Allow me to drop my liberal mindset, assume the Devil's Advocate role, and engage in some stereotyping for a moment:

Marines are the very reason our military has such a tough time overseas. Nations tolerating our presence in their sovereign lands, and the jar heads are raping preteen girls, mooning local politicians, sucker-punching waiters, flipping off royalty, and hitting CHRISTIAN PRIESTS OVER THE HEAD WITH TIRE IRONS.

Oh sure, that last one happened in our country. I'm sure that's a comfort to the Greek Orthodox church.

And I realize it's not just the marines doing these idiotic things to foreigners. But many do not, and the USMC will now have to deal with an already diminishing collective self-esteem in light of most people's impressions of Privates Pyle, Joker and Cowboy.

For years many have rationalized this behavior by saying the best recipe for ground combat elites consists of a heaping tablespoon of psychosis (the remainder being an ounce of stupidity, teaspoon of ignorance, and a sprinkling of abnormal brain chemistry). Actually, this old formula has never been the best, but the cheapest, route to disposable heroes.

And it might have worked when we faced enemies who didn't want to die. But this terrorism shit has changed the stakes. As tragic as it might be, the ultimate sacrifice by a G.I. pales in comparison to the enemy who intentionally blows himself up in the name of "victory."

With Blackwater and other contractors, joint Special Forces, and an Army doing most of the heavy lifting in Afghanistan and Iraq, the USMC is an increasingly immaterial element of the DoD. What they don't need right now is some goon reinforcing their negative stereotypes.

In fact, the USMC should really be able to relate to Muslims right about now.