The Guilty Scapegoat
The Army said Thursday that the two-star general in charge of Walter Reed Army Medical Center has been relieved of command following disclosures about inadequate treatment of wounded soldiers.
Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, who was commanding general of the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command as well as Walter Reed hospital, was relieved of command by Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey.
So they’ve found somebody to take the fall for their f#$%-ups. Yes, this guy is being thrown to the wolves because the public finally caught on to the Bush administration’s criminal short-changing of soldiers and veterans. But, you know what? He really is guilty.
He knew this was happening. If he really had been loyal to his fellow troops, he would have gone to the brass and Rummy’s civilian idiots and shouted “Give me enough resources to do my job, or I’ll go to Congress and the media and tell them how you’re hurting our brave soldiers.” Of course, they would have reassigned him or court-martialed him, but if you aren’t willing to stand up for your charges, you have no business wearing two stars on your shoulder.
And there’s no reason to believe (not a surprise there) that things will get any better. His temporary replacement is his own boss, “Lt. Gen. Kevin Kiley, the commander of U.S. Medical Command”. Everything I said about Weightman applies to Kiley, as well. He should have known about this mess, and he should have screamed about it or quit. Just because you are a scapegoat, doesn’t mean that you aren’t also a willing accomplice of monsters.
March 1st, 2007 at 2:19 pm
ONLY WHEN THE WOUNDED VETS SAY IT’S ALL GOOD.
Just got off the phone to my Senator, Mike Enzi. Spoke at length about my concerns about KILEY. Suggest EVERYONE call theirs.
March 1st, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Andrei and Mike, have you ever been a military commander? The story is so much more complex than it I appears on its face but I will only speak to one aspect of it. I would point out to you that commanders, especially those at the two star level have very broad oversight. MG Weightman was also responsible for 11 other clinics and hospitals. The truth is, a commander must depend and trust his subordinates to some degree. There is no possible way to check everything and see everything for yourself in a complex system like a medical command. My husband is one, at a lower level, but the numbers and tasks and people he is responsible for is astounding. His motto is check, recheck and double check, but as hardworking and dedicated as he is, there is no way he can personally see everything. Of course, MG Weightman and my husband, and all those who serve in these important positions also realize that one wrong turn can mean the loss of command, but relief of a commander is not always the right thing for an organization. We know and respect MG Weightman. His relief represents the loss of a dedicated and fine commander, a man my husband believes to be one of the finest officers in the Army medical department. My husband is one of the finest officers in the medical department, so I believe him. I will take your advice Mike and post this where ever I can. Please remember things are not as simple as they appear.
March 1st, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Walter Reed Center General Ousted…
The Army said Thursday that the two-star general in charge of Walter Reed Army Medical Center has be…
March 2nd, 2007 at 7:31 am
Mary, Weightman was there so briefly, I’m sure he’s not responsible for all that occurred. I think Andrei was pointing out that Kiley was more culpable. In fact, problems with wounded soldier care at Walter Reed have been reported publicly since 2003.
Kiley, and several subordinates, deserve the reprimands and firings. As well as the political appointees who helped cover it up and are trying to suppress further reportage, still.