While some commentators have rushed to suggest that the puppy shown in this video was either dead or stuffed, the accused Marine has reportedly posted an apology. David Motari has been named as the Marine in the video, though the Marines are still investigating. In what is purported to be a posting from him below, he blames the stress of combat.
In his alleged apology, Modari says that in combat people “develope [sic] a different sence [sic] of humor than what others are used to.” He say that he is “sorry about the dog.” He also complains about people bothering his family and his girlfriend.
For the statement, click here
Yet, in this video of the incident, a strikingly different individual is shown.
There is still no confirmation that this is indeed a genuine apology from Motari. Notably missing in the statement is any support for the spin recently put on the video to claim everything from a dead puppy to a suspected IED, click here
Even if there is no confirmed apology, one would have expected someone to come forward to make that stuffed or deceased dog claim given the torrent of controversy. Some advocates seem to be struggling to find a way to blame a liberal media for the controversy and have made criticizing this Marine into an attack on all Marine. Obviously, the outrage is due not only to the horrible attack but that this is not indicative of our service members. Indeed, the Marines seem pretty ticked about this whole episode and they will likely prove the harshest judges of all.
It is certainly wrong that people are harassing his family and girlfriend. That is a uniquely stupid act — not unlike throwing a puppy over a cliff. While combat fatigue may be a defense (or mitigating factor) in a possible criminal charge , click here, it should not alter the fact that this Marine does not appear capable of maintaining proper discipline and conduct in a combat area. It may be sufficient for Motari to simply agree to a less than honorable discharge as the proper punishment for this monstrous act. What he lost (in what this posting suggests is a momentary loss of humanity) should be the honor to wear the uniform of the United States Marines. It is a hard punishment for a young Marine, but it could be worse: he could be thrown over a rocky cliff.