Rep. Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania wants to make murdering a service member a federal crime punishable by death. The “Captain Scott Corwin Armed Forces Protection Act” would treat the murder, attempted murder or conspiracy to murder a member of the military the same as killing or trying to kill a law enforcement officer. Right now, it’s only a federal crime if the accused knows the victim is a service member. The law would apply even if the service member is out of uniform or in a place where it’s not clear he or she is in the military, the same as undercover police.
Army Capt. Scott Corwin
The bill stems from the 2004 shooting death of Darien Illinois native Army Captain Scott Corwin. The Hinsdale South High School grad was killed in Savannah, Georgia while he and his girlfriend were walking near a downtown square. His shooting is still unsolved. Click on Corwin's picture to get more information about the foundation his family has set up.
There’s no doubt, this country owes a huge debt of gratitude to the service men and women who put their lives on the line to protect this country and the lifestyle we’ve grown accustomed to. Given the state of the world today and dangers they face while serving, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying “thank you” is not always enough. Sometimes, especially now that there’s this huge debate about whether to bring the troops home, people want to go out of their way to make sure military members get the utmost respect. After all, they deserve it. But is this proposed law fair? It says, even if you don’t know this person is a service member, you will still be punished. At least with undercover police, they are protecting and serving (we hope). If the service members are out of uniform, in a place that doesn’t obviously identify them as a service member, then aren’t they just like the rest of us, trying to enjoy life?
Comments (2)
Hats off to you, Mike Ross. Scottie was just 'enjoying himself' as the blogger quotes, not in uniform, and he didn't remove his devotion to his country when he removed his uniform.
Posted by Greg Corwin | October 27, 2007 6:51 PM
Posted on October 27, 2007 18:51
I think murdering anyone should be a federal crime punishable by death,maybe that will give criminals a moment to reflect on the importance of life including their own
Posted by mike ross | October 25, 2007 9:22 PM
Posted on October 25, 2007 21:22