[Gunrunner2]

Thank you for your thoughtful comments.

>>It is wrong to characterize our position as a "hang-em high mentality".<<

I said “some” support that position, not all. Perhaps I was over-broad in my characterization, but the post I was responding to did self-identify as “against” Col West.

There has been much said by the “against” side about how guilty he is and how wrong he is. That side apparently supports prosecuting and that is where I reign in and question the prosecution side, as the ethical dilemma is too complex to ignore in this situation.

In addition, an official investigation conducted in support of UCMJ action is not the only way to determine what happened and what should be done.

>>The military authorities to whom the Lt.Col. is answerable have called upon him to account for his actions. I don't see that as a "hanging".<<

Actually, I do, as they gave him a choice---resign or face a hanging.

>>No-one can judge without the facts; if the system is not permitted to function, how will we ever get the facts?<<

Indeed. Until then I will hold off in joining the “against” Col West side.

I empathize with Col West as I try and weigh the circumstances within the context, and not merely rely on cold speculation according to the letter of the law. It may very well be “illegal” what he did, I don’t know, but it may also be very wrong (and unethical) to prosecute him---given the circumstances.

Further, I will exercise my American birthright to distrust government power. As it was said earlier, Col West has a vested interest but the authorities do to, and all prosecutors try to push for the maximum charges and punishment as a way to extract a plea bargain—guilt or innocence be damned. Once the prosecution is engaged, the decision has been made---prosecute.

>>I assume you're not suggesting that his superiors just ignore the whole thing?<<

That is correct.

>>Many posters on this thread have insisted that the whole thing be dropped, and even that the President or SecDef intervene to stop it. <<

Yes, and many posters have convicted him already.

[alpowolf]

Yes, and many posters have convicted him already.

But many of his supporters here seem to accept that he did it; they just think that it's ok. Some have even suggested that he get a medal, or be promoted. I, and some others on the "against" side, as you would say, take the view that if he did it, it's wrong.