I served as the non-commissioned officer in charge of a JAG team in Anbar, Iraq. I worked in detention facilities. I've looked into the so-called face of evil — men willing to unleash wicked war on our soldiers and Iraqi civilians, with no respect for human rights and a complete disregard for humanity. Yet, I do not agree with President Bush regarding his military tribunals. True leadership as a nation, sharing freedom and democracy with the world, should shine as an exemplary example of justice and respect for human rights.
In Texas, stacking the deck is considered cheating; and a cheater can't call out a cheater. If we wouldn't dare put an American soldier through the same tribunal we want to put foreign detainees through, then we ought not think about doing it. The Uniform Code of Justice is a fine system.
I speak with some authority on the topic of regret. No matter how difficult at the time, we must always choose the more difficult right over the easier wrong.
Bryan Catherman
Herriman