But military men are under strict discipline and close supervision, and supposedly there are the military virtues of comradeship and unit cohesion. And what about all that crap about sacrifice, honor, pride, tradition, courage, patriotism? What about the fucking flag?

These are barracks crimes, sometimes boot camp assaults by men in authority over their victims, they can't even be blamed on the stress of combat. That sex crimes (or any other serious assaults against shipmates or comrades!) could be carried out at anywhere near civilian levels, and that they may be covered up by officers to protect careers and reputations is a scandal.

I served in the military, and regardless of what my politics are, I do have pride in my service. These people have befouled it, insulted it, and they must be sought out, condemned and punished. My first reaction to this when I first heard about it a few months ago was "We really need to get to the bottom of this.", not, "This is what we need to discredit the military and screw those Republicans." Instead, what I get from our resident patriot is "This must be a Democrat lie, we don't need to take it too seriously".

We know now this story isn't being made up, as you point out, it IS a recognized problem, even by military authorities from SECDEF to CJCS on down. But what really pisses me off is that TB feels the need to make excuses and try to divert attention from all this because he sees some leftist conspiracy behind it, as he sees in everything he doesn't like to admit to himself. That turns my stomach. And the implication that I'm so ignorant or biased or subversive that I can't see that is intolerable, particularly considering its source.

Don't you agree...?