Bowe Berdahl

[Khandro]

Did anyone watch the amazing Storyville documentary last night (30th) on BBC4 and see what this guy has been through?
I usually tend to give Donald Trump the benefit of the doubt, but his outburst during his election campaign seems inexcusable. Watch it if you haven't and see if you agree with me please.
Ref.
http://news.sky.com/story/army-deserter-bowe-bergdahl-apologises-to-soldiers-injured-in-search-11106441

[jourdain2]

No - but I wanted to say that I answered your B&S thread last night, once AB decided to become available.
Apologies for interruption.

[tamborine]

Bergdahl is a traitor for walking off camp & putting his platoon at risk. He was swapped for some guantanimo prisoners. He a White Feather & deserves locking up in guantamino

[Khandro]

Tambo; If you can, please watch the video on iplayer if it is possible, he walked off the camp it is true, but 6 soldiers didn't die because of it, there is a lot more to the story than you state.

[Khandro]

jourdain; I saw it and will respond x

[tamborine]

He deserted of his own will & his freedom cost release of guantanimo prisoners. I agree Trumps findings. CANadian army friends want him shot

[ladybirder]

I watched it Khandro and didn't know who to believe until they started coming up with evidence that he was in fact telling the truth. I wonder what was behind the estrangement between Bergdahl and his parents. Aren't we due to hear the result of the trial (Court Martial) at the end of this week? it will take a lot to make people change their minds about him I think with so much vitriol being spouted by Trump and others.
Tambo you really should watch it.

[ummmm]

I watched most of it. I'll need to watch it again as I was sleepy.

What was it he got discharged from before joining the army because mental instability?

There are no words for Trump!!

[ladybirder]

Just seen that Bowe Bergdahl has been Dishonourably Discharged with no prison time. Verdict seems not to have gone down very well with threats to his life. The judge criticised Trump for his outbursts.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5047299/Bergdahl-avoids-jail-time-desertion.html

[sapelesam]

ummmm, I believe it was the US Coastguards.

[Khandro]

ladybirder; Thanks for the link. I feel the judge has made a good decision, and he was correct to criticize Trump's outburst which has certainly prejudiced public opinion. I wish Trump could be made to watch BBC4's documentary.
It's a complicated story; he was wrong to desert his post and for that he should be punished - though there are mental health issues- but my God he has paid a price for that - 5 years in a six feet square cage!
It's unfortunate that men were wounded in his search, but once you start saying "if" where does it end?
As one who watched the film, what do you think of the verdict?

[-Talbot-]

he was wrong to desert his post and for that he should be punished - though there are mental health issues- but my God he has paid a price for that




There are many others who paid a far bigger price ... the ultimate price.

[Khandro]

Talbot; ^^ Indeed, - but do you thing the judge made the right decision, and did you see the programme?

[ladybirder]

Khandro I think this case needed the judgement of Solomon. It's easy to understand the wrath of the families of those who were injured or worse because they were sent out looking for him but he did have mental health issues so ... difficult.
On balance, after watching the documentary I agree with you. For me it would have been wholly inappropriate to inflict more punishment on him. He seems to be a broken man. I'm still wondering what went on in his childhood to cause the estrangement with his parents. It is mentioned in the link but no details. Will he now live the rest of his life in fear of reprisals?
IF Trump watched the video it would all be fake of course.