This Sorrowful Life: An extensive look at 'Marine A' and whether or not the British Justice System is displaced.

Written By George D. Verlander

446 fatal casualties. 446 fallen comrades. 446 families that have lost a father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, son or daughter. 

This number threatens to increase with every second we are at war.

'446' is the number of deaths that have tragically occurred since the British Army first arrived in Afghanistan, over a decade ago now, in October 2001. The most recent fallen hero has been confirmed, Sergeant Major Ian Fisher from Barking, London, who served in the 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment as a Warrant Officer. He was killed on the 5th of November 2013, as a result of a vehicle-bourne suicide attack whilst out on patrol. 

However, it seems that even if you're blessed enough to have the chance to put down your weapon, and return home to the country that you have risked your life for, you're never out of the war-zone. The dangerous life-threatening environment can alter into a political battle, as seen in recent news regarding 'Marine A', and his possible life sentence after killing a Taliban insurgent. 

The event, which took place on 15th September 2011, has recently been discovered and brought to the intention of the British Government and British Judicial System, who now will decide whether or not the 'accused', a Sergeant in the Royal Marines, should be punished for his actions. The 'execution', as some have described it, was in fact taped on film from another soldier's head camera, only known as 'Marine B' - who has since been released of all charges and admitted back to military duty. Although the video itself has been withheld, deemed too disturbing to distribute via news channels, a voice recording has been released that highlights the sequence of events. 

After finding the Taliban insurgent in a field, dying from wounds recieved from an Apache helicopter's gunfire, 'Marine A' proceeds to take out his 9mm pistol. He then shoots the man dead. From the voice recording it is clear that after this 'Marine A' states, "There, shuffle off this mortal coil... It's nothing you wouldn't do to us." The same Marine then follows this up with "Obviously this doesn't go anywhere fellas. I just broke the Geneva convention", to which 'Marine B,’ replies "Roger mate." 

'The Geneva Convention' (1929) was signed at Geneva on July 27th, 1929. Its official name is 'The Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War', which was entered into force on the 19th June 1931. 

http://www.ppu.org.uk/learn/texts/doc_geneva_con.html

The Third Geneva Convention - "Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War" states:

Prisoners of war MUST be: 


-Treated humanely with respect for their persons and their honor.

-Enabled to inform their next of kin and the Central Prisoners of War Agency (ICRC, the International Red Cross) of their capture. 


- Allowed to correspond regularly with relatives and to receive relief parcels. 


- Allowed to keep their clothes, feeding utensils and personal effects. 


- Supplied with adequate food and clothing. 


- Provided with quarters not inferior to those of their captor's troops.

- Given the medical care their state of health demands. 


- Paid for any work they do. 


- Repatriated if certified seriously ill or wounded, (but they must not resume active military duties afterwards).

- Quickly released and repatriated when hostilities cease.

Prisoners of war must NOT be:

- Compelled to give any information other than their name, age, rank and service number.

- Deprived of money or valuables without a receipt (and these must be returned at the time of release). 


- Given individual privileges other than for reasons of health, sex, age, military rank or professional qualifications. 


- Held in close confinement except for breaches of the law, although their liberty can be restricted for security reasons. 


- Compelled to do military work, nor work which is dangerous, unhealthy or degrading.

The actions distributed from 'Marine A' clearly notify a violation in the regulations of this specific convention. Nevertheless, we must examine the facts at our disposal. Firstly, did the accused shoot dead a wounded individual who would have been classed as and therefore become a PoW? Yes. Secondly, would the 'victim', a Taliban insurgent, have tried to and, if given the chance, inflict maximum damage onto British soldiers if presented with the opportunity to do so? Yes. Thirdly, if wounded and if indeed captured, would British Personnel be protected under the very same ‘Geneva Convention’ from an organisation such as the Taliban, an organisation who have in the past video taped and released public executions on not only soldiers, but on innocent journalists and civilians also? Ah. 

Prime Minister David Cameron, along with multiple figures within the British Army, have condoned the event which has been called 'murder.' Today the PM stated, "We should not let that single incident besmirch the incredible work the Royal Marines have done, not only over the decades but over the centuries." 

'Marine A' will be sentenced on December 6th, 2013. The Royal Marines Sergeant could possibly be facing a life sentence if found guilty of these so called ‘war crimes.’

Should 'Marine A' receive a prison sentence? For some it is a highly grey area. Do I personally condone this incident? I know I do not support any form of murder. But there is something about this case, which doesn't resonate the term 'murder.' The statement given by 'Marine A' after he shoots the Taliban insurgent "There, shuffle off this mortal coil... It's nothing you wouldn't do to us” I can’t help but concur, and can't understand anyone who begins to disagree. 

To those individuals within our own society who believe that 'Marine A' was wrong to kill this human being, you do have a point. Perhaps we should have taken the 'victim' captive, even though on the voice recording you can clearly hear all present at the scene refuse to waste their medical supplies on the dying man. Perhaps we should of saved his life, brought him back to a barrack, taken tax payers hard-earned income to ensure that this danger's life span is preserved by providing him with shelter, food and any other necessities, patched him up, sent him on his way, only to later be responsible for another death that our army would suffer.

On the other hand, perhaps 'Marine A' was doing what he felt morally right. He put the man out of his misery.  Are we so naive to believe that this is the first Taliban insurgent to be killed by our armed forces, even if they could of become a PoW? 

Our country is at war, and has been for far too long. People die every day out there, whether you're guilty or innocent, it doesn't matter as soon as a bullet's in you. We all bleed the same way. But I ask, what would you have done in a position such as the one 'Marine A' found himself in? 

What would you have done, if you was out there in that war zone, fearful to tread the very ground underneath, due to the cowardly tactics used by the Taliban, who plant unseen IED's that could tear your life away from you at a moments notice. 

What would you have done, if you had seen brothers-in-arms killed over the course of months and years, and personally seen the enemy take their limbs and hang them from trees to taunt you? 

What would you have done, if you was a battle-hardened soldier such as 'Marine A', who has served countless tours of Afghanistan, and who may be psychologically damaged due to the sheer ungodly things experienced on the battlefield?

What would you have done, whilst you wonder what the purpose of this war really is and why you are really here, knowing that in the near future, if you’re lucky to go home, that the very same place you have been trying to civilize is more than likely going to slip back into a dystopia. 

Now, what would you have done? 

I personally feel disgusted to come from a country that is represented by people who have turned their backs on this brave man, known as 'Marine A', and that this story has been brought into the limelight so near Remembrance Sunday. Tomorrow should be a day when we honor every serviceman or woman that have bravely gone to war for us, especially the glorious dead who never returned. We are so focused on this story at the present time that we also have seemed to forget about the two monsters that murdered Drummer Lee Rigby in May of this year, who was trying to receive donations for the ‘Help For Heroes’ campaign in Woolwich. Why have they not yet been sentenced? Why has this specific case been brought forward before theirs? Shouldn't we instead be trying to rid our country of the very same evil that our soldier's overseas are bravely striving to protect us from?

Is this controversial? To me, not really, it's just a simple view of mine. Any individual willing to go to war for this god-forsaken county is a Hero. It seems to me that the government have just used 'Marine A' to cover their own backs, willing to sacrifice this soldier to make an example out of him.

In conclusion, there is in fact a small part of me that does believe 'Marine A' should go to jail. At least in jail this Hero will have a roof over his head, a daily source of food and four walls surrounding him, so that he is protected from the harsh reality of society and how the British Government and Justice System treat servicemen/women after they return home from war. At least he won't be homeless. Homeless amongst thousands of other veterans in our country who are left crippled with post-traumatic stress, which should be the main concern of our attention. Instead we ignore them, we walk past their sleeping bags on the streets, and we dehumanize them from existence. 

Sadly, this is the honest truth. We would rather spend our time and money on witch-hunts in order to backstab the very best people we have to offer from this country. 

Give him a medal, not a prison sentence.

Let him remain a Hero within this sorrowful life. 

If you agree with this article please follow the link below and support this page. He fought for us, now we need to fight for him. 

https://www.facebook.com/freemrinea?notif_t=fbpage_fan_invite

OR

Follow the link below to the official petition to free Marine A and sign it to show your support. Thank you. https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/56810

'Rescue Me' - Perhaps the world's most underrated TV series and why you should be watching it.

Written By George D. Verlander

'Love, Sex, Life, Death' - Denis Leary, Actor/Comedian

Nobody wants to do it. The family and I sit motionless staring at the television  screen. I unfortunately have the remote in my hand, that has since begun to tremble with a tinge of excitement and dread, knowing I'm the one who has to submit the killing blow. Before us we have downloaded the 93rd and final episode of FX's hit TV show Rescue Me, one of the greatest and most underrated television dramas ever to appear on our screens.  

The show, which premiered on July 21st, 2004, until its finale on September 7th, 2011, centers around a New York City Fire Department based in Harlem. Rescue Me, created by Denis Leary and Peter Tolan follows the personal and public lives of a fictional fire crew after the events of 9/11 have taken place. Rescue Me's originality stemmed from this examination - no other television show had previously gone near this specific field, the subject so delicate and so caught up with the tragedy itself, that the aftermath of the survivors were almost completely forgotten about. Over the course of the series endless issues are brought into the limelight and tackled, such as alcoholism, racism, conspiracy theroies, violence, sexism, sexuality, religion, substance abuse, sociological tension, lust, family relationships and the inevitability of death itself, which firefighters have to accept in the dangerous role they play in society, where at any moment life's flame could be extinguished. 

Co-creator Denis Leary plays the lead role, a senior fireman by the name of Thomas 'Tommy' Gavin, the man all ladies want to be with, and all the men want to be like. The no-nonsense, black-humored, firefighting adrenaline junkie and dad of three suffers from survivors guilt as a result of 9/11 terroist attacks, turning to alcoholism throughout the series  in an attempt to treat his post-traumatic stress disorder that he tries to keep hidden. Along with his dysfunctional Irish family Tommy has to deal with divorce, the loss of his fellow firefighter friend and cousin Jimmy Keefe, who died at 9/11, and how his ghost constantly appears to him, not known wether it is a figment of his imagination or really the deceased back from the dead to haunt him. Astoundingly, despite seven series and 93 episodes, some particular ones where the most dramatic and heart-breaking pieces of acting are portrayed, Leary somehow never managed to win an Emmy for his performances, losing a total 5 timss. A total fix up and sham if you ask me. 

His crew, Ladder 62 truck, also deal with the attacks on the World Trade Center in their own ways. Lieutenant 'Lou' Shea, Tommy's best friend, struggles with his weight towards the end of the show's run, revealing to the main character that "you filled your hole with alcohol, whereas I just filled mine with food", once again exploring real-life situations of how people deal with loss and extreme stress. Franco Rivera, another firefighter within 62 truck provides issues with youth and the playboy identity of the FDNY, as well as occasional elements of political debate, questioning wether the attacks had anything to do with the government. This intelligently highlights evident conspiracy theories that have and continue to circulate the media, much to the anger of the FDNY. Two other characters Sean Garrity and Mike Silletti (both firefighters) provide the comedy element with countless screen time of mature, adult entertainment, as well as dealing with inner issues, such as Sean's romance with Tommy's sister/diagnosis with cancer and Mikey's exploration with his sexuality, unsure wether or not he is gay or straight.

Still haven't sold it to you yet? Well.

The show is so well rounded it is hard to fault it. The two leading actresses, Andrea Roth (Tommy's wife) and Callie Thorne (Tommy's cousin's wife) are both stunningly beautiful in their own way that it is hard for the male fans of the show to pick their favorite. I know I had trouble, and still do! Even within the fire crew itself the complexity of the characters are so imaginative and so detailed that after watching a few episodes you think and almost hope they're real individuals, as well as wanting them to be your friends. Rescue Me literally has everything, from romance down to gritty and realistic sexual relationships, from laugh out loud humor to sombre and tragic moments and edge-of-your seat vein-pumping action that blends so well and so beautifully with occasional moments of slow and meaningful emotion. 

So, if by chance you've stumbled across this piece of writing, my only question now would be... at what point did you stop reading to go to your Sky box and download every single episode? If you haven't ever heard of this show then I truly, truly cannot understand where you have been for the last decade. I hope that by reading this it has intrigued you to find out more about the show, enjoy it and cherish it like I have. In all seriousness however, this is a brilliant television drama of pure genius and will live long in the memory. Whilst watching it women will contemplate burning their houses down in hope that they stumble across a Tommy Gavin, whereas men will be inspired by these heroic, Super-man like figures that occupy our very own society, so that they to can be better people themselves.

Firefighters bleed, and burn. They're not invincible, nor are they any different from any of us when they step off that rig and take off that helmet. They're people. But they're the bravest of the brave and the best of us alongside our other servicemen and women. God bless the 343 firemen that perished in 9/11, and for those who remain, who are still fighting a continous struggle with their inner demons. 

Rescue Me Season 1 - Intro Clip (All rights to Rescue Me belong to Sony Pictures Entertainment)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgE19tnQeoY

Rescue Me Series 1-7 can be obtained on Sky Demand until February 2014. 

"Are you the crazy one? Or am I?" : An in depth examination of Sociological Oppression

Written By George D. Verlander

Last night my girlfriend and myself made our way into London for her sister's 22nd birthday. Upon arrival we were greeted by her friends, all of whom were current or recently graduated university students, who are now either furthering their studies with PhD's/MA's, or making a living in the working world. 

Thirty seconds round the corner from Southwark station situates a variety of various hidden gems in the form of lavish restaurants, a multiple complex of contiguous cultures side by side. If you're ever in the area, make sure to check out 'EV' (which means 'home' in the native tongue) a swanky, and hospitable Turkish cuisine. And not one that would break the bank either! For £19.95 waiters supplied our party with a range of starters, no I'm not going to try and pronounce them, and after we had finished a main course of our choosing. 

Sipping Rose wine whilst savoring each morsel of marinated lamb I couldn't help think about my working-class heritage from Limehouse. Had I gone up in the world? Exquisite food, delicate ambiance and intriguing conversation between intellectual minds. Well, I listened mostly. However it was at the moment whilst talking to an excellent young journalist I began to have another thought. "She is living a life that she is passionate about, one she loves." This lady had gone out in the world, worked hard for her degree and was now working for a well-established newspaper, as well as having a popular and fascinating blog. I was already hungry waiting for the food to come. Now I was hungry for success.

It was refreshing to meet someone who was living out their dream, especially when we live in a world where dreams are sadly left by the wayside and forgotten as we grow older.  

I experienced this first-hand in my previous career as a supermarket checkout cashier. On my very first day I engaged with the old lady on the till next to my own in a desperate attempt to make a friend. 

"So how long have you been working here?" I began nervously

"Oh, only thirty-nine years my dear" she answered back sweetly. 

That scared me from the onset and stayed with me until I was no longer able to deal with job. So I left. 

It has been five months since I have had a job. Would I go back to working at a supermarket? No. Before working in that sector I admit whole-heartedly that I would often take up a pretentious attitude towards people who worked in these roles. I don't believe I felt I was better than them as a person, but rather better than the job itself. A sense of shame has replaced that feeling as I have matured and emphasized with these workers, combined with pity, not for supermarkets themselves. For the people who have no choice but to work in them. 

Who as a child grows up dreaming "One day, I'm going to make it. One day I will be a supermarket till operator." No one does. Unless you're utterly fascinated by the whole system and love to handle plastic bags for inconsiderate and rude strangers. You do get some odd individuals in Pitsea. As I said though, not many people do wake up in the morning and look forward to that kind of job. Would you wish upon your future children to work in places such as these? I know I wouldn't.  I hope you don't take this article the wrong way. I don't mean to present myself as a stuck-up teenager with some personal vendetta against supermarket corporations, nor do I mean to insult any person who has, or is currently working in these particular locations. That is not the focal point of this post.

It just breaks my heart that the world turns this way. You're born, you go to primary school, you go to secondary school, if you work hard you get good GCSE's, you go to college, if you're blessed with intelligence you get good A-levels, you go to university, if you work hard and are blessed with intelligence you get a good degree, you go to work, you buy a house, you take out a mortgage, you pay bills, if you're lucky you have kids and you spend the rest of your working life paying for these luxuries and expenses. At the age of sixty-five, if you have paid enough money into your pension plan, you can retire for a fews years and wait for the end doing what you wish. No one questions this. We all just do it. 

Are you the crazy one? Or am I? To me society itself seems so wrong, so fragmented and twisted. No, I am not going back to work in a supermarket. No, this isn't a case of 'snobbery' anymore. 

This is a case of defiance! Defiance against sociological oppression, an invisible disease which slowly latches onto us and prevents us from speaking out, from acting out. It leaves the body. It takes the mind. 

What do I know though in reality? Not a lot. Whilst writing this article I happened to have a conversation with my mum about the whole thing. Is it better to not have a job, to be looking for that diamond in the rough, the thing you've always wanted. Or should we all be doing something that doesn't fulfill us deep down, but provides us with a sense of security, and an ability to enjoy the little things in life, expensive they may not be, but personal and rewarding? I do not know the answer. All I know is that there are people in this world breathing success, and consider it not be hard labor. How nice would it be if we could all have that? 

We have precious little time granted to us in this world. We might as well do what we love before we don't get the chance again. So when someone tells you "we can't all be astronauts" simply try and defy the odds and demand,

"Why not?"