His actions were despicable, but there were no deaths or injuries. Ten years is a long time to rot in military prison. In my opinion, the sentence is excessive, but the US military is concerned to show the world that they are not letting these people (i.e., the lowest ranks involved) off lightly.
He had the misfortune to do demeaning things to helpless people in a highly visible and sensitive international situation that reflected poorly on the US military. Bad idea.
Lt. William Calley spent only a few days in military prison before being transferred to house arrest, later being given a presidential pardon and paroled. I suspect that when the spotlight is off this guy, he too will be quietly released. |
