Attack On Marines Near Mosque
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| Wed, 04-07-2004 - 6:22pm |
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
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April 7, 2004
Release Number: 04-04-07
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATTACK ON MARINES NEAR MOSQUE
FALLUJAH, Iraq - U.S. Marines observed anti-Coalition Forces today firing from the Haj Musheen Abdul Aziz Az-Kubaysi mosque complex in Fallujah. In order to gain access to the compound housing the mosque, Marines used air support to breach a wall located several hundred yards away from the actual mosque structure. One anti-Coalition force member was killed in the attack. There is no report of civilian casualties.
Marines on the ground observed no damage to the mosque. The anti-coalition forces firing from the mosque wrongfully violated the law of war by conducting offensive military operations from a protected structure. As a result, the mosque lost its protected status and therefore became a lawful military target. Nevertheless, the Marines only targeted the wall surrounding the compound in order to prevent damage to the mosque.
Initial reports indicate a platoon-size force was firing RPGs and small arms from fortified battle positions inside of and on top of the mosque. Following the strike, Marines also recovered a fully functional mortar from inside the compound.
This mosque was repeatedly used as a base to target Iraqi and Coalition forces throughout the day. The breach of the wall was a graduated response to the threat.
I Marine Expeditionary Force will continue to employ precision weaponry in order to protect lives of non-combatants, private property, medical facilities, and religious structures in accordance with the law of war.
For more information please contact MAJ JOHNSON at johnsontv@imefdm.usmc.mil or neil.harper.82@d82.army.mil
http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/news_release.asp?NewsRelease=20040407.txt

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Now, I think that perhaps he wanted to be that way, but to date, he has shown that he is trending to more of the extremist position on many of his ideas, which does not make me happy.
On the other hand, I look at John Kerry, and while he is trying to pretend that he is a moderate, I know that he is far from that, and I would not want to elect him so that the pendulum swings in the opposite direction. It gets us nowhere.
What is the old saying....it is better to deal with the devil you know than the devil you dont....or something along those lines.
I dont have a problem with the amendment for marriage, with some of the courts in the country showing their disregard for state laws, such as in California and Massachusetts.
Didn't Clinton sign into law the Defense of Marriage Act, which not only said that no State shall be required to recognize the laws of any other state, with regards to same sex marriages, and also defined marriage as between a man and a woman?
If the courts would try to stop legislating from the bench, which many are now trying to do, then I would be against the administration or Congress trying to put forth an amendment on marriage. I do however, would want a provision put in any such amendment that would allow each state to form its own regulations with regards to the legality and recognizing of same sex unions, as I feel that they shoudl receive equal protection under the law, with regards to taxes, healthcare benefits, social security, etc.
I guess my feelings are stronger with regards to this as I am a Catholic and was taught that homosexuality is a sin. While I may believe differently, and that homosexuals have rights just as I do, I do not like when it is blatantly put in my face, with events such as the "Gay Pride Day" parade on 5th Avenue. There isnt a "Heterosexual Pride Day" parade, because I think the entire idea is a bit ridiculous and extreme. I know several homosexual people who actually laugh at the notion of the "Gay Pride Day" parade as an advancement of their issues. They feel it portrays them in a negative way, which I tend to agree with.
(sorry I rambled there a bit)
On the other hand, I look at John Kerry, and while he is trying to pretend that he is a moderate, I know that he is far from that, and I would not want to elect him so that the pendulum swings in the opposite direction.
Honestly,
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