Re: Israeli soldier shoots girl, acquitted.

I'm lost about the replies to this Israeli soldier post. I am assuming that the thread has some gaps somewhere. Nonetheless, for the first reason for my post, I wish to quote the part of the article that bothers me.

After soldiers first opened fire, she dropped her schoolbag which was then hit by several bullets establishing that it did not contain explosive. At that point she was no longer carrying the bag and, the [radio recording] tape revealed, was heading away from the army post when she was shot.

It is this retreat of the little girl that I am seriously questioning. She had dropped the bag. They proved it was not explosives. Why continue the engagement? Why shoot her?

Second reason for my post:

Assuming everyone reads the same article I did, I understand the "confirming kill" policy. (Please don't yell at me about it. I don't have to like it to understand it.)

I understand the taking of a little girl's life. (Again, please don't yell at me about this. I abhor the idea to the core of me. But I understand the need in wars. I'll relate why I "understand" this, later. Please.... PLEASE, don't think I condone this. I would rather die myself rather than shoot any child.)

Back in the early 1970's, I was stationed overseas (not in Southeast Asia) and I was asked if I would accept a psych case as a roommate. I agreed. To this day, I remember his name. He was two paygrades above me and a nice fellow but had lots of trouble sleeping. He was very quiet until he got smashed. Over the course of several months and many drunken nights and several fights, I found out his story. He had been with some [subordinate soldiers] on patrol in Southeast Asia and came upon an open field. They crossed near one side, opposite some villagers who began walking towards the patrol. The villagers were ordered to halt and challenged with pointed guns. Everyone stopped. A brief time passed and a young girl came towards the patrol with a (basket? perhaps with some food? I don't know: something). She was yelled at and a warning shot fired in the (air, ground?) but still the girl approached. My roommate had told the subordinates to shoot her. They refused, firing but not to kill. The girl continued and my roommate shot her. She blew up.

This was the reason he was transfered away from the SEA theater. I tell you from my recollection of all the "chats" he and I had while he was my roommate.

If it had been me, I would have ran. But then, I was never in SEA. Maybe I wouldn't have, if I had been through a tour or two there?

My point here is to show how it is possible for a human being to even think of taking the life of a little girl.

Again, please don't be angry with ME. I only understand it. I do not, myself, subscribe the concept, in any way, myself.