Marines looking into puppy-cruelty video

The Marine Corps released a statement today that it is investigating a video that began circulating online yesterday of a uniformed Marine throwing a puppy off a cliff.

The video is here, but beware, it's unsettling.  Note: Citing a terms-of-use violation, YouTube removed its most-watched version of the video, even after it had been posted for a day and had received worldwide attention and become a legitimate news story.

In the video, a second Marine identifies the first by name;

"That was mean, Motari," he says, unconvincingly.

Online denizens quickly located the Bebo.com profile of a Marine named David Motari.  The Marine Corps press office confirmed that Motari is, or at one time was, in the corps. 

A phone number and address for a David Motari was repeatedly posted on the Bebo profile and in the comments on the Digg entry that led to the video.  When I called the number, it had been disconnected.

There's a debate to be had about where the death of a puppy lies along the spectrum of war horrors, and why a video like this can gain wide online attention when other outrageous footage -- say, involving the death of humans -- is only rarely circulated.  Any thoughts?

Commenters:  Please do not submit any more comments that advocate violence against the Marine in question, who I remind you has not been positively identified.  This story has too many facts missing for people to be treating it like it's a closed case. (Wed 3/5)

Note: I'm closing the comments because they've degenerated into name calling and taunts. (Thurs 3/6)

Comments

[TheOtherSide]

Well this is nothing compared to all of the other snuff videos the military has produced. Go here to see a whole lot more disturbing video from the noble military:

http://www.infowars.com/?p=586

I bet the Iraqi people are really loving their "freedom". Why doesn't the media ever report the other side of the news in Iraq? Huh??!!

[Lindsey]

This was soo awful...i saw it on the news and i think people like that are cruel and deserve to go straight to hell!!! Millitary or not, they were taught morals and values that lot of americans dont have but hurting innocent animals is so wrong! I hope his ass gets kicked out!

[Ronald]

Is this what the Marines should teach us, killing inocent puppies for fun?

[Dion]

The reason WHY such an event generates such interest and intense disgust is because the little dog is absolutely defenseless and was tossed like some rag to be thrown away. Now you may say that the same can happend to people but theres one thing unless you are an absolute moron you KNOW there are consequences for those type action should you pursue them and the authrorities pursue it. Its obvious that this soldier did not have any notion that any consequence would be entailed in this action until now. Kinda like juveniles who video some event and then make the mistake of passing it around...eventually it will bite you in the rear end by someone who will turn it in to the authorites. Insofar as the human to human war..atrocities are to be expected between people...but with any human..this is one event that is disgusting be you being Iraqi, American or anything that has some idea of what is right and wrong.

[AMERICAN]

What a big brave Marine he is. I hope this man doesn't have, or ever have children. He picks on the defenseless, innocent, he is a monster. We will see what kind of spin the USMC puts on this one.

[Angry Naked Guy]

"There's a debate to be had about where the death of a puppy lies along the spectrum of war horrors, and why a video like this can gain wide online attention when other outrageous footage -- say, involving the death of humans -- is only rarely circulated. Any thoughts?"

If "of humans" you mean "of adults," the answer is obvious -- most adults are capable of making their own decisions, and have done so. In many cases these choices (like joining the military, becoming a "gangsta," or becoming a suicide bomber) like to their deaths. A puppy (or any animal, for that matter), on the other hand, cannot make a conscious decision to be thrown off a cliff. Now, imagine if the puppy was replaced with an infant -- another case of "outrageous footage ... involving the deaths of humans." Do you honestly think such a video would not gain wide circulation and outrage?

[Adam]

People can argue that war atrocities are more important. But this video nonetheless shows a basic disregard for living things in general. This is this degenerate's idea of fun, to be videotaped and spread about like some stupid drunken college youtube post. These are the kind of people that we're training to defend out country? To hold that kind of vaulted responsibility? These are the people that represent us in countries like Iraq? And we wonder why such horrible things happen. And why so many of them hate us.

[Bao]

I'm Vietnamese, and I don't think this is a big deal. Back in the old days, US soldiers regularly raped little girls, some as young as 9 or 10, then killed them, and most of America supported it as long as there was no video of it. And if there was video, then the American people would rather have it buried so that they can keep on telling themselves that American war is always for the purpose of peace.

[sophia]

What a sadistic, coward!! Are we supposed to be proud of our soldiers like this evil creature ? Who is laughing and appears very proud that he has been fighting in the military, yes, by throwing a poor, frightened, totally defenseless little puppy over the cliff. David Motari, you are a real man!! You will go to HELL, just matter of time.
No wonder there was Abu Gharab. Soldiers like him is obviously a sociopath who is a loser in life, and only place will take him is the Military. It appears that some of the criminals have found a sanctuary in the US Military, like a child in the candy store, these cold blooded criminals got a license to kill all in the name of "defending our country." A low life like David Motari put a stain to all the honorable people who are kind and brave and making the ultimate sacrifice for this country. This kind of barbaric act must be taken seriously, because who will be his next victim? More innocent animals? Children? Justice must be served and he needs to be locked up and throw the keys away.

[Will Raee]

I spoke to David Motari's mother on her cell phone this morning, as well as a few friends. I saw the video a few days ago before it went viral and was able to access quite a lot of his personal information before it got censored or taken down. The people around him are shocked and very upset to say the least. Apparently, he lost a brother in a car accident 4 years ago - they told me he was a good Christian (as all are). His mother is devastated - she was real proud of him before - hanging pictures all around her desk at the reality office. I do feel bad for her. I can hear the disappointment in her voice. The bottom line - who knows what makes a person like this into the evil scum bag that he is today. All we can do is push the powers at be to ensure he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This puppy was a defenseless creature that was probably happy to even have human contact. I'm sure if he did the same thing to a human baby it would get even more attention. It is true that we have come to expect atrocities in war, but this was not an act of war. This was just sadistic cruelty all for a little chuckle. This is who represents us abroad. And, if one does the research they will find more of this kind of reprehensible behavior. I for one will do all I can to make this scum-bag pay for his actions. This is not just about a defenseless puppy. This about the evil people of this world versus the good natured, the selfish and insensitive versus the caring. The old ways versus the new age. It's about people of want to live in peace versus people who want to make others suffer. There is enough hardships in life to deal with without David Motari and his kind continuing to make life harder for all the rest of us. People need to write the military, your congressmen, the media, and who ever can make a difference. Nothing will change until we make it happen.

[sophia]

Bao: I am an American of Chinese ancestry and I have the same last name as yous.
To say that because the US soldiers have raped young girl during the Vietnam War, so the cruelty to the innocent animals is "NO BIG DEAL" is unconscionable. Are you suggesting that only the human life matters? Raping the innocent girls are definitely despicable and reprehensible, abusing the innocent animals are wrong too. We are talking about the basic human decency.
Animals are living beings who share this earth with us and they deserve a fair treatment.
So be kind and benevolent to all, both humans and animals.

[Bill G]

I love how all of you paint our entire military as rapists and murderers now, what a typically pathetic knew jerk reaction from typically pathetic Americans.

[Bryon]

He'll be on the news in a year or so crying and telling a judge how sorry he is (that he got caught).

[Rambo]

Well, if you're Vietnamese and don't like America...there's an over-night flight to Hanoi.

Sure, the video is disturbing -- kind of like a car accident you don't want to watch. American soldiers aren't supposed to be malicious killers like that - but there's always a bad egg every so often - remember...'one bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch...'

There's a hell of a lot more good done by US soldiers that the death of a little dog.

[Doolan]

Irregularities committed by US soldiers in a situation of war get more publicity than those committed by the armed forces of a dictatorship. In my opinion this is so for two reasons: first, there exists in the US a certain freedom for the media. Second, the US is expected, generally speaking, to be above certain atrocities.

In other words, they get publicity because they are an exception, not a norm, and because the country they originate in is actually allowed to discuss it.

This is a good thing, and in my opinion should stay like that. In spite of what the public opinion will try to tell us, outraged by the exceptional acts of cruelty, the Armed Forces of the United States are not a gathering of killers. On the contrary, they are, like the armed forces of most countries, a group of dedicated individuals with strong discipline and good moral fiber.

Naturally, for it to stay like this, such irregular cases, minor as they might seem to some, must be prosecuted with full strength. Our morality and sentimental reactions aside (I am a die-hard animal lover who doesn't even kill spiders or cockroaches), the key issue as far as the military is concerned is the improper, indecorous behavior of a man in active duty who wears the uniform of the USMC and is, by his job and rank, considered to be a representative of his unit, his army and his country. Furthermore, the fact that it's a random and unjustified act of cruelty towards a defenseless living being should be enough to revoke his right to carry a weapon and bear the responsibility of the life and death of enemies, comrades and civilians. To add even more to the offense, filming and publishing it tarnishes the reputation of the institution he belongs to.

In short, puppy or not, dead or not, is not the issue, even though the video literally ruined my day. The issue is that an adult who chose to represent his country in active duty has publicly degraded his uniform and his group, displaying a behavior that is improper of a United States Marine if their code of conduct is anything to go by. He, as any others caught doing as much as insulting the Iraqi police (as seen in another video), should be demoted at least and receive dishonorable discharge at most if his unit wants to keep the slightest trace of prestige.

[Dion]

People people people... NO one is saying the US forces are BAD..we are only focusing on one PERSON who has been videoed and captured doing something disgusting. Do atrocities happend in war..ofcourse they do but unless you can document it right there we can only discuss it.
The deal with video is ..you are right there..its not like someone is reading a page. Obviously the reaction is a lot more emotional and swift as if you were there. The story is about a young man who has no regard for a simple animal (which probably wandered over) and decided to throw it.
Doesnt the yelp of the little dog kinda get to you...make you scream from within. If you have any kind of compassion...it should move you....

[stephen]

this "boy" is a despicable excuse for a human being. in fact any of the "boys' involved in something as vile an act as that should not only being removed from the corp, but brought up on animal cruelty charges.
i had a great-uncle and an uncle in the marine corps and something so disgusting would never have even entered their minds.
this kid is a punk. i bet his parents are real proud of the piece of "shit" they raised.

my you rot in hell.

[Bao]

What I'm saying is...

The US is in Iraq now because it feels no guilt for what it did in Vietnam. The rape and slaughter of little girls back then was the norm, and the American people knew it was going on.

This uproar over this video proves my point. Why do Americans think these things only happen because there's a video? We've heard much worse coming out of Iraq but people still go on thinking that America's there to fight for freedom.

As for flying back to Hanoi - I go there often. I spend lots of time over there talking to people from around the world about how idiotic and evil the typical American is. I also tell them that I'm very glad America is going broke fighting a war that it's currently losing. hardee har har.

Oh, and I thank this soldier for displaying his Christian American virtue for the world to see.

[Kimberley]

This war and our war-mongering government are creating cold-blooded killers that are going to be reintroduced to our society. We have allowed our bloodthirsty psycho of a "president" to get us into a war for the sake of his own sick ego; our troops are suffering endless abuse of stop-losses and lack of support by their own government. Their lives are falling apart back at home in their absence, and they are cracking under the strain. Anyone who would do a thing like this would just as easily murder, rape or maim a human without a second thought. Animal abuse is the main indicator of psychopathic killers. This man is sending a warning that his soul has turned to rotted filth and that he is no longer capable of controlling hideous cruel and evil impulses. He's showing glee in the willful torture of a completely innocent and helpless creature - if the sight of a puppy with it's legs tied being flung over a cliff doesn't make your blood run cold, realize that it could just as easily be a human child without him blinking an eye. We have to realize what the relentless abuse these people are suffering at the hands of our government is doing to their minds and their souls. Our society is going to pay heavily in the future for the callous lack of responsibility on the part of our government towards our troops.

[Maralago]

Any psychologist will tell you that someone who abuses animals - particularly someone who does it with glee, not just a heat-of-the-moment reaction - harbors deep sociopathic tendencies. This type of person will escalate to abusing, torturing and perhaps one day murdering humans if not stopped. It is just that simple. Because of a small animal's complete defenselessness, "normal" humans feel empathy, compassion and a desire to protect such creatures. Those humans who feel the need and - this is most important - find JOY in their pain & suffering lack conscience and are dangerous. This is not post-traumatic stress. This individual has something wrong with the way his mind works.

For those suggesting he is typical of American soldiers, you are idiots. For the Vietnamese individuals suggesting Americans enjoyed it when US soliders raped and killed their people, you have projected your own disgust & pain into a delusional, baseless accusation with no validaity whatsoever. For those who say this soldier's mother is very upset about what he did, I suggest you read her post on his blog. She can't understand why everyone is so upset about him killing a puppy. I believe we have now come to the root of this monster's evil. I also believe he, David Motari, needs to be put down like the rabid dog he is.

[Angela]

The reason this video is disgusting and so widely circulated is because a marine, a person trained to protect the helpless, tossed a helpless puppy to its death. If the public cannot trust the marines with the life of a puppy, then how can we ever trust them with the lives of human beings. I hope he is punished for his disgusting choice.

[lt.usmc]

Scum like this does not belong, in the core. That was the most distrubing thing that i have ever seen a human being do!

[mpw]

this person, if indeed he is worthy of such a distiction is a disgrace to the men and women that serve our nation. whether we agree or disagree with the war and our nation's politics is irrelevant in this case. motari is a word that does not deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as USMC or any other branch of our armed services, they exhibit bravery every day for all of us so we dont have to fight, motari is nothing but a cowardly thug who deserves every bit of the misery and notoriety that is coming to him. i can only hope he is brought to justice for this disgusting and deplorable act.

[Marie]

That was absolutely horrible. They should throw him in that tiger cage in San Francisco to give them a little extra snack.

[Oscar Hall]

That man is not nice, can you guys in America punch him on the nose for me?

[Joy Cleveland]

Anyone who could commit such a horrible crime is sick and deserves to go to prison, regardless if they are serving in the military. In fact even more so considering their commitment to freedom for all. Animals are innocent and do not deserve to be treated without love and understanding. Man is the one who allows so many unwanted animals to continue to reproduce. People who commit these crimes are so cruel and have no feelings. I believe, if found guilty, eye for an eye, throw that SOB over a mountain and leave him for dead, then our taxes won't have to pay for his expenses in prison. When found guilty of dog fighting, let a pit bull attack the guilty, naked in a cell. This may sound to most as unreasonable, but in todays cruel world we need to get down to business and stop the abuse to innocent animals. No other animal is more loyal or loving than a dog that is taken care of and loved. Wake up people and take an stand against animal cruelty.

[obie]

If they have the neanderthal's name, the Marine Corps "investigation" shouldn't take too long. This knuckle dragger should be sent sky diving without a chute!

[Robert]

There is one troop I don't support. That POS needs to go over the cliff himself. I thank every soldier I meet for their service, but this Motari scum would only get spat in his face. Attention Motari; stay overseas. Your service to this country now means nothing and you're not welcome back.

[Alix]

When videos came out to the public on the cruel torture and murder of Iraqi's - ppl were outraged and disgusted. If ppl knew - i mean REALLY knew - that some of our soldiers enjoy killing Iraqi citizens (women & children) and were there footage leaked, we'd be outraged. Most want this all to end anyways. and yes, i do feel it is real, b/c honestly, where would they get a toy THAT realistic and working over there? toy store? care package? who on earth sends our troops care packages with mechanical stuffed animals? they send food,music,videos,pictures,letters,condoms,golf balls,silly string - but stuffed animals? c'mon. let's be real here.

I have friends in the military, one recently out of marines and my fiancee is ex SF - and all of them are ashamed to have this guy and ppl like him serving in the military. Yes, soldiers are trained to kill & be de-sensitized, but they never really are b/c as humans most of them still feel guilt/remorse/regret at having to take lives. It's why most of them need therapy when they come back.

But i feel the main reason ppl are in arms about this is b/c it's the epitome of innocence and trust: it's a puppy. it knows no hate, it has no race or religious affiliation to mark it as an 'enemy' to the Western World, it loves unconditionally and without thinking. It trusted humans enough and loved enough to be handled... and for its trust it was thrown to it's death. And to see ppl get joy and humor out of that is unsettling. are we aware that they kill humans on a daily basis? yes, but we moralize it to a degree that those whom they're killing are our 'enemies'. how can we even begin to moralize the senseless killing of a baby animal who had no real means of defense against an adult human?

[kristen]

its a real puppy you can hear it yelp after he throws it

[Bob]

Several years ago a guy, I believe it was in California, ended up grabbing a small dog from a woman and throwing it onto the highway. It dog was killed instantly after it was hit by several cars. To make a long story short, he was tried and convicted and spent the next 3 years of his life behind bars.

Marine or not, I'm former Army, there is no excuse for this type of cruelty. If not a hoax, this Marine has disgraced himself, his brothers, and the corp. If charged and convicted he should be dishonorably discharged and the others present should be charged with lesser crimes.

I wonder if he's done the same with Iraqi children, their just as defenseless.

[Alan Browne]

"Winning hearts and minds."

Yet another failing of US soldiers behavior. The leadership cannot control the actions of every soldier, but it sure as hell has to take responsibility for every soldiers actions. As another poster notes, a California man was sentenced to jail for a similar crime. The military should take note.

[Sunny Florida]

The layer of bile bubbling up in my throat for these worthless, disgusting, vile excuses for "human beings" is almost more than I can bear. No amount of pyscho-babble (and I am a college graduate) or hand-wringing over the horrors of war can EVER excuse the senseless killing of a helpless animal. Anyone who has even the slightest experience in researching this type of behavior knows this has NOTHING to do with circumstance, but rather a sociopathic evil streak that was there before and will express itself in escalated behavior, until, God forbid, it is someone you or I love. I would sleep better knowing these two monsters were rotting somewhere in jail, getting their due course, than seeing this be "investigated" ad nauseum by the press. Please, someone get these sickos out of our society!

[DeadEyeSmith]

I have nothing but respect for those on the firing line in Iraq and Afganistan. Except of course, for those that do stuff like this.

Someone above said that this guy's mother couldn't see a problem with killing a defenceless puppy. Hmmm.... Something wrong with not just him methinks. This guy must be punished to the full extent of the law(s).

And to any that would whine about "he's a soldier, trained to kill", he's trained to fight humans, not animals, and moreso, he was trained "to make a difference".

[Trudy Kuehner]

Every time cruelty to animals receives wide attention (e.g., Michael Vicks, David Motari), there are the predictable comments of "Why do people care more about this than about human suffering?" I believe that's a false dichotomy. Those of us who care about sadism to animals also care about cruelty to humans. And it is widely accepted that those who are cruel to animals are more at risk for moving on to violence to people (that's the only way it can go is to escalate - if you think it's funny to throw a puppy off a cliff, next you'll be doing it to people). That's why we all care.

I pray that his family protects themselves from violence and gets him mental health help. How did he make it into the Marines?

[vegasgirl]

Several of the posters here got waaaayyy too defensive about the anger of many other posters (which is 100 percent justified, BTW). Ninety-nine percent of the men and women in our armed forces are decent, good people -- but scum like this Marine do not deserve our respect or any compassion. There is something flat-out evil about flinging an innocent creature over a cliff, and I'm sorry some of the posters cannot grasp that.
I don't mean to repeat too much of what is already posted here, but studies have shown that nearly every serial killer/mass murderer started out abusing animals before he or she moved on to humans.
That is why there is such a visceral reaction to what this scumbag and his cohort did. They are a disgrace to our armed forces, and I hope they are punished accordingly.
Quite frankly, it is THEY who are the savage beasts -- not a creature on four legs.
BTW: I'm not a radical vegetarian, or a member of ELF -- I'm just a person who loves and respects the animals we share this planet with.

[Roger]

Puppy was already dead or stuffed. I didn't read the comments to see what others posted, but you'd have to be a moron to not realize something's strange about the video. Notice how the yelping does not fade as the puppy flies off the cliff? Come on people, stop being so gullible.

[Mark D]

This is truly amazing. The visceral reaction of you people to a DOG being killed is quite noble. If only you could muster the same sense of outrage and indignation at the beheading videos that have come out of Iraq. But it's typical of the Left Wing. An American soldier throws a puppy off a cliff and he's the walking embodiment of evil, but an American gets his head SAWED OFF by an Islamic terrorist who would kill ALL of us if he could, and your reaction is to blame George Bush.

[Nate Grately]

There is no room for this sick sadistic psychopath in our society or anyone else's. This is the mark of a truly disturbed person. Ever wonder where serial killers come from? The answer is clear: those who learn the ability of total disassociation. It starts with animals and progresses from there. This is not a "Marine" issue. This is a pathetic, self-loathing, demented human issue.

[TJ]

Disgraceful. I have always respected our service men but if I see more of this, i will be sickened.

[Charles]

BAO- What the hell do you mean that the american people loved the vietnam war? I know people who spit on american soliders uniforms and in thier faces just after they got back to the country.

[USMC Grunt]

He admitted it on his new myspace page.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1496/davidmotarihi9.jpg

[Chris Parks]

Absolutely disgusting behavior, but not surprising...

If you look at his myspace page: http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1496/davidmotarihi9.jpg you'll see it's full of typos misspellings -- so obviously not only are we dealing with a sick mind, we're dealing with an incredibly uneducated one as well: "tomarrow", "sence", etc.

Again, DISGUSTING. Shame on him.

[TheEndlessGlobalWarOnIslamoFascistTerroristExtremistPuppies]

Here's a simple math question for the dumbasses that always assume it's only left wingers that are outraged at this so called "war". Can you tell me the ratio of muslim deaths to American deaths attributed to the so called "global war on terror"?

If you can answer that question honestly then ask yourself who are the real terrorists?

[yo!]

Im having a bad day....so lets kill a puppy, seems fake but whats with the myspace page...damnit that looks like my dog too.

[B]

Cool, you fly back to Hanoi often. I believe the main point is if you are so disgusted with the United States, than you should kindly leave the country you so loathe. Also, to everyone who is completely lambasting the American military based on the disgusting action of one idiot: it certainly is not fair to generalize an entire group of people. Whether you agree we should be in Iraq or not, most of the men and women there are putting their lives on the line for what they believe is a just cause. Even if they believe that the cause is not a just one, do you think the ordinary soldier had any control of where they were posted? So, those of you who are attacking our armed forces personnel are basically repaying their sacrifices by demeaning their worth as people. If you hate America, whether you be American or no, why don't you put your money where your mouth is and leave? If you really do hate this country and yet are comfortable living here, my only conclusion is that your presence can only be accounted for because of monetary gain. I can't imagine anyone high-minded who turns their back on their ideology for the sake of greed, so what does that say about you?

As to the video, of course it is disgusting and those depicted should be dealt with harshly.

[Ken]

I don't support the actions of Motari at all but, everyone that is calling him a scum bag and a POS needs to ask themselves if they have ever been in his shoes. Have you ever been in Iraq where dogs run wild giving away your position and harassing the very expensive Military Police Dogs? What Motari did was very disturbing but how many of you have done numerous tours in Iraq, if you have then talk all the crap you want until then just say it's a sad situation and hope we can get the Marine some help because I guarantee every armed service member has done more good than bad while overseas.

[Harry]

Most of the people commenting here need to find something important to do with their life. I hear repeatedly that it is evil to kill the dog, but in the next breath, you want to kill the Marine. That demonstrates your hypocrisy, as well as a complete lack of balance. I am sure that the Marine Corps has more important things to do than chase down puppy killers. They need to get busy and do it, and all of you idiots that are so worried about a dog need to contemplate on why you are so blind to more important suffering in this world. I will believe that you care about suffering in this world when you get off your stupid ass and do something about it.

[Billy Depp]

If indeed he is found guilty of this, he should be immediately be sent for treatment as this syptomatic of a larger problem. And if the judgment of professionals deem him to be an untreatable cruel bastard he should be set free......In Iraq!

[Kerrin Winter-Churchill]

I don't think it is the fact that the soldier is a "Marine" that caused his deplorable behavior. Something inside that man is broken - probably has been broken since he was a child.

As many of you will know - there is scientifc evidence to support the facts that those who find pleasure in harming animals usually were abused as children. Their abuse of animals is an early sign of worse things to come - often these animal abusers escalate to harming children - if the behavior is not corrected in its early stages - "the mentally deviants" can progress to serial rapes and killings of children and/or adults.

I would not blame the military - there are plenty of good soliders who love animals and treat them with kindness and respect. I know this first hand - they were by my side helping to rescue animals in New Orleans soon after hurricane Katrina.

Rather than blaming the military, I would look to the solider's childhood for answers.

This is why if you ever see a child harming an animal, you should alert the proper authorties - saving a puppy or kitten today might very well mean saving a human child tomorrow.

Kerrin Winter-Churchill

[Cathy]

This guy is twisted. Unfortunetly, there are many more like him doing something like this to innocent animals everyday. They too, are sick individuals. These people must live with their own heads and thats hell enough!

[john smith]

It says a lot about America that so many people linstantly start making excuses for the guy or saying he's just one bad apple. Read the news any day of the week. We are the ones qualified to go out and bring freedom and democracy to the rest of the world, huh?

[vera chase]

It's very disturbing to read all the comments by people who are upset that others are upset about this video. What has gone wrong with our society? Any wrong deserves to be addressed, even if it is 'just' an animal. Our country is being destroyed by egotism arrogance.

[Klynne]

I had a bad enough day as it was. This video just destroyed me. I care about the people that are dying in this war, and I hate it. I wish it could be over.

I hate to see something that is so young and defenseless killed, as a joke, on some ones whim.

I hate it when children or animals are abused. They are the most vulnerable. It is despicable what happened. I hope I can quit crying soon.

And, I don't think this is reflective of our millitary, just one sick individual.

[Jessie G.]

This deprived soul is a dishonor to the uniform he's wearing. Man's inhumanity to man most of the time originates from cruelty towards God's other creatures, like this defenseless puppy. Many people comment on the fact that the puppy didn't move in the video, how can it move when it was held up by the nape of the neck and its paws were trussed up like chicken about to be baked? I hope and pray this soldier will be prosecuted in the full extent of the law.

[Jessie G.]

This deprived soul is a dishonor to the uniform he's wearing. Man's inhumanity to man most of the time originates from cruelty towards God's other creatures, like this defenseless puppy. Many people comment on the fact that the puppy didn't move in the video, how can it move when it was held up by the nape of the neck and its paws were trussed up like chicken about to be baked? I hope and pray this soldier will be prosecuted in the full extent of the law.

[Tom]

there is no excuse. No member of the military should ever do such a terrible thing. A puppy is about as innocent as they come. I am shocked and disgusted and just sad. Its a horrible reflection on any member of the military community. All I ask is why?

[Andrew]

To Bao:

How dare you take a discussion that was intended to be about the deplorable actions of one Marine and turn it into your own bullshit anti-American rant. My father suffers today (pain of lost comrades, Agent Orange) because he fought to keep the South Vietnamese people from being enslaved by the North and communists. Even though there are many ingrateful bastards such as yourself, he has never expressed regret for volunteering.

There are bad people everywhere, but the vast majority of Americans and American soldiers (such as myself) are good, honest people.

Do America a favor: go back to Vietnam and stay there.

[Bao]

I think it's funny how some people are so upset by the fact that I am Vietnamese, and therefore am a part of a group of people in this world known as "winners in war." hehehe! Here's one thing about being a winner that Americans don't know about, since Americans haven't won a real war for a long time - the winners get to do whatever they want in the losers country. That's right. In Vietnam, Americans have to kiss my ass. In America, Americans have to kiss my ass. That's what's called "the spoils of war." I come and go as I please, and can gleefully talk trash about this country as soon as I get off the plane, like when I came back from Hanoi 4 months ago, or when I came back from Ho Chi Minh City 2 months ago.

Now, I am actually supportive of this wonderful Christian marine, in the same way that I am supportive of George Bush. Both of these men are great examples for me to bring up whenever I speak casually about the evils of America and Americans. hehehe!

I think the next time I talk trash about America and Americans, I'll just tell whoever disagrees with me that I have a video showing an American wearing a uniform with an American flag on it throwing a puppy off a cliff and laughing about it. hahahaha!

[Darla]

Several readers got it right. The guy is twisted and has an ability to be cruel that most of us lack (I may not have been in his shoes but a lot of other GIs have and they didn't go around torturing small animals for "humor"). The military probably attracts more people inclined toward violence and cruelty than, say, a career in the priesthood or pediatrics. The war then screws them up more, teaches them the tools of the trade, and makes them believe violence is actually admirable. And then they will come home, be turned loose on the rest of us, commit heinous crimes (like that other gift of the military, Timothy McVeigh). Or better yet, run for office as another Christian Conservative.

And for all of you "patriotic" right wingers out there, no I don't believe that most soldiers are like this. But it is ridiculous to say that each and every soldier has done "more good than bad". Tell that to the victims of Lt. Calley in Vietnam (or the girl who was raped and then murdered by our brave marines in Iraq).

[Mike]

I am the blogger who first broke this story.

It has been confirmed that David Motari is the person depicted in that video:
http://federalism.typepad.com/crime_federalism/2008/03/motaris-identit.html (pass-through link).

[CleesGee]

Please Observe a "Bao" black out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kathy]

TO BAO:

The next time you go back to Hanoi, STAY THERE! You are also a sick individual who gets pleasure from demise of others (or puppies) if it benefits your needs! You want to "thank" this sicko because it shows what you think represents the rest of America! Well, I have heard about the atrocities committed by the Vietnamese against their own people - so does that make all Vietnamese evil? NO! You need to get past your hate and anger, and realize that their are bad people in this world. It doesn't make the world bad! So cheer up or go back to Vietnam where you can be happy!

[David]

It is upsetting to see actions like this, but there are other videos worse that show soldiers teaching kids to say horrible things that I won't repeat here. Of course those kids have no idea what they are being taught.

Reflecting on the reactions of people, I thought it was interesting that this puppy incident garnered more attention than much worse atrocities, namely those like Bao of Vietnam mentioned. As a Desert Storm veteran, I have had experience with war, though none like the current one or certainly Vietnam, but have read books about the psychological effects of soldiers in wartime environments over six months. Because there is nothing relatively normal about a war environment, being shot at or shooting others, or living in fear of being attacked over long periods, it does affect the mind, and it affects it very seriously.

There are reasons you see stories about returning soldiers who murder someone in the US, or turn to alcoholism, or have broken families, because it takes a supreme effort and sometimes therapy to transition back to normal life as known in the civilian world.

The soldiers caught doing things are usually punished, but the problem or rather the cause is not addressed, and that is these long tours of duty or repeated rotations of soldiers in dangerous areas.

War is hell, as aptly described by General Sherman. It's not the video games you see on your computer. It's living with fear, lack of control of your environment, and/or seeing death on a regular basis.

As a civilian, I just don't think it's possible for you to empathize, but you can at least understand the root causes of events like this.

[An Evil American According to Bao]

Bao,

I'm just curious how old you are? You do not seem to be mature enough to have been around in the 50's-70's, but I could be wrong. I was not around then either, so I can't speak for the America of that time, but I will apologize for the wrongs that certain American's may have done to your country and its people. The Vietnam war seems to have been an awful time. This Marine who threw a puppy off of a cliff seems to really need help, and sure, there are a lot of evil people out there, but hopefully the good outnumber the evil. I suppose since you feel that the typical American is evil, and an idiot...that you do not have any American friends? I know that I don't surround myself with evil people, or idiots...

[Tess]

Imagine the terror of the last moments of that poor creature's short life, bound and helpless at the hands of someone it most likely approached with trust. David Motari is a cowardly, evil brute and deserves severe punishment and a lifelong shame attached to his name. The war is terrible and atrocities are committed daily to inoocent humans as well as animals. ALL cruelty is indefensible. The Marines did not create this monster--the vast majority of our servicemen and women are fine, decent people who would never commit such an act, war or no war. There have been many stories of servicemen and women showing great concern and compassion for the animals in their midst. This man does not represent them--he is a demon. However, since he is a Marine, the Marines have a duty to address this swiftly and aggressively in order to maintain the high reputation and standards the US demands of them.

[Jeff]

what a sick thing - there are people all over the world it seems that are calous to hurting and killing innocent people and animals. Fortunately, there are also people all over the world who compassionately give of themselves for the needy. they just don't get the camera time as often.

this marine is probably a great soldier; he's likely served his post honorably. but all we'll know of him is this moment of calous cruelty. Foolish...and cruel.

i also get the sense from the video that this isn't the first time this has happened. Like, "ha ha - this is the norm, hiking along - stray dog or stray cat, throw it like a tomato and watch it splat." Heartless.

[George]

We need to bring our BOYS back from around the world to protect our borders and to TRAIN them to understand HONOR and RESPECT. Marines are habitually abusing their power against puppies/animals, torturing children, RAPING women and abusing the elderly. It is embarassing.

"The U.S. military says it will court-martial four U.S. Marines in Japan for the rape of a Japanese woman. Master Gunnery Sgt. John Cordero of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni in southern Japan said Thursday that the courts-martial are to be held beginning next month."

[Dave]

All you little right wingers are angry at Bao because he holds a grudge against soldiers who raped and murdered civilians in Vietnam, get over yourselves. Reality has a well-known liberal bias.

Real life events aren't filtered like Fox News. With good in the world, there is evil, and everyone in every country is capable of both.

[Rose Hall]

The Few, The Proud, The Puppy Killers. Whether or not the puppy was alive or real, the Marines responsible for this video should be SEVERELY punished. What kind of sickos are the Marines accepting into service? These folks should be punished to the fullest, as an example to others, and to help preserve the Marines image.

[Jenny]

While yes, it is of course odd that so much attention is being paid to a video about a puppy dying instead of the war at hand, it's the fact that someone can even hurt a living thing like that. That's how I look at it, I'd be just as upset if it was a person being thrown off a cliff. We're sad that it's a puppy because that puppy wasn't a threat as compared to a human being.

The thing that bothers me most is if these losers didn't tape the footage, we'd welcome them home and call them heroes and buy them drinks if we saw them at a bar. If they're so bored at work, read a book, do pushups, do something productive.

They'll get theirs somehow. It's just so sad there are people like this out there.