Tom Brosz - "But why do you ignore the dozens and dozens of other posts I and others have made quoting military personnel over in Iraq who tell a completely different story?"

There's an old joke in construction circles about a fellow having to drive a million nails to become a carpenter, but rob one little bank and he's a bank robber for life. The original isn't "bank robber", but you get the idea.

What that Marine describes is the way the US, in my experience, treats civilians in foreign countries who are near threatening situations. The US is wealthy, and has, usually, unless in the boonies, unlimited ammunition. Even in the boonies resupply is sometimes possible. US forces shoot at everything, and doesn't bother to ask questions later.

The DOD feelgood stories about schools, hospitals, etc., are for domestic consumption. I'm sure the civilians in Iraq have a different view.

At least the ones who have come into contact with American fighting forces. If you notice, in the polls the percentage of people whose lives have improved is usually equal to the percentage of people who have had no contact with "Coalition" forces.

You don't have to open fire on many innocent civilians to ruin your image.

Arf