I realized once again why I don’t watch the three major networks. I’m staying with my folks, and Dad watches CBS, NBC, and ABC news.
This morning, Katie Couric and Charles Gibson interviewed two generals in the prisoner abuse case.
First, Katie interviewed the female general who was in charge of the MPs working the prisons. Then Charles talked with the BG who speaks for the militay in Iraq.
I was extremely disappointed with BG Karpinski, who had her lawyer at her side. Katie was very considerate of her, and tried to be as sympathetic as possible. The general was quite clear that she knew nothing of the problem, and would not have tolerated such things on her watch. She mentioned one female MP had complained of having to escort naked prisoners, and Karpinski didn’t explain how she dealt with it. My first thought was to wonder why her investigation went no further at that point. Prisoners being moved around in the buff doesn’t sound normal to me.
Karpinski then made a comment that if she was responsible and took a fall for this, then General Sanchez needed to get into trouble, too. After all, if she is blamed because she was in charge, then Sanchez is even more guilty.
Wow. I would never expect to hear something like that come from a military professional. Then I realized, she’s a reservist, and things may be a little different in her world. But I’m also curious, based on her complete demeanor, how she ever got a star. She certainly would never be identified as a strong leader out of uniform. Was she a Clinton affirmative-action promotion? Do reservists go through the same promotion process as active duty? I’ve known more than a few general officers in my career, and none were this weak. Not even close. And the two female generals I’ve been associated with were absolute ladies, but tough as they come.
In the next take, Gibson talked with BG Kimmitt. This was certainly a more confrontational discussion. The general was very calm, but Gibson was searching for the big story. The general tried to explain that as soon as a soldier brought forward evidence problems. CBS didn’t break this story, the military did. The general tried to emphasize this, Gibson wasn’t going to lose CBS’s status as lead in the “investigation.”
With all that as intro, I need to make a few points.
The military does a very good job investigating problems. In my experience, military professionals often go too far in trying to be sure all aspects of any case are covered, sometimes to the point that problems are identified which really aren’t problems. They just don’t get press. The military probably has a better conviction rate than civil courts. In this particular situation, the Army has been working the case since early this year. News people view any information they don’t have as a cover-up. I view anything not released earlier in this case a good strategic decision. Release to the general public aids our enemy’s cause, which is what CBS would like to do. It certainly serves no other purpose. And it has certainly served that purpose well.
Gibson spent his time imlying the investigation would be done better by reporters. His disdain for the general was obvious.
What we are dealing with here is something akin to fraternity hazing. Obscene, and absolutely improper. And those involved must be dealt with. What I object to is equating this to Saddam’s torture techniques. These media personalities seem to be more concerned about this case than they were with daily death and torture in Iraq just one year ago. The very people who are quick to point out that the fundamentalists are only a small minority in the Muslim world see no such distinction in the military. These few idiots, who wanted to have their pictures taken playing “tough” are used to smear the entire military culture with the implication that if a few do such things, all must be eager to do the same or cover it all up.