Lawmakers join Hunter in backing accused SEALs

[unhappycamper]

Lawmakers join Hunter in backing accused SEALs
By Kevin Freking - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Dec 4, 2009 16:06:46 EST

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers are seeking a reprieve for three Navy SEALs facing court martial because one allegedly punched a suspect in an ambush killing of U.S. contractors in Iraq.

One of the SEALs is reported to have punched Ahmed Hashim Abed during Abed’s September arrest, said Rep. Duncan Hunter.

Rather than accept a reprimand, the sailors chose to fight the charges in a military court. Their appeal greatly raises the stakes because a guilty finding could bring stiff punishment.

A letter Hunter is circulating in the House of Representatives said prosecuting the three SEALs “seems to us to be an overreaction by the command.”

~snip~

About 20 lawmakers have signed the letter to Gates, including House Minority Leader John Boehner. The letter is to be delivered Friday afternoon.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/12/ap_congress_navy_seals_abuse_claims_120409/

[rpannier]

1. Only 20

I figured every republikkan and most Dems would sign on so they could say they were supporting the troops