Marines drop case against Iraq veteran (who protested the war)

[Barrett808]

Source: Associated Press

Marines drop case against Iraq veteran
By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated Press Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Marines won't kick out an Iraq war veteran who made anti-war statements in a speech and wore part of his uniform at a protest, the service said Friday, despite a recommendation to discharge him early.

An investigating officer had recommended in May that Liam Madden, 22, of Boston receive an other-than-honorable discharge, the worst discharge possible under non-court martial conditions.

Madden is part of the Individual Ready Reserve, which consists mainly of those who have left active duty but still have time remaining on their eight-year military obligations. He is scheduled to be discharged in 2010.

Madden was accused of making "disloyal statements" during a speech in February in New York in which he accused President Bush of betraying service members and called the fighting in Iraq a "war crime." The speech was posted on the Internet.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070629/ap_on_re_us/military_protest_hearing

[sinkingfeeling]

1. A victory for Mr. Madden and free speech!

[Demeter]

2. Speaking Truthfully to the Public is Always a Crime to the Criminal

[BOSSHOG]

3. If that Marine had worn "part of his uniform"

to a pro-bush rally the Marines would have given him a Letter of Commendation. Instead they waste time and resources and manpower fucking with the kid only to renig on their original charge. Saying bush is disloyal to troops and Iraq involvement is a war crime is not disloyal its the fucking truth. The Jarheads made a good call with this one. I'll go out on a limb and pat them on the back for validating the young Marines truth telling.

[Kagemusha]

4. Seems inappropriate to me to use this as political intimidation.

It's a trend, the message has gone out loud and clear that ex-soldiers are not permitted to oppose the war, Constitution be damned... trying to make use of regulations meant to stop soldiers from campaigning for political parties. Ridiculous.

[maxrandb]

5. It's not a victory

because if the Marine Corps follows the recommendation of the investigating officer and gives him an Other Than Honorable Discaharge, he loses all of his VA benefits. That means any GI Bill, VA Home Loans, VA Benefits are not available to him. He can fight that thru an Administrative Board, but that is not an easy process.

If I recall, he had an Honorable Discharge. If it's changed to Other than Honorable, he loses all the benefits that come with an Honorable Discharge. I don't see that as a win.