The Rick Amato Show

British Film Maker Speaks Out

British film maker John Laurence who directed "I Am An American Soldier" a documentary about the 101st Airborne and their heroics in Iraq, has taken exception to articles written here at AmatoTalk.com.

The 101st Airborne includes Staff Sergeant Raymond Girouard. SSG Girouard was recently sentenced to ten years in prison after being convicted on three counts of negligent homicide for his role in the deaths of three Iraqi detainees on May 9, 2006.

SSG Girouard refused a government plea bargain deal to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a lesser sentence.

We pointed out in an article titled "The Training and Conviction of Staff Sergeant Girouard" that film footage existed of Commanding Officer Col. Steele giving a 'pep talk' , saying things such as:

" Don't let them live to fight another day. They’re going to breed, multiply . . .,’You'll be eaten unless you act like the dominant one on the food chain...rely on your training to do what's right, do not hesitate...you’re the hunted … don't bring any of them back. "

While the defense was unsuccessful in their attempts to call Col. Steele as a witness in the case (he was eventually reprimanded and re-assigned out of Iraq by the military) his comments are a part of  "I Am An American Soldier".

John Laurence has pointed out the Col. Steele DID NOT receive financial compensation for his role in the film.   Instead  Laurence and his  film crew spent 14 months embedded with a company of the 101st Airborne and filmed Colonel Steele's deployment speech.

The film will be seen at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York starting April 26th. Listed below is the movie's trailer, and John Laurence's comments to AmatoTalk.com:


http://www.iamanamericansoldier.com/


"You make an assumption about our film, "I Am an American Soldier" -- that Colonel Steele was paid for his story -- that is not true. We spent 14 months embedded with a company of the 101st Airborne to make this documentary about the lives of ordinary soldiers in Iraq. Colonel Steele happened to be the brigade commander and we happened to film his pre-deployment speech which you have taken totally out of context. We were invited by the Army to make this film. We did not pay a penny for the privilege. The film will be seen at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York starting April 26th.

The last paragraph is a complete lie. Col. Steele was interviewed and filmed during the 14 months filming this movie. It most certainly does not tell his story, but that of a company of the 101st Airborn in Iraq. most was filmed before the subject of the court case".

John Laurence, Director, verite films limited, U.K.


It is our belief that you deserve to know what film maker John Laurence had to say.

The Little Things That Make A Big Difference

In a world too often characterized by cynicism, jaded attitudes and hardened points of view it is sometimes easy to miss a story involving little things that make a big difference.

Such is the case of Staff Sergeant Ray Girouard and the supporters who believed in him.

If you are a regular reader of this site you are aware that as recently as a few months ago Sergeant Girouard was facing the possibility of a life sentence and he lacked the necessary funds to hire proper outside legal representation. Without proper outside legal representation, he would be represented only by an assigned military attorney... the military equivalent of a public defender.

The small town of Sweetwater, TN (population 6,000) rallied behind their hometown hero as Girourd's grandparents and sister, Joy Oakes, went on a mission to raise the money necessary for an attorney.

Only $24,000- was needed and $24,000- was raised.  While a jury sentenced Girouard to a decade in prison, it is believed he could have received a life sentence, if not for the $24,000 that paid for his civil attorney.

$24,000- may not sound like a great deal of money in the grand scheme of things...but it is all the money in the world when you are in need of it, are facing a deadline and don't have it. In this case it was enough to give a young man his life back.

Ray Girouard Gets 10 Year Sentence

 Staff Sergeant Raymond Girard accused of ordering subordinates to kill three Iraqi detainees should be sentenced to 10 years in prison, a military jury ruled on Monday.

Staff Sgt. Ray Girouard could have received up to 21 years in prison. He avoided a life sentence when he was found not guilty of premeditated murder. He refused a government a plea bargain deal to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a lesser sentence.

Girouard testified during the trial that he lied to investigators about the slayings to protect his soldiers, and that he never told two of his soldiers, Spc. William Hunsaker and Pfc. Corey Clagett, to kill the detainees.

After he discovered the slayings Girouard said he decided to help them fake an attack, cutting Hunsaker and punching Clagett in the face, and lying to superiors by saying his soldiers shot the detainees in self-defense.

What has not been widely reported is the communication and training given to Girouard and his men by commanding officer Col. Michael Steele as they prepared for the realities of war in Iraq.

Film footage was obtained of Col. Steele giving a pep talk saying things such as "Don't let them live to fight another day. They’re going to breed, multiply . . .,’You'll be eaten unless you act like the dominant one on the food chain...rely on your training to do what's right, do not hesitate...you’re the hunted … don't bring any of them back. "

"I believe you create the perfect storm out there", said defense attorney Anita Gorecki. "To think that all those things (words, combat stress, adrenaline, fatigue, etc.) together do not have an effect on some 20 or 21 years old, who is newly coming into the military and find themselves in this very difficult situation there, I think is absurd."

The panel also recommended a reduction in his rank, a dishonorable discharge and forfeiture of pay, with a recommendation that the money go to his wife and 4-year-old son.

Girouard showed no emotion during the reading of the sentence, but afterward, he hugged his attorney. His family filed out of the courtroom without speaking to him.

His attorney, Anita Gorecki, called the case a victory, considering that her client could have faced life in prison.

"I believe it does work to fight the system," Gorecki said. "In Sgt. Girouard's case not only does it show you can fight for your day in court, it was never a possibility for him to plead. He was never going to take a deal."

She said that he will likely be eligible for parole in three to four years.

Girouard's sister, Joy Oakes, had mixed emotions.  "We are sad. We really wanted him to come home," Oakes said. "It's a sad day for our family, but I do feel we got a fair trial.

"I made a bad decision, and I fully accept my responsibility," Girouard said.

Girouard's family and hometown of Sweetwater, TN  have remained staunch supporters throughout and rallied to raise money for his legal defense.

I received this touching email from Girouard's grandfather a few weeks ago:

"RICK,

  WE HAVE RAISED   $17,000.00... ALL WE NEED IS  $8,000.00  WE ARE ONLY LOOKING FOR THAT AMOUNT...IF WE GET MORE  WE WILL USE IT ON OUR MOTELS AND EATS FOR RAYS TRIAL...WHICH SHOULD LAST 8 DAYS THEY TELL US...AND ALL RECIEPTS WILL BE SAVED.  BUT WE ARE ONLY LOOKING FOR $8,000.00 

BUT I HAVE COME DOWN WITH LYNFORMA  CANCER  AND HAVENT WORKED SINCE JAN.10TH   SO MONEY WILL BE SHORT FOR OUR TRIP     THANKS FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR US    RON & PAT   GOD BLESS "

Staff Sergeant Girouard and his sister Joy Oakes were raised by their grandparents. His grandfather and  sister had both appeared as gracious guests on my radio show prior to receiving the email.

The Training And Conviction Of Staff Sergeant Raymond Girouard

Twenty-four year old Staff Sergeant Ray Girouard was convicted on three counts of negligent homicide for his role in the deaths of three Iraqi detainees on May 9, 2006. He could face up to 21 years of prison time. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for today.

 Girouard was accused of telling his soldiers to release the detainees after they had been captured during a raid of  a terrorist training camp, and then shoot them as they fled. 

Girouard testified during the trial that he lied to investigators about the slayings to protect his soldiers, and that he never told two of his soldiers, Spc. William Hunsaker and Pfc. Corey Clagett, to kill the detainees.

After he discovered the slayings Girouard said he decided to help them fake an attack, cutting Hunsaker and punching Clagett in the face, and lying to superiors by saying his soldiers shot the detainees in self-defense.

What has not been widely reported is the communication and training given to Girouard and his men by commanding officer Col. Michael Steele  as they prepared for the realities of war in Iraq.

Film footage was obtained of Col. Steele giving a pep talk saying things such as "Don't let them live to fight another day. They’re going to breed, multiply . . .,’You'll be eaten unless you act like the dominant one on the food chain...rely on your training to do what's right, do not hesitate...you’re the hunted … don't bring any of them back. "

" I believe you create the perfect storm out there", said defense attorney Anita Gorecki. "To think that all those things (words,combat stress, adrenaline, fatigue of war, etc.) together do not have an effect on someone 20 or 21 years old, who is newly coming into the military and find themselves in this very difficult situation there, I think is absurd."

The defense was unsuccessful in their attempt to call Col. Michael Steele as a witness in the case. Steele has since been reprimanded by the military and re-assigned out of Iraq.

While Steele will not have to testify as a witness he will be telling his story to thousands of movie goers. He was apparently successful in selling his account to a documentary film maker as he will be heard and seen in a movie titled  "I Am An American Soldier”, scheduled to open in New York in the next few weeks.

News and Notes From The Road

I've just returned from attending the Annual Radio & Records Talk Radio Seminar in Los Angeles... plus...from also taking a few days of much needed r-and-r, which explains why blog postings have been absent the past week.

The Talk Radio Seminar was insightful, productive and loaded with industry power players: Bill Handel of KFI in LA (recipient of this year's Local Personality Of The Year Award), nationally syndicated talk show hosts Jim Bohannon, Rusty Humphries and Jerry Doyle...soon to be nationally syndicated Dennis Miller (show launches March 26th on Westwood One) and Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee (more on him later).

Also attending among the industry elite were Tom Tradup and John Butler of Salem Radio, Robin  Bertolucci the esteemed Program Director at KFI, Phil Boyce of WABC New York, John Rosso of ABC Radio Networks, Gabe Hobbs of Clear Channel and Mark Masters of Talk Radio Network.

Upon returning I've noticed the political buzz in the media (or perhaps more like a murmur) is whether or not Senator Fred Thompson will announce his candidacy for the White House in '08?

Well I had the opportunity to spend a few fleeting moments  of 1 on 1 time with the Senator last week and I came away with a couple of observations.

Interestingly I was more amused not by what he had to say...but instead...by what he did not say.

In other words, I found Senator Thompson to be very approachable, friendly and gregarious....except when I transitioned the conversation to presidential politics. At that point he became guarded, abrupt and actually walked away.

Additionally prior to a segment in which he was scheduled to address the entire audience we were instructed not to ask the Senator any questions about his presidential plans.

Sometimes it's not what you say, but what you don't say that speaks volumes.

This week I also attended the National Italian American Foundation Media Conference in LA.  I had the opportunity to meet some interesting and accomplished people such as Ken LaCorte editor of FOXNews.com, Joe Cerrell (recently inducted in to the Political Consultants Hall of Fame) of Cerrell and Assoc. and Diego Brasioli of the Italian Consul  General.

All in all it has been a busy week...
I would like to thank the fine women of The Navajo Canyon Republican Women's Federation for inviting me as their guest speaker at their monthly luncheon meeting this week. It was a great experience.

On a somber note, I see that Staff Sergeant Raymond Girouard was found guilty this week and that I am beginning to receive e-mail world-wide from people asking my opinion on the matter. Now that I am back in the saddle I will take a closer look at the latest developments and give you my take.

 

I

Rick Amato On The Air In Florida

As a special reminder to our Florida friends you can catch Rick Amato Thursday March,8 at 10:00 AM on The Carole Nelson Show, on  WMEL radio (920AM on the dial) in Melbourne FL. The topic: Ramos & Compeon.

You are encouraged to call the show and voice your opinion at (321)254-4006.

Rick will also discuss Congressman Duncan Hunter's petition drive for a pardon of Ramos & Compeon. The interview will last approximately 30 minutes. Again, phone lines will be open.

Duncan Hunter Surprises Pundits In South Carolina Straw Poll

The FOX television talking heads were gushing over the usual suspects- Mitt Romney, Rudy Gulliani and John McCain- when the results of the South Carolina Republican straw poll rolled in and left the pundits stuttering and speechless in mid sentence.

In a surprise result not predicted by any of the national political commentators, California Congressman Duncan Hunterfinished second with 110 votes behind Rudy Gulliani's 123 votes with 71 of the 75 precincts reporting.

Arizona Sen. John McCain was third with 86 votes, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had 59 votes, Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback had 68 votes, and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee rounded out the front-runners with 18 votes.

The underdog Hunter has now taken first in an Arizona straw poll and second in the South Carolina.

The charm of Duncan Hunter is that he is authentic. In a world of hyper-branding and packaging... where politicial speeches sound as if they are the result of focus group studies... Hunter comes across as unscripted, unrehearsed and firm in his beliefs.

...And do not dismiss his unwavering support for Border Patrol Agents Ramos & Compeon. It is the stuff that resonates with people.   

As I wrote in The Washington Times back in November, Hunter has a message that connects with republican voters...particularly those in early primary states such as Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire. His message is one of peace through strength, conservative social values and conservative illegal immigration policy.

Voters will contiune to find him an attractive alternative.

CNN To Air Story On Staff Sargent Ray Girouard

CNN is sending a film crew to the town of Sweetwater, TN to interview family members and residents in the home town of Staff Sergeant Raymond Girouard.  For months Staff Sergeant Girouard has been a major focus of our radio broadcasts, blog articles and e-blasts.

The small Tennessee town has united and rallied behind Girouard in an effort to provide emotional support for his family and help raise much needed legal funds for his defense.

Staff Sgt, Girouard, age 24, is accused of murdering  Iraqi detainees while on a mission to raid a terrorist training camp. He has been recommended for a court martial and faces the possibility of a life sentence.  

Staff Sgt Girouard says that he gave orders to shoot the detainees, after the detainees attacked his men and attempted to escape.  He says he was following the rules of engagement which were, "kill all military age males".

Meanwhile Staff Sgt. Girouard 's family (he was raised by his grandparents) are unable to afford an attorney for his defense and he is represented only by a military-court appointed attorney...the civilian equivalent of a public defender.

WATE television in Knoxville, TN is reporting that people from all over America have begun to donate money.

The CNN story is expected to air Friday, March 2nd between 6:00am and 9:00am.

Our position is that Staff Sargent Girouard- like all U.S. military members- deserves a fair, balanced hearing....with expert representation, free from outside agendas and inside politics.

There have been an alarming number of young American soldiers pressured in to plea bargain deals after being accused of wrong doing while serving in combat in Iraq. Which begs the question, why?

Is it a break down in communication? Is it poor training? Is there a culture of a generally understood acceptable form of behavior that is unspoken but tolerated? (Especially when the government has a set of rules at Guantanamo, and a different set elsewhere). Is it the natural result of duress from Combat Operational Stress? Or are we to believe that all these young men -who volunteered to join the U.S. military in a post 9-11 world- are just all bad people with rogue behavior?

To help contribute to Staff Sgt. Girouard's  legal defense write to:

American Legion Post 106, C/O Joe Tolson,
P.O. Box 256, Sweetwater, TN 37874.
The memo on your check should read: SSG Ray Girouard Legal Expense