Stepping In It

This may be terribly cruel and insensitive, but I was watching the news before I left for work this morning, and there was a clip running with the British sailors and Marines that irritated the piss out of me. It looked like they were having a party there in Tehran, complete with cheap suits and cocktails.

Did anyone else find their demeanor disturbing?

They were prisoners of war to my way of thinking- because Iran is at war with the West, make no mistake. These are the Articles of the Code of Conduct for the U. S. military:

Article I
I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

Article III
If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV
Should I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Article V
When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI
I will never forget that I am an American fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

Well, okay, they're British. But I think Admiral Nelson must be rolling over in his grave.