[SJSAMPLE]

The author makes it sound as if LTC West was demonstrating the firing characteristics of the M9 pistol at the local range. However, the fact is that he violated the rules of interrogation by using a weapon. If this is bad when our enemies do it, why is it OK for us?

The question is: Did LTC West perform an illegal act(s) during the interrogation of the prisoner? Once we answer this, we can move on to either punishing illegal activity or rewarding commendable behavior.

[Rider on the Rain]

From America the Beautiful:

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!

In my judgment, Lt. Col. West put his country and his men before his own career. Regardless of how this turns out, he will always be one of my heroes, and every time I hear this hymn I'll think of him and be grateful.

[Ben Chad]

This is analagous to expelling a young middle school student for having a tweety bird chain attached to her purse, because a zero-tolerance rule bans chains in school. Our military recruits are subjected to much worse abuse in boot camp than this enemy combatant experienced in interrogation. To quote Cher: Have we lost our F'ing minds?

[Leatherneck_MT]

No he did not. He acted like any LEADER of men would have acted. He acted to save the lives of men in his unit.

Why in the hell don't civilians understand that in Warfare and in armed conflict, the only absolute rule is to WIN.

We cannot afford to lose. This is a war we are fighting for our very survival as a nation. If you do not understand that, then you NEED to do what is necessary TO understand that.

[FreedomPoster]

What makes you think this prisoner was wearing the uniform of our enemy when captured? If he was hiding in the civilian populace, he would be considered a spy / saboteur, and subject to summary execution.

[Michael121]

He did what he did because of the lack of the Interrogators making any progress, HE DID IT FOR HIS MEN.

He should not be punished. When I was in damn few officers would take heat, this one did. Time to turn it off, and let him off the stove.