Thanks, Spc. Joseph Darby

Sincere thread title, actually, so not exactly Pit material…but I feel the need to vent, and there isn’t specifically a forum for saying nice things about people (except for Comments on Cecil’s Columns, of course, but that doesn’t apply here). I would have gone for MPSIMS, except that might be construed as suggesting that the subject isn’t a serious one, which I think it is. But anon:

Like a lot of people, I’ve been intensely disgusted by the recent revelations of American prisoner abuse in Iraq. I’m sure there are a lot more images out there that we have yet to see, and the ones I’ve seen already are plenty stomach turning…and would be even if the soldiers depicted weren’t quite obviously aglow with delight at their frolicsome hijinks. Thanks for confirming all my worst fears about the American invasion, guys. Good job representing my country and all that. Evidently, in addition to a copy of the Geneva Conventions, someone also forgot to pass along the information that Americans aren’t supposed to be evil bastards. Hope the karma train arrives real soon for you; don’t feel in any rush to hurry back to the United States, please.

That said, I feel the need to extend my appreciation to Spc. Joseph Darby, who apparently was responsible for bringing many of these images to light. I suspect that many of the others in his unit, especially the ones who thought it would be such a hoot to snap some pix of their comical pranking, will be less than appreciative of his inconvenient scruples. Many of the authorities responsible for the treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib will no doubt feel the same way. I just wanted to say, based on what I’ve heard so far, that I’m glad he made the decision he did. Just in case he ever happens to check out the SDMB: Good call, Spc. Darby. We need more people making those kinds of decisions over there.

I’m sure * nobody* would want retribution for being identified as one who broke the Geneva convention. :rolleyes:

Yeah, the guy did the right thing, I just don’t think he’s too eager to have his name on the front page for being the finger pointer.

I agree that Darby is a true hero. The New Yorker article is excellent and eye-opening.

According to ABC News tonight, he admitted to being the one to take a stand against the abuse. It’s a shame that some in his family live in fear of retribution for his very courageous act. He is a real patriot.