I'm in your corner on this one.
This is coming from a military veteran (a former commissioned officer, no less), a "Senior Policy advisor" to a US Congressman, and a purported conservative? I'm flabbergasted!
This man disgraced his son's honor, disgraced the Marine Corps, and provided propaganda material for America's domestic and international enemies.
But even if you don't care about honor and allegiance, how can you ignore that he willfully destroyed government property and endangered the lives of at least two Marines!
And you, Mr. Van Jenerette, advocate his crimes? What happened to the conservative principle of personal responsibility for one's actions? What happened to the rule of law? What happened to your Code of Conduct as a military officer?
If you can rationalize this man's behavior, then how can you hold anyone accountable? God help America if this is the thinking of military officers and congressional advisors!