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Originally Posted by Coys1882
The Coys1882 Convention in my bonus room this evening decided that leaving someone do die a slow painful death is less humane than ending his suffering.
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Where the rule wasn't applied was on both sides of the equation. First and foremost the Afghan commander on the scene didn't offer to render aid to the wounded Taliban fighter. But Semrau first and foremost disobeyed an order to leave him, and secondly knowingly broke the law. Sometimes when you're a soldier your moral code doesn't align with the rules in place, but you're as a soldier obligated to follow those rules unless its considered an immoral or inherently dangerous order.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Coys1882
1Don't take me for some fool that isn't aware of why these laws are put in place. There is a difference between this and the cold execution of POWs or the raping/murder of peasant villagers in a remote Vietnamese village.
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Except that the rules plainly applied state that you are obligated to extend medical aid to an unarmed combatant. Semrau was obligated to provide that aid, however mercy killing is not considered extending medical aid.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Coys1882
Better judgment, human judgment I dare to say, could have been used here save what is by all accounts a good man's career and reputation.
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That judgment allowed him to escape prison time, it also allowed him to avoid a prejudicial discharge. But because the law was clearly broken, pretty well the discharge that he received was a pretty light sentence.