..you want the truth?
Posted on 08/06/2007 7:23:23 PM PDT by West Coast Conservative
THE WEEKLY STANDARD has learned from a military source close to the investigation that Pvt. Scott Thomas Beauchamp--author of the much-disputed "Shock Troops" article in the New Republic's July 23 issue as well as two previous "Baghdad Diarist" columns--signed a sworn statement admitting that all three articles he published in the New Republic were exaggerations and falsehoods--fabrications containing only "a smidgen of truth," in the words of our source.
Separately, we received this statement from Major Steven F. Lamb, the deputy Public Affairs Officer for Multi National Division-Baghdad:
An investigation has been completed and the allegations made by PVT Beauchamp were found to be false. His platoon and company were interviewed and no one could substantiate the claims.
According to the military source, Beauchamp's recantation was volunteered on the first day of the military's investigation. So as Beauchamp was in Iraq signing an affidavit denying the truth of his stories, the New Republic was publishing a statement from him on its website on July 26, in which Beauchamp said, "I'm willing to stand by the entirety of my articles for the New Republic using my real name."
The magazine's editors admitted on August 2 that one of the anecdotes Beauchamp stood by in its entirety--meant to illustrate the "morally and emotionally distorting effects of war"--took place (if at all) in Kuwait, before his tour of duty in Iraq began, and not, as he had claimed, in his mess hall in Iraq. That event was the public humiliation by Beauchamp and a comrade of a woman whose face had been "melted" by an IED.
Nothing public has been heard from Beauchamp since his statement standing by his stories, which was posted on the New Republic website at 6:30 a.m. on July 26. In their August 2 statement, the New Republic's editors complained that the military investigation was "short-circuiting" TNR's own fact-checking efforts. "Beauchamp," they said, "had his cell-phone and computer taken away and is currently unable to speak to even his family. His fellow soldiers no longer feel comfortable communicating with reporters. If further substantive information comes to light, TNR will, of course, share it with you."
Now that the military investigation has concluded, the great unanswered question in the affair is this: Did Scott Thomas Beauchamp lie under oath to U.S. Army investigators, or did he lie to his editors at the New Republic? Beauchamp has recanted under oath. Does the New Republic still stand by his stories?
ditto ping
TNR has been “Glassed” again. It seems to me that TNR clearly encourages shoddy journalism - all as part of the liberal cause.
OUTSTANDING (FReeper) truths BUMP! Thanks to all posters.
That’s It?
Now Beauchamp serves his time and gets out with an honorable like J’n F’n Kerry?
Too late! Leavenworth for that assclown.
Traitorous, blanket party-inducing, liberal scumbag ping.
or panties on his head...
Sue? No. Prosecute the enemedia for treason in publishing enemy propaganda. It wasn’t like they were reluctant to believe the lies.
WOW! Can’t wait to see my newspaper in the morning! Lookin’ forward to hearing NPR’s take on this! The media will be all over it!
(sarcasm, as if it needs to be said...)
..you want the truth?
Whats the old media phrase about a story thats too good to check? Certainly sounds like another fake-but-accurate (cause we want it to be) story line to me.
The new “journalist” doesn’t investigate, verify and report - Thats old school. Now the game is to manufacture, manicure and manipulate.
Libs + MSM = FILTH
Beauchamp needs a CODE RED!
I bet he pleads nutcake and does no time.
Of course they can, Dan Rather is still sticking by his.......scannell
Matter of fact, you are lucky I no longer reside on Custer Hill.
You will probably be given an Article 15, but you should have an Article 32 hearing.
I scrape you off the bottom of my jump boots.
"No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great." You forgot those word, richard head.
5.56mm
“Now auditioning for “psycho vets.” Line forms on the right...”
Please...put them to the left...
Two words: Blanket Party.
Yeah, but this stuff COULD have happened. You know what I mean? Anyway, how do we know something very much like it DIDN’T happen?? Do we know that for sure?? I’m suspicious this guy was planted by Dick Cheney and Karl Rove to discredit all such accounts in the future so noone will believe them. (Brought to you by your friends at DU and KOS).
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