I blunt enough?
BTW, I was for Jack Nicholson to win in ‘A Few Good Men’. Screw Tom Cruise’s character.
You Cant Handle The Truth!!!!
Enough is enough indeed.
I can’t give until after R&R. I hope this is all over with by then. If not, I’ll give what I can.
Empty GITMO and put our Marines in there. That is the way of the Dems/liberals. It is rather sick.
Again I ask: Why are there STILL Democrats and how do they live with themselves?
MNUSMCDavid said:
Sup bud, I’m really enjoying Atlas Shrugged I’ll be quite the summer reading I am sure.
I agree with all the above comments.
The Pentagon is filled with CYA’rs as are the SC.-Congress and the executive branches of our government.
I would trust any ground force military “guy” over any government official.
Our military has the best of the best…
our government has the LOTE.
Thomas More Law Center has my financial support.
PS I read Aynn Rand’s books;_ Atlas Shrugged_ and _Fountainhead_ while at university. They helped me to see through the liberal ideas that were being perpetrated - even then.
GK< hey I’m fighting the good fight. Glad your enjoying the read. If you can get a hold of Ayn Rand’s essays, they’re pretty good , too.
I got the CD the Objectivist center sent on her speech at West Point back in in the 60’s 0r 70’s…. as relevant today as it was then.
Isn’t it illegal to be tried twice for the same crime?? I don’t get it??? Yes, Bush as usual is gung ho to send men into battle in war and on the border. But ask him to stand UP for them and he is nowhere to be found.CongresRamos and Compean still languish in prison while drug runners roam freely across the border. No wonder the man is held in contempt. Good enough to die for his cause but don’t expect backing from the weakling President and Congress s…DIZZGUSSTING!!
I heard a saying many years ago that there was no rest for the wicked and the good do not need any. It seems that like many concepts, the dems have turned this on its head as well.
These good Marines need a rest and this travesty of justice needs to be stopped. How about we confer some of his Constitutional Rights on him as a U.S. citizen and give him a hearing in a civilian trial. Then let him proceed to civil courts with his suit against Murtha once he is acquitted again.
It definitely smells like undue governmental/political interference in this case. If that is found to be the case, I would strongly recommend more than just censure. If we do not stand up for our troops, the day may come when they do not stand up for us.
Exactly.
And I fear with this ridiculous, vindictive, and vicious persecution of our Marines, that we are getting very close to that day.
That’s how you tell the difference between a Marine and a lawyer.
pgtips said:
I just had a cup of pg tips. Rock on.
“If we do not stand up for our troops, the day may come when they do not stand up for us.”
The visceral part of me says this could happen. But, the reality is that we who have served and those who are or will… will always stand in front of those weaker. Yes, I’ve considered this a long time, and I would stand and defend to the death even the most liberal and Marxist of my fellow citizens. Maybe, that’s the BIG difference from the anti- war, leftist cretins and us.
# 25 Thank you–
Ayn Rand’s West Point speech:
http://gos.sbc.edu/r/rand.html
That may be true, but I will never begrudge any of these persecuted Marines if they were to decide it wasn’t worth it anymore. I certainly don’t begrudge Ilario Pantano for leaving the service after the way they tried to railroad him.
And realisitically, if such injustices like this are allowed to proliferate, it’s going to make many young people less willing. A republic that won’t defend it’s warriors is in my mind a republic that is no longer worth defending.
I listen to that speech alot….. you’re quite welcome, CS
This was one topic where I found myself in full agreement with Dr. Savage’s rage.
It would appear that the un-named General who exerted “undue influence” in favor of this prosecution is still excreting…uh…oops…that’s exerting…
Well gave some to the TM law center. I cannot believe this. It’s sickening. # 6 is right on!
# 34 MNUSMC If you have the info as to where to obtain the audio, I would love to add it to my CD collection.
Thanks again..
The military persecuters can not let this go due to political correctness, the MSM thinks a crime had been committed in their twisted world view and now the military has to offer up an innocent sacrificial scape goat to prove them right irregardless of wheather or not a crime was committed.
Looks like Secretary Gates is not done firing high ranking officers after replacing some of the top spots for the Department of the Air Force. The Department of the Navy’s JAG could use some house cleaning too. I have to agree with others, enough already!
On June 19th, 2008 at 1:43 pm, mtngrandpa said:
I am sick of this administration throwing good people (Marines, Border Patrol) to the wolves for doing their jobs! When will the Republicans take action? Bush needs to hold a press conference TODAY and stand behind HIS military and border agents! Rights for terrorists, and trials for Marines? Go figure. He’d rather kiss up to his liberal cronies than stand for what is right. What does he think he has to lose at this point? All the “political leaders” from both parties are making me sick.
http://www.investors.com/editorial/cartoon.asp
As always - Mr. Ramirez is right on!
ck June 18
Never forget how general officer’s are appointed and approved.
In a nutshell; The President appoints along with advice and consent of the senate.
It matters who you elect. Many reasons can be easily seen, and so many others are not thought of that often.
My response to that is… which cold day in hell did you ever think the opposite to be true?
Today - and any day - I trust a jarhead, devil dog, leatherneck red-white-and-blue Marine more than anyone in any of the 3 branches of Government.
CS
Go to : http://www.aynrand.org
I don’t know how to link…. but that’s the site I got it at. You may have to register, but it’s free.
As would I … to defend We the People of these Independent but United States of America, but when the government fears the people, you have freedom. When the people fear the government, you have slavery and tyranny. I cannot say that I would so willingly stand up and defend our government today as I did when I was active duty.
There are however, many things that separate the Service Personnel from the lawyers. A sense of honor and duty would not even skim the surface.
OT (And GROSS Warning)
Why do lawyers get so nervous when they get skitters? (Diarrhea)
They think they are melting!
(May the mods forgive me)
WarTip
ROFLMUSMCAO!!!!!!!!! There goes any interest I had in Hershey’s dark chocolate squares….lol
Well, Sen. McCain is the great friend of America’s fighting forces like Col. Chessani. I know that he will certainly be prompt in blasting the decision to appeal — won’t he?
Is this some sort of disgusting ploy to prevent LtCol Chessani from prosecuting John Murtha and specific media outlets for slander and defamation?
I can’t understand why his fellow servicemen are so rabid about prosecuting Chessani, their brother-in-arms, especially know how pathetic and ludicrous the entire case is — surely, some dirty politician is pulling strings…somehow, somewhere.
When it comes to prosecutors, it’s all about winning, not serving justice.
It’s time to start calling the White House to urge the President end this witch hunt.
I may be in the minority on this decision. And the president may choose to pardon several of these cases before he leaves office. I would be ok with that.
Instead of expecting the president to pardon though,
I expect us to work hard to defeat democrats,
so we can repeal bad legislation and if necessary pass conservative legislation, and nominate and confirm conservative judges.
That is how we win.
Unfortunately, if we replaced them with the republicans we have these days, I doubt it would be much better … though it may be for a little while at least. I think it really is time to start a new Conservative Party. Barring that, watering the tree of Liberty looks to be our only real option.
I would rather see an honest and up-front Conservative on the ticket even if it was a “third party” or independent until a new party was firmly established. It would be difficult I know, but not impossible and certainly not as costly as alternative options.
If we can’t win as Republicans, the party of Lincoln, I have even greater doubts about a third party.
Work hard with what we have and we can win.
Reagan did it, we can do it.
And as those weak Republicans come up for re-election, find conservative republicans in your districts/countys/ states and run them against them.
We are likely to see how difficult live can be, if this fall we lose the power if 41 in the senate.
GJC;
All the more reeason to work on winning elections and not relying on presidential pardons.
I will take them if we get them, but put me in the not holding breath category.
I know I am going to catch it for this, but while Lincoln may have accomplished many good things, he was also the one that centralized federal control over much of the government opening the door for the usurpation of power from the states. I really do believe that was the most relevant beginning in the change from a Constitutional Republic to a democracy. It is just my opinion but it does seem to have a solid historical backing in fact as well.
If we had another Reagan to unite the party, I may have some hope. However, we are in the fight of our lives and the republicans want us to point sticks and shout “bang” instead of arming us with the tools we need to fight this onslaught.
Unfortunately, I fear we are going to enter more than just difficult times no matter which one of these two win this election.
This is why it is so iumportant to be involved in your local election process. I agree we are dangerously short on strong Republicans in the Congress.
We are most likely entering a rebuilding era for the party. It is people like those if us on this site who can inluence and help those in our states to enter the national scene.
I want a strong Republican president. But the reality is, senators and congressmen write the laws, pass the budgets etc..
Relying on presidential politics alone is something too many of our fellow republicans/conservatives have done for far too long.
The heavy lifting is done in congress. We cannot cede that territory over to the democrats. We must fight and win in that arena as well as the presidential politics.
And once engaged, realize this fight never ends. It is not, win one term and think we conquered the world. It is long term thinking and planning and then turning the reins over to the next generation of conservatives to continue what we have continued from those who have entrusted us.
It ends for me when they play taps over me, not a second defore.
The heavy lifting is also done at the city,town and borough level. It is the city council, school board, DNR, and local functions that need to see strong conservative people who will serve. Once that is done, you move to state and federal levels…. but structures are NEVER built from the top down. Oldcollegeguy1980?… I’m an old college guy 1976…. and I agree with you wholeheartedly.
You and I do agree there. I have said before on this site that we need to try to take this nation back city by city and state by state or we will be forced to defend it street by street.
You are absolutely correct about finding staunch Conservatives. However, it seems to me if they do not toe the party line, they will be quickly passed over and lose all party funding and subsequently elections as well. For this reason, I question the ability to rebuild the Republican party. Still, be it republican or third party, I pray that we can instigate a return of the Conservative movement. I only pray that the damage over the next four years will not be so severe that the system cannot be rebuilt without completely breaking it down first.
Me thinks Murtha is behind this along with a feckless President Bush.
I’ve been so disappointed in bush this last term. I was so proud of him on how he handled the 9/11 horrible event and for the most part I was also proud of his first term except letting sadr breathe air. Then the second term came and I can’t think of one thing I can support him on. I’m shocked at his backing up his “buddy” (yes he called johnny sutton the prosecutor that made deals with the mexican illegal drug dealer over our border patrol, his buddy) against the poor border guards. The border guards got more time than a child molester does that ruins hundreds of innocent children’s lives. Him dancing with the saudis and his wife donning the hijab setting women in saudi arabia back that are fighting to not wear it….I just could go on. This whole prosecution of the haditha marines is disgusting on a whole other level. Of course I have to say that I’d still voted for him over john idiot kerry but I’m still deeply disappointed that he seems to be one that no longer stands for what he believes in.
It sickens me to see that we have two candidates that will make me wish bush had a third term because they are so bad. For the first time, I am not sure I can vote for President because I can’t decide what is worse, a democrat (mccain) or a socialist (obama)…both have horrible policies and I trust neither to staff the Supreme Court. 2012 scares me more than 2008 seeing how far we are pegging far left in such a short amount of time and it seems acceptable to the republicans in the decision making circle while they kiss mccain and pretend nothing is wrong.
# 61 I agree with you….
AIHSB… The Slippery Slide to the LEFT by being offered the LOTE has NOT WORKED for this >>>>> the greatest Nation on Earth.
# 56 I Totally agree with you …
I can’t believe that I’m so agreeable today…
I want my Constitutional REPUBLIC back!!!!!
#9 Thirteen28:
I tell you what I am NOT celebrating is this:
How do you feel about that Code Pink nonsense being tossed around by Chessani’s lawyer. I wonder how many in this string actually agree with that?
I don’t. The Marine Corps remains not only the world’s best career, but a way of life. I will continue to recommend it to every 16-24 year-old hardcharger I see. Apparently Chessani won’t.
Agree 100%…
How dare a mere Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps threaten a lawsuit against the Prince of Slime, Murtha?!?
Go get ‘em Colonel Chessani!! Make Chesty proud!!
I heard today that the House passed a funding appropriation for the military in Iraq and sent it on to the Senate. Now is the time to find some senators willing to put forth an amendment cutting off funding for the Navy JAG until all actions against Chessani and Wuterich are dropped permanently.
How is anything stated by Chessani’s lawyer even remotely close to Code Pink nonsense? Persecution like this of the Haditha Marines, of Ilario Pantano, etc. will sooner or later affect recruiting if it hasn’t already. That’s not Code Pink, that’s common sense. People are not going to literally put their lives on the line when they know they could easily get thrown in the slammer for life just for doing their jobs - or killed if they don’t.
It’s not just the prospective recruits that are watching either, it’s their parents, their relatives, etc. You don’t think they’ll have influence?
Until this type of persecution stops, neither would I.
As I said above, a country that won’t defend those that risk their lives for it isn’t worth defending.
Amen!
Code pink are a bunch of old crackpots. Our marines and their representatives are hardly even a smidge of that. Very insulting imo.
Where is the Commander-in-Chief? Someone look in the elevator, he is probably cowering in the corner with Murtha.