A look at Marines

I read and reread the column by Al Martinez about his reaction to the revelation “that 24 unarmed civilians, including children, may have died at the hands of a dozen United States Marines in a rage over the death of one of their own a short while before” [“Has This Become the Marine Way?,” June 16]. Then I cut it out to keep. He is so very right: We are different than we were! As a people we are not very nice anymore.

I have to wonder why this has happened. Is it because of our leaders, as Martinez says? I want to go back in time and be proud of our society, proud of our reputation in the world.

BARBARA GREEN

Whittier

*

NO, Mr. Martinez, “this” has not become the “Marine Way.”

Today’s Marines are well-trained, well-educated, well-equipped and well-led. Countless veterans have commented that today’s Marines are as good, if not better, than the Marines who built the Corps’ proud legacy.

The allegations against Marines in Haditha are serious indeed but are just that, allegations. As a columnist, you may not be obligated to use the word “alleged” before “massacre” but as an American you should know that the accused are presumed innocent until found guilty.

Finally, as a former Marine, you know that the military processes used to determine guilt or innocence and then hold the guilty accountable for their actions -- or inactions -- are thorough, fair and just.

Those processes are well underway now and you, and all Americans, can be confident that we will seek the truth and take appropriate action to hold accountable anyone who has failed to live up to the Marine Corps’ high standards -- standards that you and hundreds of thousands of current and former Marines have upheld for more than 230 years.

BRIG. GEN. DOUGLAS

M. STONE

Commanding General,

Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command

Twentynine Palms, Calif.