Marine video is shocking and shameful

A recent YouTube video shows a uniformed Marine referred to as “Motari” standing on a rocky-looking cliff, holding a small, black-and-white puppy by the scruff of the neck.

The soldier then “trips,” and the puppy is thrown off the edge. Cringing cries can be heard as the puppy allegedly plunges to its death.

The video is absolutely horrifying. When I first heard about it on the news, I had to change the channel. I couldn’t even watch the newscast, let alone the clip of the actual video.

But after several days of reading about it, I had to see the infamous video for myself.

The soldier sarcastically said he “tripped,” which caused him to hurl the puppy into the air and off the cliff.

He obviously didn’t trip or drop the dog, as it soared into the air before its plummet. He and the cameraman then laugh as the small cries from the dog continue to grow softer.

“This is a shocking and deplorable video that is contrary to the high standards that we set for every Marine,” Maj. Chris Perrine, Marine Corps spokesman, said at a news conference. “We will investigate this and take appropriate actions.”

Perrine said the Marine in question is being kept safe during the investigation.

News outlets have reported “Motari’s” family has received harassing phone calls and e-mails. Another video on YouTube compares the soldier in the video to a picture of David Motari, a Marine, found on MySpace, although no official confirmation has been issued.

The whole incident bothers me for many reasons.

The soldier in the video is in complete uniform. When I think of our troops, I think of how respectable, strong and courageous they are.

To know there are people willing to risk their lives for mine is something for which I am eternally grateful. But to see a uniformed soldier I respect so much have complete disregard for this helpless animal makes me sick to my stomach. This soldier, in my opinion, does not deserve the honor to wear the uniform.

The video was posted on a public Web site and open for all to see. To know there is at least one person who not only watched the soldier allegedly kill the puppy but also recorded it is unbelievable.

And to know once it was posted on a public Web site and other people possibly viewed it as entertainment baffles me.

To see the puppy fly through the air, whimpering in fear is heart-wrenching.

Believe it or not, dogs have feelings, too. My dog knows when I’m upset and will come and sit with me when I cry. She runs to me when she’s scared and either tries to hide behind my legs or make me hold her.

She jumps up and down when I ask her if she wants a treat. She whimpered and cried after she had surgery, and the veterinarian even prescribed pain medication for her. She shows as many emotions and has as many feelings as people do.

To know someone is evil enough to even attempt to kill an animal just for laughs is despicable.

Of course it angers me, but it also makes me sad for the soldier—sad that he does not recognize the importance and greatness of all God’s creatures, no matter how small they may be.

KATHRYN JACEWICZ is a staff writer at the Beacon. Reach her at 754-6890 or kjacewicz@brunswickbeacon.com.