‘Misdirected Midshipman’
Perhaps we’re zeroing in on the wrong offender in the Iran arms crisis? The real root of the problem lies with Richard A. Petrino not Marine Lt. Col. Oliver L. North.
Petrino, by his own words (Editorial Pages, Dec. 30) has indicted himself. Had Petrino adhered to the moral and ethical standards of a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, North would not have held a position in the National Security Council--he would not have even been graduated from the Naval Academy--neither it seems should have Petrino!
As a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, I and all other cadets followed an honor code not dissimilar to the honor codes at the other service academies, including the Naval Academy. The code simply states, “a cadet will not lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate any cadet that does.”
I find it abhorrent that the brigade commander of the Brigade of Midshipmen would respond in the fashion he related in the article, “Ollie North, the Misdirected Midshipman.”
Petrino’s actions in allowing North to pursue altering his military medical records to gain an unfair advantage over his fellow classmates and even more importantly gain acceptance to the Marine Corps while hiding what could well be a material disqualification concerning his physical condition is intolerable!
Perhaps the Naval Academy’s moral and ethical standards are substantially below West Point’s, but I doubt that. No, Petrino violated the honor code, if not the letter certainly the intent, and in doing so not only allowed North to graduate but he too graduated tainted with the knowledge that he had violated the academy honor code.
There is no question that had the scenario described by Petrino occurred at West Point North would have been reported for an honor violation and been dismissed from the academy. “A cadet will not lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate any cadet that does.”
I’m not writing to defend North, he will eventually be found guilty or innocent. But in my eyes, Petrino, beyond any doubt, is guilty. He violated the very code entrusted to him as the Naval Academy’s brigade commander. Had he done his duty North would not have graduated and would not have been in a position to commit the alleged offenses.
RONALD von FREYMANN
Huntington Beach