"Winter soldiers" testified before Congress. The News Hour covered it.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/22/44837/3162/462/520260

As you guys know from my past comments, I was skeptical about this because I felt like it was too retro to Vietnam, even copying the name (an unfortunate choice). However, everyone should check out the report done by the News Hour on it:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/military/jan-june08/witnesses_05-21.html

(Click streaming video, and you can watch the segment)

I also have some corroboration from an Iraqi blog that Iraqi civilians have indeed been killed in their cars by American soldiers, where it is doubtful that these civilians were warned before deadly force was used. I put together a comment about a killing in Mosul below:

http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2008/5/22/44837/3162/44#c44

I think each case should be considered separately and not be turned into a narrative of "everyone is doing it", unless that can be proven. That was one of the problems that came out of Winter Soldier Investigation in '71. The Right found a way of poking holes in it by putting up a strawman, that the anti-war activists were painting ALL THE TROOPS of committing war crimes, which was not true. That way, when a war crime was verified, the strawman remained in place. I also think the torture committed at Abu Ghraib was much worse because there was no danger there, no combat zone. Still, I think more investigation is needed with what those vets said to determine whether the ROE (rules of engagement) were violated.

Will Sen. Kerry do anything about this, or stay away? Does anyone know?

...earlier C-Span coverage. What I think is that they are brave to speak out and tell their stories. The truth matters. And when ALL the truths about the last 8 years are out, Americans will be able to make better decisions about our future.

The linking to Viet Nam saddens me...mostly because I NEVER thought we would repeat those mistakes. The fact that mistakes were repeated just tells me that not everyone learned the lessons of Viet Nam like I thought. So this 'truth-telling' is good, but it is a very long process. I think we are still in the early stages. :(

I agree with you that Iraq is worse...especially the torture. But the truth MUST be told. As to Kerry's involvement, I kind of feel the way he talks of our troops when he says 'They have DONE THEIR JOB.' John Kerry has done his job...VERY admirably...in 1971 and now by trying to get us out of Iraq. The truth coming out will be because of his efforts...but, this time, it will need to come from the people.:patriot:

regarding what you said about 'copying the Vietnam Vets' name for it...'

I actually think that what gets missed is the close connection between the Vietnam vets and the Iraq vets. I've witnessed it in person. It's a strong brotherhood that is there despite the generational differences. The name bonds them as brothers--just as they feel brotherhood in being a vet from a wrongful war.