Comments on: Reports of Pvt. Bergdahl’s desertion continue to mount

By: Rusty

Rusty — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:40:37 +0000

I find it shameful to even imply that a captured soldier is a deserter. You repeatedly say that the facts are not at all clear and any reports of desertion are spectulative at best. I find it obscene that the same GOP that was ramming the American flag down anyone who even questioned President Bush’s action after 9/11 are spreading ruimors about a fellow American who is half a world away on the front lines. Should we not be supportive until it is clear on way or another? Is that not the “American” thing to do. Not throw someone to the terrorist wolves on rumor and speculation.

By: Kurt

Kurt — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:01:15 +0000

There are obviously a lot of unanswered questions regarding Pfc. Bergdahl, until he is repatriated and all the facts are in, judgment should be reserved. However, even the most cursory reading of the Code of Conduct would indicate that he has much for which to answer:

“1. I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

2. I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

3. If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

4. If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

5. When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

6. I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.”

Sections § 885(Desertion,) § 886 (Absence Without Leave,) § 888 (Contempt for Officials,) § 899 (Misbehavior Before the Enemy,)§ 904 (Aiding the Enemy,) and § 905 (Misconduct as Prisoner) in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, would likely be applicable; as determined by court martial. In any event, Pfc. Bergdahl needs to be returned to his unit, and should be subjected neither to vigilante action nor to civilian “hero” status, but rather to military justice.

http://www.fathomless.org/political-musings/reserving-judgment-on-bowe-bergdahl

By: BobV

BobV — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:12:56 +0000

Either way, we should be working on getting this guy back.

Either to set him free or send him to an american jail. If he is a traitor, well we should be the ones punishing him.

By: DavidL

DavidL — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:21:07 +0000

Off the top of my head, the Code of Conduct: I am an American Fighting Man … I will never surrender.

The reports indicated that Bergdahl left his post without his weapon. Sure seems like mighty strong evidence that Bergdahl intended to surrender. At this stage, I am inclined to believe Lt. Col. Peters’.

What say you?

By: WayneB

WayneB — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:50:05 +0000

Had he deserted in order to join the Taliban, I would not piss on him if he were on fire. As it appears, however, that he was having psychological/emotional issues that led him to leave, he certainly does not deserve whatever is likely to happen to him if they cannot find him soon, and I hope they do find him before that happens.

However, if they do not find him first, my preference would be to cremate the body.

From the air.

Before the terrorists are able to dispose of it.

By: Frank White

Frank White — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:50:42 +0000

When I deserted the Marine Corps, I sure as hell didn’t wait til I got halfway across the world to do it.

By: Big Mo

Big Mo — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:44:48 +0000

When I was a child, Joey White, who grew up on my block, supposedly deserted to North Korea in the 1980s while stationed at the DMZ. No flipping way. We refused to believe the desertion story, and so did his family, because Joey was one of the most patriotic people anyone knew.

The media circus swarming my block was exciting at the time (I was a young lad) but I despise it now because “deserter” is now attached to his name.

While the US Amy made no official ruling on his disappearance — thankfully — some still believe he deserted. BS. I will forever believe he was kidnapped and brainwashed. Only way I’d beleive otherwise would be if Christ Himself told me he deserted.

By: Chris M-G

Chris M-G — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:06:48 +0000

Tell that to Berkley, California.

By: slamdunk

slamdunk — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:21:49 +0000

Wishing ill will for the soldier is simply silly.

By: Knightbrigade

Knightbrigade — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:07:49 +0000

WhatEVER Pvt. Bergdahl is he’s OUR Pvt. Bergdahl!!!

Taliban/AL-quada scum are the lowest of low chicken shits on the planet, and NO American’s fate should ever rest with scum.