The Best Of Shut Up And Listen Year Three 3--Column 118

I don't think I can comment on this column. It stands on its own.

Truth, Justice And The American Way: Note The Separation Of The First Two From The Last

I am angry.
I am very angry.
But I'm not surprised at all.
No, anyone who thought it would turn out different is an idealist.
But that doesn't make it right.
That doesn't make it fair.
For fuck's sake, can't they see that?
They didn't follow procedures correctly and four people died.
Fuck that time of war excuse as they were well in their own territory.
We must support our troops, you know.
Support the troops no matter what.
As long as the lives lost aren't American, it's sad, but forgettable.
Forgive and forget is the new motto.
Everyone says that they're responsible, but fail to hold them to it.
What if the tables were turned?
What if American lives were lost?
A slap on the wrist wouldn't cut it.
Neither would a reprimand, Carlson.
The only Canadian casualties came at the hands of American pilots.
The only Canadian casualties in aiding the Americans.
Helping out a neighbour.
An ally.
A friend.
A brother.
A 225-kilogram thank you.
The first Canadians killed in combat since Korea.
By our ally.
Who'll admit they're responsible, but won't take responsibility.
Truth, Justice and the American Way.
You've got that right.

At 1:55 am on April 18, 2002, four Canadian soldiers were killed and eight were wounded by a 225-kilogram bomb dropped from an American F-16, while the Canadian soldiers were conducting night exercises. Both the Canadian and American investigations found that the two pilots, Maj. Harry Schmidt, the pilot who dropped the bomb and Maj. William Umbach, the flight leader were at fault for not following orders or proper procedure. They were each charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, eight counts of aggravated assault, and dereliction of duty. The US Air Force has decided to not pursue the charges through a court-martial. Schmidt will face a non-judicial punishment that could result in loss of pay, a reprimand and up to 30 days confined to quarters. Umbach will receive a letter of reprimand. Schmidt may also appear before a flight evaluation board to determine whether or not he is fit to fly anymore Umbach was granted permission to retire from the Air Force and works as a commercial pilot for United Airlines.

The Canadians killed were Private Nathan Smith, Private Ricky Green, Sergeant Marc Leger and Corporal Ainsworth Dyer. They were the first Canadian soldiers killed in combat since the Korean War. To say the least, their families were not happy with the results given by the US Air Force.

Fuck.