Instant Polyjury -- was it honorable "to put him out of his misery"

[KrazyHorse]

Re: Instant Polyjury -- was it honorable "to put him out of his misery"

Originally posted by DanS
The long story short is that there was a wounded Sadr militant on the side of the road after being shot by a US tank company. The company commander, after being told by his medic that the militant wasn't going to make it, "put him out of his misery."

The company commander insists that it was an honorable killing -- the most merciful action, given the circumstances. Do you agree with him?

If it was certain that he was going to die and he was in enormous pain then yes.

[KrazyHorse]

If the man was conscious and requested to be killed then this is a no-brainer.

If he was conscious and wanted to continue recieving medical care then he should have.

If he was only semiconscious and unable to make a decision and the extent of his injuries was so great that it was only a matter of waiting for him to die then I approve.

I would hope that the same decision would be made independent of whether he was an enemy or ally. In other words, if this guy is found not guilty in the inevitable inquiry it better happen to anybody who mercy-kills an American soldier.

[KrazyHorse]

The coup de grâce has been around forever in warfare.

[TCO]

This is unsat and should not be done whether the guy asks for it or not and regardless of his status (civilian, enemy, US, ally).

That said, insert "feeding tube" troll.

[DanS]

"unsat"?

I'm pretty surprised at the number of people who think this is honorable or could be honorable under some circumstances.

[TCO]

It's worse than unsat. It is criminal. It is murder. This guy is going to stand at the green table and (possibly) swing.

[Az]

I am not sure whether this thing is right.

I need some time to think about this.

[Alexander's Horse]

The report doesn't describe the wounds, how can you say?

[Spiffor]

Originally posted by DanS
I'm pretty surprised at the number of people who think this is honorable or could be honorable under some circumstances.

Well, I'm not sure "honourable" is the right word, but "merciful" definitely is (provided it is true the guy couldn't survive his wounds).

I think most people who think like that emphasize on human suffering over human life. Basically, a life of agony isn't worth living. I can't vouch for that, but I think it's the main reason of support for the soldier.

[MRT144]

Originally posted by Q Cubed
honorable? i dunno. i don't give a ****.

killing people, especially non-white non-americans.

ill find someway in which you arent american.

[Agathon]

Old news.

Sailors used to put a bullet in those they couldn't rescue.

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by DanS
"unsat"?

I'm pretty surprised at the number of people who think this is honorable or could be honorable under some circumstances.

I would want it done for me.

[MRT144]

well i guess theres a bullet coming for you

[Japher]

Repremand him with understanding, and let it be done.

Every situation is different, and it sounded like this one called for such an action. I don't agree with the action, but I can't say that I wouldn't do it myself... especially if they guy was KH

[KrazyHorse]

how did I know it was coming?