IRAQ: The voice of a Marine

A highpoint of press coverage of proceedings at Camp Pendleton involving allegations of Marine misconduct in Iraq comes when the accused makes a statement.

Such statements are usually unsworn, meaning the defendant cannot be cross-examined by prosecutors.

Reporters think it's important to describe not just what the Marine said but how he said it.

Take the preliminary hearing this week for Sgt. Johnny Winnick, the sniper accused of manslaughter and assault in the killing of two Syrians and wounding of two others.

The hearing officer will make a recommendation to the commanding general about whether the case should go to court-martial.

In his statement, Winnick, 24, of San Diego, said he fired on the Syrians because he thought they were planting a roadside bomb that could kill Marines.

And how did he deliver his statement? Take your pick:

North (San Diego) County Times: "in a clear, calm voice."

Los Angeles Times: "in a clear, strong voice."

San Diego Union-Tribune: "in a shaky voice."

— Tony Perry, at Camp Pendleton

Photo: Sgt. Johnny Winnick, accused in killing/wounding of Syrians. Credit: Winnick family

Comments

[Buzz]

Marines are American young men. They do something few people ever do. They go into situations where decisions must be made in seconds not hours. The wrong decisions can cost lives. Their own life or in this case someone else's.
The very nature of war creates an extremely dangerous environment. Weapons accidently discharge, bombs miss their target and hit the wrong group. This has been the nature of war for thousands of years. It happened in the Revolutionary war, The civil War, WWI and WWII and it happens today.
More care is taken by our soldiers and Marines than can be imagined. They put themselves in greater danger because of it, but they do it because they are Americans and have grown up with these values like you and me.
News organizations don't like to highlight the good these men and women do. Its easier to print the mistakes.
Today is the Fourth of July. It celebrates our Declaration of Independence, but we are not independent because we declared it. We are independent because young men stepped forward and fought. Honor them!

[I was there]

It was definitely a clear strong voice, with calmness to it, no bit of shakiness.