Psychologist says war damaged accused Marine's mental health (Awad/Hamdania)

[UpInArms]

http://www.fresnobee.com/384/story/30309.html

Multiple combat deployments damaged the mental health of a Marine who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and conspiracy, his psychologist testified Friday.

Glenn Lipson took the stand during the sentencing hearing for Lance Cpl. Robert B. Pennington, who pleaded guilty Tuesday to kidnapping and conspiracy. Pennington was part of an eight-member squad accused of kidnapping and murdering Hashim Ibrahim Awad, 52, last April in the Iraqi town of Hamdania.

"He thought everyone in Hamdania was complicit in supporting the insurgency," Lipson said. "I don't think he looked at those people as individuals with the same sense of humanity."

Pennington pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal. He was the sixth member of the squad to plead guilty in the case, though one of those troops withdrew his plea ahead of his sentencing.

Pennington faces life in prison, but a shorter sentence is likely part of his pretrial agreement.

Lipson said Pennington knew at the time of the kidnapping that it was wrong, but believed it was justifiable because he thought that by kidnapping and killing an Iraqi man, American lives would be ultimately be saved and U.S. forces would help him cover up the killing.

...more...

[Monkeyman]

1. Look I work with a lot of kids with PTSD home from Iraq

That just don't wash for me.

[ShortnFiery]

2. Exactly! Plus the fact that the Corporals and Sergeants who are his

immediate superiors are supposed to monitor if someone is slipping off of the edge.

:wtf: kind of world is it where no one higher than a lance corporal takes responsibility for a war crime? :puke:

Granted, these leaders are grossly incompetent, not killers. But his superiors all the way up to Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Leader should pay a PRICE. :grr:

[atreides1]

3. You have a point

Just one thing, what if the immediate superiors are going off the edge as well? As for not taking responsibility, it seems to be all the rage under Chimpy McCokespoon and the Rethuglian Party.

Some commander in chief!!!!!!

[Monkeyman]

4. This Combat Retired Sgt agrees

[slowry]

5. Anyone who mistreats and/or murders

another living being has mental health issues, by definition.

There are no easy answers, or excuses :(.