Gitmo video

Just a short follow up on the underlying issues of the Gitmo video.

The opening image is from a set of exhibits in the case. It's simply text from page 86 of 389 pages. Many of the pages in the exhibits have been ... redacted.

Redacted means taking a black magic marker and striking out information. The information on many pages is redacted into a black hole.

With many apologies to the family of Chris Speer who died on the day in question, the United States government on May 16, 2008 acknowledges in this paragraph as imaged, that it does not know how Chris Speer died, if from the action of militants or unlawful combatants, or from friendly fire, as did Pat Tillman.

The defense requested information on the death of SFC Speer, medical records, treatment reports, autopsy reports. The defense noted that several 500 pound bombs had been dropped on the mud hut in the center of the battle. Helicopters had fired into the mud hut. And, at the time Speer was fatally wounded, friendly forces were still throwing grenades into the mud hut.

Speer allegedly was killed when the 15 year old boy threw a grenade. The boy was found trapped in rubble or on his knees in an 'alley,' not in the mud hut, as described in some conflicting accounts.

Here is a link to the full document in pdf format, released 5/16/2008, entitled, Appellate Exhibits 103 thru 112.

I would include some of the emails, especially the emails documenting private conversation concerning ... "hiding" any evidence that might prove the 15 year old innocent.

I think those emails should be read entirely within the context of the larger document. See page 70 for the most harmful accusations.