Marine 'a' Out In A Couple Of Weeks

[-Talbot-]

http://news.sky.com/story/marine-a-alexander-blackman-could-be-out-of-jail-within-weeks-10816338

Surely even for those who don't support Alexander Blackman must agree he has been in prison long enough.

[andy-hughes]

ummm - /Andy - your outlook on life appears to come from what I would consider a wimp. //

None taken.

// Why do you think Blackman would feel guilt for killing someone who was trying to kill him? //

Because I think that he is probably humane enough not to be immune from the thought that he has taken someone else's life - whatever the circumstances in which that happened.

Would I kill someone who is trying to kill me? Absolutely.

Would I feel guilt about every day until the day I die? Absolutely again.

If that makes me a 'wimp' in your eyes, ask yourself if you think that makes an iota of difference to my thoughts .... - exactly.

[Garaman]

I don't think you need to be an ex serviceman to make a moral judgement on something like this. I am as it happens, almost 12 years, but I don't think that gives me any more insight into the mind of that particular person than anyone else. I don't think most servicemen would have done what he did, and I think it was right that he was punished.

[Baldric]

Decided to pop back.
I have killed more than once in Action, we were trained how to do it, and taught how to deal with it, the second part works for some a but not everyone. I have never lost a moments sleep over those people, they would just have readily killed me.
That doesn't make me some kind of homicidal maniac, I am an easy-going family man with humour and compassion as my strong points and a better grasp of how to deal with life's stresses than a lot of folks.

[andy-hughes]

redvanman - //Should not have being jailed in the first place how do you expect to recruit when IS AND TALIBAN don't play by the rules //

The whole point about 'playing by the rules' - or abiding by the Geneva Convention to put it more formally, is that if we don't put some moral rules down, we become the same as the morally bankrupt Islamists we are defending ourselves against.

[trt]

Well said Naomi...!!!!!

[andy-hughes]

Garaman - //I don't think you need to be an ex serviceman to make a moral judgement on something like this. I am as it happens, almost 12 years, but I don't think that gives me any more insight into the mind of that particular person than anyone else. I don't think most servicemen would have done what he did, and I think it was right that he was punished. //

Thank you for another perspective from someone with experience, and I agree, it's not necessary to have, and express an opinion.

If this was my thread, I'd give you BA for that point alone.

[anneasquith]

I hope be doesn't do the "" chat show" circuit " giving his "side of the story " or promote a book .;-(

[murraymints]

I am SO pleased for him and his family..they have all been through enough...he did wrong but ,as has been debated endlessly here, there was valid mitigation at the time....he has served his punishment, as has his family....in the words of another.."bring him home ".....

[andy-hughes]

Baldric - //I have killed more than once in Action, we were trained how to do it, and taught how to deal with it, the second part works for some a but not everyone. I have never lost a moments sleep over those people, they would just have readily killed me.
That doesn't make me some kind of homicidal maniac, I am an easy-going family man with humour and compassion as my strong points and a better grasp of how to deal with life's stresses than a lot of folks. //

Glad you returned.

I would never suggest that anyone has to react to such appalling circumstances as killing someone in a certain way.

I would guess that it depends on the individual - some, and you are one, can accommodate what has happened, others may not be able to, ever.

But I am seriously wary of armchair warriors rubbing their hands together because I think the loss of any life is nothing to be proud of.

Death is a part of war, but that doesn't make it something to be gleeful about on here.

[ChillDoubt]

Because I think that he is probably humane enough not to be immune from the thought that he has taken someone else's life - whatever the circumstances in which that happened.
--------------
Do you understand the term 'British Armed Forces' and all that entails but especially so as a Royal Marine?

Jeezus Aitch Kerrist.....

[murraymints]

I doubt that very much Anne ..apart from an interview with The Mail whose readers raised a HUGE amount of money enabling his appeal...Marines have a code of conduct that stays with them through life...dignity always quiet unassuming dignity ! I think I read somewhere the corps want him back after a suitable period of time with his family...

[andy-hughes]

ChillDoubt - //Do you understand the term 'British Armed Forces' and all that entails but especially so as a Royal Marine?

Jeezus Aitch Kerrist..... //

Profanity aside - do you understand that your gung ho patronising attitude does a disservice to your fellow ex and current military comrades - and continues to fall on deaf ears - including mine?

We differ in our views, but your experience does not make you right, or deny me and others a right to an opinion.

You have no idea how Sergeant Blackman is thinking - neither do I, but then, I don't pretend to just because I have held a gun sometime.

[andy-hughes]

murraymints - // I think I read somewhere the corps want him back after a suitable period of time with his family... //

I have read that too, and pointed out on another thread that if this is the option Sergeant Blackman feels is best, then it is something he should pursue.

That is a decision for him, together with his family, to make, but no doubt certain posters on here with 'experience' will be along to tell us all what he should be doing.

[ChillDoubt]

I have never taken issue with your insight - but insight and stating that you know how someone thinks is not the same thing.
----------
And yet:
I think that he is probably humane enough not to be immune from the thought that he has taken someone else's life

So YOU know how he thinks when it suits your agenda??
Interesting!

[-Talbot-]

andy-hughes
If this was my thread, I'd give you BA for that point alone.



Well it isn't your thread. I don't normalyy bother with BA's but now you have mentioned it I will go with an answer I agree with.

[ChillDoubt]

Profanity aside - do you understand that your gung ho patronising attitude does a disservice to your fellow ex and current military comrades - and continues to fall on deaf ears - including mine?
-----------
And do you understand that Woodstock wasn't yesterday and you need to return to Earth? It's the 21st century too, the 60's are over....

[murraymints]

Andy..indeed a lot of thought and input from his family is needed to make such a decision..he will do what is right for both them and himself..I wish them all the luck in the world and the very best wishes possible...

[Baldric]

///but no doubt certain posters on here with 'experience' will be along to tell us all what he should be doing///

I hope I'm not in that group AH, not something I have ever done, only offered experienced opinions.
He did the crime(?) and he's done the time.
If The Corps invite him to return, I think he probably would do but he's a strong enough person to make his own Career choice imo.

[Gladeian]

The court has determined that Sgt Blackman was suffering from "diminshed responsibility" at the time of this incident - so, a form of mental illness. Is it right therefore to punish mental illness ?

[anneasquith]

" I have killed more than one in action" I maybe wrong but is that normal for ex serviceman/women to share on a public forum . is it like a badge of honour ?