Don't rush abuse trials, Kerry urges

[Freddie Stubbs]

At an Orlando campaign stop, he called for a full inquiry of the scandal.

By Mark Silva and Jim Stratton | Sentinel Staff Writers
Posted May 13, 2004

Low-ranking American soldiers should not be "rushed" to trial in connection with abuse of Iraqi prisoners until an investigation determines if senior officers are to blame, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said Wednesday.

"I think the image of some private paying the first price and highest price at this point is not great for the morale of the military," Kerry told the Orlando Sentinel. "I think it sends a bad message. . . . You ought to do your investigation thoroughly and see who's responsible."

Kerry's comments -- to the Sentinel and in other appearances and interviews during a campaign stop in Orlando -- represent his most detailed critique of the prison scandal since it erupted two weeks ago.

His comments prompted the chairman of President Bush's re-election campaign to accuse Kerry of using the war in Iraq for "political attacks," claiming Kerry has dragged an "important moment for our country into the campaign's daily spin cycle."

more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/orl-aseckerry13051304may13,0,637097.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

[ACK]

1. This is a good fair and balanced position

How is this dragging the issue into the campaign and into the daily spin cycle?

_

[ibegurpard]

2. I agree

eom