Those paratroopers accused of murder are from Fort Richardson in Alaska.

Two Fort Richardson paratroopers are accused of murdering Iraqi civilians and planting weapons with their bodies, the Army said Saturday.

Staff Sgt. Michael A. Hensley is charged with three premeditated murders, three counts of "wrongfully placing weapons" near the bodies and three of obstructing justice. Spc. Jorge G. Sandoval Jr. is charged with one premeditated murder and of placing a weapon with the body.

I have little doubt that these young men did not go over to Iraq with a murderous intent. They went to "defend their country". And now they stand accused of murder.

I cannot imagine what kinds of experiences and stresses would have turned two young men into accused murderers. But these are just two more American lives that Bush's war has destroyed. Maybe he did not point a gun to their head and pull the trigger, but he might as well have.