Reply #33: Without a doubt, what this regime condones doing to "terrorist suspects"

[magellan]

...and those who get in the way ("collateral damage") leaves a very damaging impression on the troops and the American public at large. But I doubt this police beating was instigated by Iraq vets on the force. To me it's more likely a predictable consequence of the open acceptance and encouragement of vicious lawlessness against all enemies that comes from the WH on down, which remains largely unopposed and certainly unchecked.

For seven years Bush**'s morally bankrupt message has been, "Hunt the enemy down and kill them. And by the way, it's okay if you harm or kill the wrong person as long as your intentions are good and in the country's interest." That's bound to have an effect on people in law enforcement. In this example, these cops felt perfectly justified in beating people they only suspected of killing a fellow cop. And someone on this thread has already chimed in with 'lack of sympathy' for the victims based on the same (incorrect) suspicion.

This deviant mentality is pervasive among those who believe in an eye for an eye and don't stop to concern themselves with what the law is, or more important, WHY the law is there.

The longer this country turns its back on the rule of law, the less we can depend on our OWN safety in situations where we think the law protects us...as these unfortunate individuals discovered. And it will definitely get worse as more troops return home.