“However, I don’t remember the section of Criminology 101 that teaches how terrorist organizations should be considered part of the American justice system.”
Attorneys for Bowe Bergdahl discussed the possibility of a questionnaire given to potential jurors to determine whether or not they have been influenced by President Donald Trump. Part of the defense’s argument is that remarks made by then-candidate Trump have affected Bergdahl’s ability to have a fair trial in the United States, and thus the case should be dismissed.
Never mind the fact that he willingly walked away from his post, compromised the safety of other service members, and failed to speak up about what he referred to as a corrupt chain of command. No, let’s blame the president.
Last year, President Trump made remarks that echoed pretty much how the entire military community and much of the nation view Bergdahl. He was quoted as referring to Bergdahl as a “dirty, rotten traitor” and a “bum.” President Trump decried the exchange that freed Bowe Bergdahl, and saw the release of five Guantanamo Bay detainees.
Apparently, the defense feels that those sentiments alone will cause Bergdahl to be convicted of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. I find it incredibly hard to believe that President Trump’s opinion alone will lead to an unfair trial for Bergdahl, who remains on active duty.
Lawyers for both sides were previously ordered by a judge to develop the questionnaire that will be given to possible jurors. Questions developed by the defense included voter status, personal feelings about President Trump, and if they’re aware of the remarks in question.
As it stands, the presiding judge has already prohibited testimony by a retired Navy SEAL who was injured in combat during the search for Bergdahl in 2009 and was forced to retire due to those injuries, citing concerns that the jury would be unfairly influenced by the testimony. The prosecution pushed for the testimony to be heard at the sentencing phase, since it has been prohibited from the guilt or innocence phase.
I’ve heard people make ridiculous arguments that Bergdahl suffered enough at the hands of the Taliban and that should be punishment enough. However, I don’t remember the section of Criminology 101 that teaches how terrorist organizations should be considered part of the American justice system.
I listened to the podcast that featured Bowe Bergdahl telling his harrowing tale of wanting to be “Jason Bourne” in order to bring attention to what he described as a hostile work environment. He told a story about his battalion commander greeting his convoy as they returned from a mission. Instead of patting them on the back, the commander yelled at them for not shaving. If something like that can cause such an emotional reaction, nothing will be favorable to Bergdahl.
This is a case that will cause many people to become emotional—none more than the families of those who were injured or killed while searching for the soldier who voluntarily left his post in the volatile region. Furthermore, I resent the fact that I served in the same environment, with his picture flashing across my computer all day like a milk carton. While I am glad he is alive and an American was returned from the grips of terrorists, he needs to stand trial and face the music.
