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?
That, my friends, is the money quote.
“That, my friends, is the money quote.”
I’d like to know if is girlfriend “jazzed” up his account. I wonder if investigators have interviewed her.
Something tells me that the engagement might be “off.”
...are, nevertheless, lies; and these lies are of Clintonian proportion and effect.
Funny, I didn't seem to notice an apology from Pvt Beauchamp or TNR to Beachamp's platoon and company.
This is what blanket-parties were invented for...
Then the Military can have him...
Won’t matter. The stuff will be treated as gospel for generations to come. Just like John F’n Kerry’s lies.
I can’t help but wonder what lib or democrat may have helped or aided him in writing this little book..hmmmm...I remain suspicious, no such evidence, but that’s my thought...
He’s the perfect example of Liberalism.
Remind me who Steven Glass is?
This is one of the most astonishing stories I ever read.
How on earth could the New Republic publish stories from a friggin’ private?? A private is essentially a very green boot who would likely have no clue how to interpret what he thinks he is seeing in a war-charged atmosphere. Privates are great, and I certainly have nothing against privates - - I was even a private myself once (though very briefly before getting my PFC stripe) - - but a private is the absolute bottom of the food chain. I mean, in the military they’re lower than dogs.
And the New Republic published this private on his word??
In my opinion, somebody at the New Republic needs to be fired for this. It is an unfathomable disgrace.
Beauchamp, Jason Blair,...
Anita Hill??
???
Liberals and truth - like oil and water.
Just another punk like John F’n Kerry, attempting to make a career out of slandering the military....
No harm will come to him....
He shall profit from the slander and lies, by becoming a darling of the Left Wing Media....
With these bastards, it’s the “seriousness of the charge” that’s important and newsworthy — not the TRUTH.
Jayson Blair, Stephen Glass, and Janet Cooke. I have no idea who the other guy is, other than another scumbag journalist who made crap up.
And the answer is - yes.
This goes beyond a 'yes' or 'no' inquiry.
LOL. No doubt.
Steven Glass is a “reporter for the New Republic back in the 990’s. He falsified about half the stories written for them. There is a movie about the event called “Shattered Glass.” It stars Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen.)
more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Glass
Surprise, Surprise!
Didn't see THAT coming. /sarc
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