Civilian Leadership not held accountable

[Moses]

Civilian accountability

I continue to find it interesting that military officers remain held to higher standards of conduct while civilian leadership is not [“What lies beneath,” Feb. 28]. Take the case of Cmdr. Kevin Mooney of the submarine San Francisco. He received a letter of reprimand and was relieved of his command, which effectively ends his naval career.

If [the same standards] are applied to the planning and preparation of the war in Iraq as directed by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Deputy Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, then they, too, should be relieved of command for hazarding their vessel — the Defense Department.

For commanding officers, we generally accept the principle articulated by President Truman: “The buck stops here.” It’s a “one strike and you’re out” rule that has little room for grace or forgiveness.

This principle does not appear to apply to the civilian leadership or other branches of government.

Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Kolbas (ret.)

Richland, Wash.

[camaxtle]

I think the problem with our civilian leadership is that they have forgotten, that they are still civilians, still citizens of this country and still accountable.

[Moses]

No one, or none of our institutions, appear to be willing to even suggest that they should be held accountable. They are being promoted, whereas they should be tried for treason.