Abu Ghraib abuses and dog handler’s sentence
Re “Abu Ghraib Dog Handler Sentenced,” March 23
It was astounding to read that Army Sgt. Michael J. Smith was sentenced to a mere six months in prison (rather than the maximum 8 1/2 years) for his vicious and disgusting assaults with a dog on prisoners at Abu Ghraib. I’d be interested to know what more he might have done to earn the maximum sentence.
On second thought, please don’t tell me.
BARBARA GARY
Los Angeles
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The March 22 article on the Army dog handler being found guilty indicated that 10 low-ranking soldiers had been convicted or pleaded guilty to inappropriate treatment of prisoners. Are there no officers guilty of these crimes? Are the enlisted men doing whatever they deem appropriate without any control by their superiors? Have these men not been given training on the methods of handling prisoners?
This is a sorry and shameful state of affairs in our armed services.
PAUL WALLER
Woodland Hills
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