Accountability in Iraq Prisoner Abuse Scandal

Re “Prison Abuse Ringleader Is Convicted,” Jan. 15: What has happened to justice and accountability in our government and military? We now know the verdict rendered in the case of Charles A. Graner, and well he should be convicted and sentenced for his part in the torture and abuse of Iraqi prisoners.

But this is not rendering full justice and accountability.

What about the prosecution of his military superiors? What about Alberto Gonzales, the White House counsel who opened the road to torture and abuse of prisoners by stating that the Geneva Convention’s principles on the treatment of prisoners need not be observed in this instance? How can George W. Bush nominate him for the office of attorney general?

Why is Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft not being held accountable for this horrific situation of torture and abuse of prisoners (in Afghanistan and Guantanamo as well)?

Why are Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the Pentagon not being held accountable for continuing to give contracts in Iraq to two U.S. defense contractors despite demands that they be barred from any new government work? The two, CACI International and Titan, are being sued over allegations of abuse at Abu Ghraib prison.

Why is Bush not being held accountable for his part in the torture and abuse of prisoners? And this is the man who is to be inaugurated as president of the United States in a few days? His so-called “values” truly are nonexistent.

I am astounded that millions of Americans are not taking to the streets in protest! How much worse does the situation need to get before the outrage spills over?

Robert H. Fernandez

Granada Hills

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America has sacrificed Charles Graner on the altar of expediency, having chosen him as its scapegoat, in atonement for our Abu Ghraib sins. Although following the orders of his superiors, he will be punished with a 10-year prison term.

Graner, who took full responsibility for his illegal acts, will receive a dishonorable discharge. The upper-level architects of Abu Ghraib take no responsibility whatsoever.

Not only are they not dishonored but, incredibly, they are rewarded. Rumsfeld remains on as secretary of Defense. Gonzales is to become the country’s chief law enforcement officer. And Bush has been reelected. Justice is served.

Herb Weinberg

Marina del Rey

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Graner, found guilty of abusing detainees at Abu Ghraib prison, has no regrets. His conduct exemplifies a new low point in American history.

Convicted of torturing and humiliating detainees, he claims nevertheless that he was just following orders and bad things happened in war. Isn’t this similar to what Nazi generals said at the Nuremberg trials, following the atrocities committed in concentration camps?

Not only does Graner’s conduct provoke even more anti-American sentiment in the world at large, it viciously disrespects the memory of each and every soldier who has died or will die in this senseless war.

Joan Wagner

Los Alamitos