Reply #52: Here's the response from [View All]

Senator Allard to my email:

Thank you for contacting my office to express your concern about the
treatment of Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib prison outside of Baghdad.

When the United States became engaged in Iraq we undertook the
responsibility of providing the Iraqi people with human rights they had
not previously enjoyed. This responsibility extends to all Iraqi people,
including detainees.

The actions of the soldiers implicated in the military's investigation are
deplorable and beyond reproach. They do not represent the values we as
Americans hold dear, nor do they do provide a fair representation of our
troops. With very few exceptions, U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan
have served our country and the people of these nations with dignity and
honor.
I was pleased that the Army took steps several months ago to begin
addressing this through investigation. As you may know, the process of
punishment has already begun - of the six individuals indicated in this
incident in March, three have been recommended for court martial trials.
As this is an ongoing investigation, I anticipate more charges will be
brought against individuals involved.

I have seen no evidence that would indicate that the Secretary of Defense
needed to resign. Therefore, I remain supportive of Secretary Rumsfeld
and the job he has done as Secretary of Defense.

Please be assured that I will continue my vigilance in this matter and
will work to prevent it from happening again in Iraq or any other country
where the U.S. is engaged.