Lt. Col. Allen B. West

Washington Times ^ | November 6, 2003 | Stanley SrA. USAF 91-95

[colorado tanker]

It would nice if we could all discuss these things without so many noses getting out of joint.

Agreed. I'm working on getting my nose back in joint right now, but I'm having a hard time grabbing a hold with the pliers.

[trevorj]

In defense of Col. West...my latest op-ed, published yesterday in Townhall.com

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/GuestColumns/Bothwell20031118.shtml

[Calpernia]

I hope you don't mind. I just realized I sent out your awesome editorial without telling or asking you first. I really enjoyed it.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Well done trevorj! This was an excellent article. The best I've seen on the subject to date.

Calpernia, thanks for the freepmail letting us know that LTC West and his attorney read trevorj's article.

As you know, both of us have supported Col. West from the beginning.

Lets hope the Article 32 hearing ends in a dismissal of charges.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Trust me, there may be four on the board voicing they would like LTC West to do "time". But there are a thousand times more who think otherwise.

Calpernia has a link to trevorj's article from townhall that addresses this subject very well. I have to run or I'd link you to it.

Hopefully the Article 32 hearing will end in a dismissal of charges. They could recommend a reduction in rank and he could retire with full benefits.

We just pray the LTC is allowed to leave the service with the dignity and respect he is due after serving this nation so well. He saved his mens lives, and put their lives before his own self interest.

Considering what is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the way the terrorists are "sniping" our troops, war is in a new "era" of combat. What the Lt. Col did was pretty damn benign, and got the job done. His troops lived to fight another day. As to the troops who were punching the prisoner.. if they were punished, they should have been. That was PHYSICAL.

We both feel LTC West fully expects some form of discipline for his actions, or he would never have reported the incident. He is taking full responsibility.

We imagine a reduction in rank would be acceptable to him, and we would accept that at this point also. As long as he gets his full retirement and benefits.

We need to untie the hands of our troops when interrogating prisoners in situations like LTC West and others find themselves in in Iraq. Playing kisses face all the time just doesn't cut it. There is a fine line between beating the crap out of a prisoner, and scaring the truth out of them. This is what we are defining.

The lives of many of our troops are hanging on the outcome of this situation and it's decision.

[Conspiracy Guy]

Calpernia has shared the link with mme as well. I will continue to pray for Lt Col West.

Thank you for your service.

[Conspiracy Guy]

I am going to wait and see how everything plays out. I will pray for Lt Col West and I will not respond to anyone claiming to have information that they will not share. If there is an insider on this thread with first hand knowledge they need to keep it under their hat.

Bless you all and I am praying for Lt Col West.

Flurry

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Thank you for your service as well FRiend!

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

For the record let me make it clear, we have no inside information, but only state what we know are some options in article 32 hearings, such as a dismissal of all charges, or a reduction in rank, etc. This is information given to us from a JAG friend. Not from any inside source. Just wanted to clear this up.

FRegards!

[Conspiracy Guy]

You did not imply inside info. Others have made the implication. I have no respect for anyone with actual inside info that would imply it on a public forum. That is a security leak.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Just wanted to ping you all and wish you Happy Thanks giving and say good bye. We are leaving on vacation for 9 days.

For a multitude of reasons, we hope the article 32 ends in with a total dismissal. God willing this will all end soon. Have a safe and happy holiday. Keep the faith!

FRegards

[Calpernia]

Thanks for the ping and have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Oh, BTW, you better print this Homeland Security alert before you go:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1026833/posts?page=62#62

Major instructions to follow for the holiday week.

[Phyto Chems]

bttt

[Phyto Chems]

bttt

[Calpernia]

Woo hoo!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1037301/posts

[Happy2BMe]

BUMPING for a great reference.