GA State Senator Douglas statement on conviction of soldier

“I was distressed to learn that Army Specialist Phil Shore of Winder, Georgia, was convicted by a court martial in Hawaii of a crime I am convinced he did not commit,” said Sen. John Douglas (R-Social Circle). “A patriotic American trying to serve his country, Shore was cleared of murder by a thorough investigation, but Major General B.R. Mixon, a former North Georgia College and State University classmate of mine, chose to pursue 3rd degree murder charges. Now a jury of officers and non-commissioned officers have convicted Shore of assault and sentenced him to 120 days in jail.

“From the vantage point of speaking to both Shore’s attorney and father and listening to the evidence available, I believe the Army attempted to sacrifice this young man to appease the Iraqi government and those in this country who hate both the Army and the war effort. The actions of General Mixon are inexcusable in my mind and showed a dogged determination to get a conviction at all costs. He is a great disappointment to me as a former classmate and proud supporter of North Georgia College.

“I hope that the Shore family will be able to move forward and that if SPC Shore appeals his conviction, he will be successful. While this trial result will allow him to remain in the Army, in reality, he has a very limited future there. I wish him the very best.”

Sen Douglas is Chairman of the GA Senate Committee on Veterans, Military and Homeland Security. He represents the 17th Senate District and can be reached at john.douglas@senate.ga.gov or 404-656-0503

This case is another example of the military willing to sacrifice young personnel to pacify anti war zealots and others. Shore was cleared of murder by the ART 32 investigation but the 25th ID CG demanded a murder trial any way. Mixon looks foolish now and unfit as a commander in my opinion.

1 posted on 02/23/2008 11:49:12 AM PST by Bulldawg Fan

Why fight if you are going to get this BS

2 posted on 02/23/2008 2:14:27 PM PST by Dacula (So long and thanks for all the fish!)

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