Shaken by war, Army chaplain quits before Easter service

Chicago Tribune, By way of Seattle Times ^ | Saturday, April 19, 2003 | Ray Quintanilla

[Conservababe]

If he has a principled opposition to war, then why on earth is he a chaplain?

Money and benefits?

[xJones]

The chaplain, Capt. Glenn Palmer, a Lutheran minister, was at the Baghdad airport yesterday, hoping to catch a military flight back to Fort Riley, Kan., where the unit is based.

He'd have been better off staying in Iraq, nerves or no nerves.

[Friend of thunder]

If he lost his faith, he should have still been there for his men and women.

If he lost his faith he could not have still been there for his men and women. His faith is what he had to offer. This does not excuse the behavior. But I am not sure what you mean.

[Conservababe]

Well, we still do not know why this Captain left his post...whether lack of faith, fatigue or cowardice.

But, whatever reason, it is no reason at all.

You seem to suggest that because he is a Capt. Chaplain, he can run and hide from his duties. I say not. No one had to know if he had lost his faith, if that were the case, but himself.

What of the physicians and medics had lost their faith in this war. Could they be excused for leaving wounded on the field of battle?

What of the nineteen year old soldier who has lost his faith for having to shoot civilians under laws of engagement? Can they be excused to hunt down a flight back home?

Men of God should be held more accountable, if anything, on the battlefield...not excused.

[TaMoDee]

My Dear "Friend": The man had a duty to perform and he did not. The man ran. Sample as that.

[Friend of thunder]

You seem to suggest that because he is a Capt. Chaplain, he can run and hide from his duties.

Not at all. I believe that, as a Chaplain, he has a duty even higher than others. What he did was wrong. But he talks with people about their immortal souls. I do not know your beliefs, but I believe that through Christ we have eternal life. If he lost that that belief he should have abandon all status as a spokesman for Christ. I do not know that this is what happened. I try to think the best of people. Maybe he is just chicken shit, but I don’t know.

[Conservababe]

Methinks the Captain is chicken shit. LOL

[Friend of thunder]

Methinks the Captain is chicken shit. LOL

Perhaps he is – I have never faced enemy fire or seen its results close up – that is a judgment I cannot make.

[Conservababe]

Me either. But let me give you some advise.

Do not ever join military service.

[Friend of thunder]

Do not ever join military service.

Meaning what?

[windcliff]

fyi

[onedoug]

"It's my nerves, Sir."

[My2Cents]

Sounds like he was shocked and awed.