I've just read a New York Times story from Wednesday that is a crushing blow to the Honor of my Army, and another indictment of the current occupant of the White House. While there have been previous reports of young soldiers and marines descending into criminal behavior, this report contends that a First Sergeant, a 20+ year professional, orchestrated murder in front of his troops who complacently stood by and watched the crime.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/world/middleeast/27abuse.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

This should not have happened. The list of Army Values ideals of professional and ethical conduct that have been violated in this incident are staggering. The possible charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice are equally broad and severe.

Although the criminals in uniform who committed these crimes appear to approaching their day in Courts Martial, I fear that the current mis-administration's depravations that inspired this conduct will never be held responsible. This is an arguable progression from the lies and deceit of the Iraq invasion decision, the dehumanization of the insurgents, the embrace of torture, and the "do whatever it takes" doctrine of the current occupant and his mis-administration.

Nearly a decade of sound judgment and hard work in the "Army Values" campaign have been undone in the face of such a tragic and scandalous event. This is a continuing effort of positive enforcement and inspired ethical grounding that has spread to all of the branches of the US Armed Forces. For the Army - The seven Army Values are know by the memory aid, "Leadership"

Loyalty - Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. constitution, the Army, and other soldiers. Be loyal to the nation and its heritage.

Duty - Fulfill your obligations. Accept responsibility for your own actions and those entrusted to your care.

Respect - Rely upon the golden rule. How we consider others reflects upon each of us, both personally and as a professional organization.

Selfless Service - Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.

Honor - Live up to all the Army values

Integrity - Do what is right, legally and morally. Be willing to do what is right even when no one is looking.

Personal Courage - Our ability to face fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral courage.

This horrible incident contains elements that violate nearly every Army Value. The murders were conducted in the view of numerous subordinates; the reference to the platoon (perhaps as many as 20 soldiers) waiting nearby. By their complacency to the original event and long silence since then they are all also tainted and deserve some form of penalty for dereliction of duty for no (currently reported) attempt to stop the atrocity and conspiracy in such a wide cover-up.

My heart sinks, and my minds rages, at the thought of the lies and coercion that must have followed that patrol's return to base-camp. Every member of the patrol should have been part of a de-brief, an after-action report. The ethical compromises that occurred are crushing.

Another dark stain has been entered on the history of the US Army. My Lai has been joined in infamy by "the Baghdad Canal Executions."