Yesterday, the uproar over poor conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center claimed the career of a two-star general. Today, it claimed the Secretary of the Army.
Secretary Francis Harvey apparently ran afoul of Defense Secretary Robert Gates because, after firing Maj. Gen. George Weightman, he replaced him with another general with links to the controversy.
I haven't been commenting on this scandal because I haven't had a chance to read the Post's stories. Anyone who has ever been through the military medical system knows what a bureaucratic nightmare it can be. I wanted to make sure the Post wasn't making a big deal out of what, for the military, is routine -- however inexcusable it may be.
But with some corrections underway and a push by President Bush and Gates for a top-to-bottom review, not to mention the nearly unprecedented sacking of two senior officials, it seems clear that the administration is taking this seriously and not liking what it sees. Sad as it is to see our soldiers treated this way at any time, much less in the midst of a war, it's good to see it being addressed forcefully.
On the other hand, this would never have come to light without the investigative work of the Washington Post -- a prime example of why a vigorous and free press are important to the country.
military, politics, midtopia
Friday, March 02, 2007
Heads roll among Army brass
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2 comments:
Wonder why the Washington Post didn't care to do it's investigative reporting until now? After all, the Veteran's Hospital has long had a terrible reputation for treatment of veterans. Ever see "Born on the Fourth of July?" Should have been dealt with long ago.
JP5
Someone should have but they didn't, can't go back and change that.
Fact is I'm glad someone finally did and I'm even more glad that the press has begun extending their looksee into the entire VA system.
Much overdue but better late than never.
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