Stephen Yeargin

As is often the case with a more Internet savvy generation of reporters, it does not take long for a controversial topic to find its way into the mainstream media channels. The case of a video purporting to show a United States Marine in Iraq tossing a puppy off a steep slope is no exception.

The video sparked outrage on popular social bookmarking sites like Digg and Reddit, with countless readers doing a bit more research to ascertain the identity of the soldier perpetrating the act. An untold number even resorted to a form of vigilantism, calling his family’s home or sending other threatening messages through a social networking profile page.

Even while there is a mild skepticism about the authenticity of the 15 second video, I believe it tells of a deeper issue that our nation will be grappling with in the decades to come. Long tours of duty can be directly correlated with an increase in diagnosed psychological disorders for returning soldiers, including post traumatic stress disorder and even suicidal tendencies.

Our failed strategy in Iraq will cost more than the loss of American life and billions of dollars. The men and women of the armed forces are returning to a Veterans Affairs system that does little to take care of veterans of older wars, much less the current conflict. They will return to an economy reeling from a mortgage crisis and perilously close to exhibiting even strong indications that we are headed for a recession. Fewer jobs to go around will make the transition back to civilian life even more difficult than it already will be.

These concerns should be on the minds of every lawmaker and of the voting public. While cases such as those shown in the video are hopefully an anomaly in the ranks of US Marine Corps, we must remember the simple principle that those who purposefully abuse animals are deeply troubled, unsafe to society and in desperate need of help.