Interview with a pet reporter.

[Kelvin Mace]

I was listening to an interview of Christopher Morris author of latest bit of pro-war propaganda "21 Days to Baghdad: The Inside Story of How America Won the War Against Iraq" and was struck by his answer to the question:

"Was there any picture you didn't take because you were worried about it being taken out of context?" (question paraphrased).

His answer was he didn't take pictures of US troops "looting" cigarettes, candy, etc from Iraqi stores because this thing goes on all the time in war. Besides, after the first few weeks, the brass cracked down and "really frowned" on it.

Okay, somebody correct me if I'm wrong. Looting is a crime, even in the military. "I was having a mean nicotine fit" is not considered a license to steal.

As I recall, when looting became a problem with Iraqis, the military issued "shoot to kill" orders. So, Iraqis stealing from Iraqis means you are shot dead, no trial. Americans soldiers stealing from Iraqis is "really frowned upon".

Gotta love our flexible morality.

David Allen
www.thoughtcrimes.org
Distrusting the Government Since 1984