An editorial like “Slap on the wrist for a general” (March 21) is part of the reason the Tribune is losing its credibility. The first paragraph reads: “Retired Maj. Gen. David Hale’s guilty plea to sexual misconduct brings shame to his name. The incredibly lenient sentence he received last week brings shame to the Army.” It goes on to say that he was the first general officer to be subjected to a court martial since 1952, the first hauled out of retirement to face justice, charged with improper relationships with wives of subordinates and lying about it and threatening to ruin their husbands’ careers if they complained. For this he was fined and received a one-time forfeiture of $12,000 of his annual $75,744 of retirement pay.
Drill sergeants and other service personnel in the recent past often received jail sentences. Seems to be a law for the haves and a law for the have-nots.
Trust is the glue that holds the fighting forces together. Hale broke faith and trust with his soldiers and his country. Yet he received only a slap on the wrist.
Does this remind you of the case involving our commander in chief?
How can the Tribune call for a stiffer sentence for Gen. Hale while letting our commander in chief off with less than a slap on the wrist for much more severe violations of the law, traditions and institutions?
