Jim Elbrecht > writes:

> On Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:39:35 -0700 (PDT), ImStillMags
> > wrote:
>
>>Marines told to disarm before Leon Panetta's speech.
>>
>>http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/0...ech/?hpt=hp_t3
>
> "The request, relayed by Sgt. Maj. Brandon Hall, was unusual because
> it's not customary to disarm for a defense secretary visit, but the
> Marines did as they were told. About two dozen unarmed Afghan soldiers
> also were in attendance."

I understand that it's been very common to disarm on American bases for
decades even when there weren't special visitors.

> First I got a chuckle out of "the Marines did as they were told."
> Yeah- we do that.<BG>

I believe it's something of a tradition, yes.

> Then I note that there were also Afghan soldiers in attendance. I
> think disarming everyone is a good idea. You can't say the Marines
> we can trust, but the natives are too scary.

Well, lots of Americans could say that. But I don't think it's a good
idea, no.

> Makes sense to me-- that's the reason given by the commander on the
> ground. He's the boss & gets to say what's right.

Not what's right, just what's *done*.
--
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