Ted Turner says it's 'good' U.S. soldiers are committing suicide in large numbers because it proves humans aren't programmed to kill

  • A total of 247 U.S. army personnel are suspected to have taken their own lives between January and September
  • This compares to 222 combat deaths in Afghanistan to October 22
  • CNN founder claims it's time to put war and conflict behind us and 'start acting like civilized, educated human beings'

By Helen Pow

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CNN founder Ted Turner says he thinks it's 'good' that U.S. soldiers are committing suicide in large numbers because it highlights how humans are 'born to love and help each other, not to kill.'

The 73-year-old media mogul made the controversial remarks during an appearance on the TV station's 'Piers Morgan Tonight' last Friday, shortly after the army's latest figures on troop suicides were released.

The data shows that more army personnel have taken their own lives this year than have died in combat in Afghanistan.

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Army suicides: CNN founder Ted Turner, pictured, has claimed that military suicides are positive because they highlights how humans are 'born to love and help each other, not to kill'

Army suicides: CNN founder Ted Turner, pictured, has claimed that military suicides are positive because they highlights how humans are 'born to love and help each other, not to kill'

Referring to the startling figures, Morgan says to Turner: 'That's shocking isn't it?'

But Turner doesn't agree, and almost goes as far as to say army suicides are 'terrific.'

 

'Well, what -- no, I think it's -- I think it's good, because it's so clear that we're programmed and we're born to love and help each other, not to kill each other, to destroy each other,' he says. 'That's an aberration. That's left over from hundreds of years ago. It's time for to us start acting enlightened.'

Earlier in the interview, Morgan asks Turner's view on foreign policy, and whether he believes America should continue to be the world's policeman.

'I don't think we should need one,' Turner replies. 'I think we should use courts the way we do in civilian life. It's time to put war and conflict behind us and move on, and start acting like civilized, educated human beings.'

Controversial: The 73-year-old media mogul, pictured right, made the controversial remarks during an appearance on 'Piers Morgan Tonight' last Friday

Controversial: The 73-year-old media mogul, pictured right, made the controversial remarks during an appearance on 'Piers Morgan Tonight' last Friday

Even before not-yet-released data from October, the number of suicides among active and reserve army personnel this year has surpassed the number of combined military combat deaths from January to October 22, according to CNS News.

A total of 247 U.S. army personnel are believed to have taken their own lives between January and September this year, army data shows. This compares to 222 deaths from 'hostile causes' in Afghanistan.

The figures, collated by the Brookings Institution, show an extra 40 troops were killed by 'non-hostile causes' while on deployments in the country.

This means their deaths were not caused by the Taliban, insurgency forces or Afghan forces.

The latest army statistics, released last Friday, show 15 active duty soldiers are suspected of killing themselves last month alone. The same number of potential suicides was recorded in August.

'Every suicide in our ranks is a tragic loss for the Army family, adversely affecting the readiness of our Army,' Lt. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, said in a Department of Defense release.

Suicides: A total of 247 U.S. soldiers are suspected to have taken their own lives between January and September this year, army data shows. This compares to 222 deaths from 'hostile causes' in Afghanistan

Suicides: A total of 247 U.S. soldiers are suspected to have taken their own lives between January and September this year, army data shows

Combat killings: The high number of suicides compares to 222 deaths from 'hostile causes' in Afghanistan between January and October 22

Combat killings: The high number of suicides compares to 222 deaths from 'hostile causes' in Afghanistan between January and October 22

'I am asking soldiers, family members, Department of the Army civilians, neighbors, and friends to look out for each other and reach out and embrace those who may be struggling,' he said.

'Recognize the warning signs such as substance abuse, relationship problems, and withdrawal from friends and activities and use available resources to help yourself or others. Our actions can save lives.'

For the year up to September, 146 potential suicides were recorded among active-duty army personnel and an additional 101 possible suicides were recorded for troops not on active duty.

Marine Corps commandment James Amos said the problem wasn't confined to the army and that all armed services were experiencing a 'tough year' when it came to suicides, according to CNS.news.

'Even with the attention of the leadership, I think all the services this year are feeling it,' Amos said.

'I guess what I would tell everybody here is there is, through no shortage of great effort and leadership on the part of all the services to try to abate this, but this year, I think, is going to be a tough year for all the services.'

 





 

The comments below have not been moderated.

"...and start acting like civilized, educated human beings. " < Teddy wouldn't know what the word 'civilized' meant.

Click to rate     Rating   14

along with rockefeller one of the bigggest proponents of a global government, with the destruction of the american constitution as a major goal, and guess who he supports, yep! obama.

Click to rate     Rating   21

@........ As a species we have evolved beyond the need for mass destruction- Frances US, Lynn, 26/10/2012 0:37....How wrong you are. The Twentieth Century was the bloodiest ever for "civilised" mankind. Soldiers have a unique place in civil society. because there are individuals, quite capable of fomenting the kind of following that evil men have done that leads to butchery and terror. Soldiers in the main from free nations, keep their evil to a minimum.

Click to rate     Rating   14

I hope he is found flattened someday soon and his commie pig ex goes with him.

Click to rate     Rating   23

Now we know for sure that money cannot buy you integrity, compassion or class.

Click to rate     Rating   27

You are a true piece of work, Herr Turner. Were it not for US servicemen, you would be talking with a different accent and not quite have the fortunes you have. What a piece of work. You and your ex should be exiled to Mars.

Click to rate     Rating   26

Well Ted maybe you should try it also!

Click to rate     Rating   26

This article perfectly illustrates the sickness of the liberal mind.

Click to rate     Rating   32

He and Hanoi Jane were quite the combo. All Ted's $$ and he still doesn't get it. WAKE UP! Here is another typical liberal.

Click to rate     Rating   33

What should people think of Red Ted, onetime paramour of Hanoi Jane Fonda?

Click to rate     Rating   27

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