Congressman makes apology to Haditha marines (Rep. John Kline, R-Minn)

[Barrett808]

Congressman makes apology to Haditha marines
By Will Dunham

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. lawmaker apologized on Tuesday to U.S. Marines under investigation in the deaths of two dozen Iraqi civilians in Haditha in a statement his office said spared him from a libel lawsuit.

Minnesota Republican Rep. John Kline, a retired Marine Corps colonel, issued a three-paragraph statement under a deal with lawyers for Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, one of the Marines under investigation.

Wuterich's lawyers filed a libel lawsuit against another congressman, Democratic Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania, on August 2 following his comments on the case.

"Some news outlets have promoted incomplete statements attributed to me that gave the false impression that I have concluded those involved committed unlawful acts," Kline said in the statement provided by his office.

"I am, of course, very concerned regarding any allegations surrounding misconduct by U.S. troops in Iraq. Such allegations must be taken seriously, but we should never rush to judgment before all the facts are known and the military criminal justice process is completed," Kline said.

Kline added, "I want to express my sincere apology" to the Marines in the unit that was in Haditha last November 19.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060815/pl_nm/iraq_usa_apology_dc

[BOSSHOG]

1. Since those Marines are subject to the UCMJ

and perceived "rush to judgement" will have no effect on their trial. And I guess I'm a little slow but is kline offering an apology for political purposes since he's "dealing" with a lawyer to make the statement? From the little information provided I see no reason for him to apologize for anything.

[krkaufman]

7. Also helps the Swift Boating attack against Murtha n/t

[Wickerman]

2. once again the contrast between Dems and Rethugs is stark

Excuses:
"Some news outlets have promoted incomplete statements attributed to me that gave the false impression that I have concluded those involved committed unlawful acts," Kline said.

No excuses:
Murtha has brushed aside the attacks. "It's ludicrous," he said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times last week. "What they are trying to do is distract from the (Iraq) issue. . . . There is no one who supports the military more than me."

[Kingshakabobo]

3. How do you libel someone when you don't mention them by name?

IIRC, you can't, by definition, libel a whole group such as "our troops."

[Kagemusha]

4. You're right, but legally speaking, there's no reason to go to court

Not if a small thing like this takes care of the problem.

This is not like a Republican politician demanding an apology for a political statement, after all. This is a guy who might go on trial suing for libel. Shouldn't be handled the same way. There's no reason for Murtha to continue the misimpression that anything he says was meant to, or should, prejudice a jury against an individual who decided Murtha meant him.

[Kingshakabobo]

6. "This is not like a Republican politician demanding an ....

........apology for a political statement"

I disagree. I would LOVE to see who is bankrolling this bogus suit.

And yes, there is a reason to go to court - rather than issue a forced apology by Murtha. By go to court, I mean the initial hearing where this frivolous lawsuit gets tossed. Murtha wouldn't even have to dirty his hands with these swift-boating fascist f*cking pigs.

[tabasco]

8. It certainly is a frivolous suit and will get tossed.

Murtha has nothing to a[pologize for. He stuck up for the troops by saying they are in an impossible situation. This is nothing but a swift boat attempt that is a non-starter for the repugs and will blow back in their faces.

[zbdent]

5. There you go again, alienating the righties

by showing intelligence and facts ...

[struggle4progress]

9. Here are some quotes:

Top Marine Visits Iraq as Probe of Deaths Widens

By Thomas E. Ricks
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, May 26, 2006; Page A17

... "When these investigations come out, there's going to be a firestorm," said retired Brig. Gen. David M. Brahms, formerly a top lawyer for the Marine Corps. "It will be worse than Abu Ghraib -- nobody was killed at Abu Ghraib."

An Army lawyer who has heard some accounts of the investigation said, "It's a lot more serious than people thought at the beginning. It's really bad timing," coming as the repercussions of the Abu Ghraib detainee abuse scandal are waning, he added. He requested anonymity because he is on active duty and not authorized to be interviewed ...

"I was saddened, surprised and outraged that this could happen," Kline said ... http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501732.html

[Barrett808]

10. Thanks for the link. n/t

[Charlie Brown]

11. I don't like this at all. He was just stating an opinion

People should not be harrassed or threatend with libel charges for simply offering an opinion on a high profile case. The fact that Kline and Murtha are elected representatives certainly does not invalidate their right to have opinions.

Does this mean Limbaugh, O'Reilley et al can be charged with libel for the accusations they make every day?