May 5, 2005
The Blue Angels?
Weekly Standard: Secularists Target The U.S. Air Force Academy
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(CBS/AP)
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Even a cursory review of AU's "report" reveals it is built on multiple levels of undocumented hearsay. Over and over again the phrase "we have been informed" introduces an allegation of misconduct, or "we have received a host of reports" leads to a serious charge. There are zero footnotes and zero affidavits attached to the report. Not even amazing charges such as the assertion that "General Weida has established a system of code words that he shares with evangelical Christian cadets in order to provide them with opportunities to proselytize others in the Cadet Wing" raised eyebrows with the acting secretary. When Barry Lynn's staff charges "egregious violations of the Establishment Clause," the Pentagon should know that this is like Peter crying wolf for the ten thousandth time.
Lynn's zealots could be expected to claim that their "sources" could not be revealed for fear of retribution, but offers of third party review by non-Air Force experts would have at least guaranteed career officers who have served this country for decades would have been spared this legitimization of purple charges already being carried like a virus into the
It is still not too late for Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld to act to assure that the officers and cadets of the Air Force Academy are not subjected to an unnecessary inquisition prompted by a band of hard-left ideologues. There are times when the fever swamp deserves to be called just that, rather than credited with an authority or objectivity they have never earned and certainly don't deserve in a context that sees them sliming real public servants.
Put the task force on hold, and ask for the back-up. If there are credible assertions, determined as such by credible third parties skilled in Establishment and Free Exercise Clause doctrine, then quietly empanel an investigation. Asking "how high" when Barry Lynn says jump is a terrible decision.
Hugh Hewitt is the host of a nationally syndicated radio show, and author most recently of "Blog: Understanding the Information Reformation That is Changing Your World." His daily blog can be found at HughHewitt.com.
By Hugh Hewitt
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