AIM Report: Selective Outrage on Iraq is Sickening - June B

[Barrett808]

AIM Report: Selective Outrage on Iraq is Sickening - June B
The punishment should fit the crime, and not to appease either foreign or domestic media feeding frenzies.

June 16, 2004

The gleeful self-flagellation regarding the alleged Iraqi prisoner humiliation has become sickening. Those soldiers accused of abusing prisoners are innocent until proven guilty, a right we guarantee for murderers. The most sickening images are the "outraged" politicians, using this incident for furthering their politicization of the war. Furthermore, I do not see the same "outrage" at the treatment received by our personnel at the hands of the enemy.

From everything I understand, the U.S. Military justice system is functioning effectively and several Article 32 investigations are currently underway into the alleged abuse at Abu Ghraib prison. Recall, the investigations began before the outbreak of media and political outrage. As with civilian law enforcement, these things take time, since both the prosecution and defense need adequate time for presenting their cases.

The released pictures display a conduct that is totally abhorrent, and a clear violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. However, we must not look for "scapegoats," for then we become what we seek to punish. The punishment should fit the crime, and not to appease either foreign or domestic media feeding frenzies.

While nothing justifies the alleged conduct by prison MPs, I am certain those "detainees" were not picked up for jaywalking. It seems illogical to subject "low-level operatives" to this type of interrogation. What possible information did these "detainees" have that would tempt someone to cross the line?

The alleged conduct of those few soldiers has jeopardized the safety, and overall mission, of the remaining 130,000 serving honorably. But so does the conduct of American politicians and journalists who use these images for furthering their personal agendas and careers. When Congressmen asked Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld who will restore America's image, I was incensed. My answer would be, "You Congressman, you will say this is not America." If members of Congress will not stand up for their country, then why do we provide them their over-pampered pay and perks?

(more)

http://www.aim.org/aim_report/1691_0_4_0_C/

[redqueen]

1. Why post this nonsense?

It's obvious malarkey from a rightwing source.

I am certain those "detainees" were not picked up for jaywalking.

and by stating as much, the writer of this piece of garbage displays his or her stunning ignorance for the world to see.

*yawn*

[Barrett808]

2. Just thought you'd be interested in what Reed's up to nowadays n/t