September 30, 2005

Fishback's Motivation to Whistle: Rumsfeld's Misrepresentations

USA Today:

Fishback said his interest in reporting the abuses was sparked by congressional testimony in May 2004 by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Rumsfeld said that U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan follow rules in the Geneva Conventions barring prisoner abuse. That "raised a red flag," Fishback said. He said that he believed U.S. troops were not adhering to the conventions and that there was confusion over what behavior was acceptable.

Fishback said he considered it his duty to come forward. But, he said, "A lot of men I hold a great deal of respect for are going to hate me right now."

That's OK Mr. Fishback. You've got balls, and honor, and dignity, and courage, and integrity. And that's a lot more than can be said for many of your superiors. Stay strong, and rest very much assured you did the right thing.