Although I am diametrically opposed to Col. Butler's political slant on the world, and I think he may in fact have a screw loose, I'm not going to debate that here.
My ax to grind is quite simple really: The man deserves to have charges brought against him and tried by General Court Martial.
This must be presented as simply following the law and not retribution. It isn't personal. I isn't over his political views. He broke the law and incriminated himself in so doing.
The UCMJ is absolutely clear on this offense. It states:
ART. 88. CONTEMPT TOWARD OFFICIALS
Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
The fact that Colonel Butler may think he is exercising his First Amendment rights in writing that scathing letter to the press doesn't matter in this case. It is to be assumed that as a serving officer of the United States military, he is fully cognizant of the UCMJ and the Manual of Courts Martial...required reading for all commissioned officers. Further, as an officer (And field grade at that!), he sets the worst possible type of example for his subordinates to follow.
Officers, just like all members of the armed services, have the right to bitch about our leaders...who among us hasn't complained about one of our leaders over a beer or cup of coffee? The difference is, we didn't write a damning letter like Butler did to the print media, 90% of whom are Bush-Haters anyway!
Oh...and just because he says he's now going to retire soon...too bad. He is still on active duty and still subject to the UCMJ. I say Court martial him. Do it correctly and make him pay. Pay NO attention to the media and the ACLU.
[spank]