Scooter Libby - Fallen Soldier?

I saw this item in the http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010185
in the Friday, June 8, 2007 issue of the Wall Street Journal. I would also like to call your attention to Eric Boehlert's comments at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-boehlert/scooter-libby-and-the-chi_b_51541.html

Mr. Ajami continues to perpetuate the fallacy that the Libby trial was a trial on the Iraq war? What is his evidence for that? Is there anything in the indictment to that effect? Mr. Libby was put on trial for lying to the FBI and to the grand jury as part of an investigation, irregardless of the fact that the investigation or grand jury did not hand down any other indictments. I guess Mr. Ajami figures that if he keeps repeating this canard, people will start to believe it.

What is really galling about Mr. Ajami's article is his repeated comparison to Mr. Libby as a "soldier in your - our - war in Iraq". This is the greatest dishonor to the men and women of our armed forces. Was Mr. Libby ever in Iraq and in danger of death or injury? Did he have to deal with psychological impacts of fighting essentially an unconventional and civil war? Did Mr. Libby's family ever have to worry about him not returning home? I think Mr. Agami's comments and comparison of Mr. Libby to a fallen soldier is no less repulsive than some civilian who never heard a shot fired in anger wearing a Purple Heart as his own decoration. Mr. Libby is by no means of the imagination a "casualty" of this war. If Mr Ajami wants to see real casualties, he need go no further than Walter Reed or the nearest VA Hospital.

Mr. Libby was not and could never be considered a soldier. He was a political operative, nothing less. It would be an interesting study to find out how many "fallen comrades" Mr. Libby or Mr. Ajami have left in their wake in their own pursuits of political power. I also reject Mr. Ajami's assertion that Mr. Libby was in the "outer circle" while the war was being deliberated.

It bears noting that most of the current administration has no idea what it means to be in the service and subject to the risks and constraints of being in the service.

If we learn anything from this war is should be that American military might should be used with the utmost caution and deliberation and those in no way attached to the military should not be permitted to wrap themselves in the honor and dignity that are reserved for members of the armed forced.