This pardon would be particularly important if the Dems win. I realize that some people would get away with crimes as a result, but the net effect on justice would be positive.
This is a very important essay on a subject that has concerned me for some time. The author’s points are right on the mark, IMHO. I don’t know the facts and circumstances of every case, but I am very concerned about the trend.
When I was in combat as long range reconnaissance platoon leader and later a rifle company commander, I understood that my actions and the actions of my soldiers were subject to the laws of land warfare and the UCMJ. I served in Vietnam after the My Lai incident, so I understood the implications of the use of illegal force. But, I was never subjected to the inquistions that seem to be going on in Iraq and Afghanistan. Deaths of soldiers due to friendly fire were subject to an Article 15-6 investigations, and two were done while I was a company commander: one for a friendly small arm fire incident and one when my battalion 4.2 in mortar platoon put four rounds in my company perimeter. I know of other investigations when Vietnamese civilians were killed, but I know of no investigation when soldiers killed enemy combatants, VC or NVA. In fact, what happened in those cases was congratulations all around with commanders dropping in to pin meals on jungle fatigues where appropriate.
This trend, if true, is very disturbing, and will render our military incapable of fighting and winning. I think that perhaps we have too many lawyers sticking their noses where they don’t belong, and too many senior leaders who never saw combat as junior officers and NCOs.
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