Hopefully none of us suffer the misconception that every American serviceman is scrupulously honorable, but the fact that something this involved could occur under the command of a US Army Brigadier General is apallingly shameful. This is a reason why the phrase "thanks to all who serve" must instead be revised to "thanks to all who serve with honor."
Posted by JohnGalt at April 30, 2004 12:46 PMThis is indeed a gut-wrenching story for someone like me who has great pride in our military.
I am not going to stop thanking "all who serve," however. This is a small minority who dishonor us. And they are being dealt with. I hope all who would do this would be caught and would be punished.
Millions do honor us, and I will happily play those numbers and thank all who serve.
Posted by: jk at April 30, 2004 01:50 PMI'm not really criticizing the phrase, JK, merely refining it. I see there are similar photos now involving British troops. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,118721,00.html I'm rarely at a loss for understanding the actions of my fellow man but this is one of those times. What's with all the "sex acts" both real and simulated? These stories remind me of scenes from the movie 'Dances With Wolves' where the illiterate soldiers mistreat Dunbar while in captivity. That was an illustration of people at the bottom of the chain of command finally being superior to someone else, and becoming power drunk. Maybe the same thing happens today but I just don't get the sex acts part. Maybe it's the MTV/Janet Jackson influence you've mentioned before.
Posted by: johngalt at May 1, 2004 09:11 AMDesperately sad. And antithetical to the spirit and goals of their mission. These people have served bravely, and most likely with great honor, only to succumb to childish and atavistic motives, thereby setting back the achievements they have made. Tragic.
Posted by: jk at May 1, 2004 11:54 AM