Report Urged Action Against General (Boykin) for Speeches

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/04/politics/04boykin.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1109912997-HCfeKDI4SWC6/WLVYr9ceg

By DOUGLAS JEHL
Published: March 4, 2005

WASHINGTON, March 3 - The Pentagon general who likened the war against Islamic militants to a battle against Satan violated several Pentagon rules in delivering a series of speeches at religious-oriented events, according to an inspector general's report made available on Thursday.

The report, issued last August but not previously released, recommended that the officer, Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin of the Army, be subjected to "appropriate corrective action." The Army said in October that it had taken action against General Boykin, but it declined to provide details or to say what rules he had violated.

General Boykin, the deputy under secretary of defense for intelligence, created a controversy in fall 2003 when tapes and transcripts of some of his appearances in uniform before evangelical Christian groups first came to public light. At the time, he apologized to "those who have been offended by my statements."

... In one instance, the report said, General Boykin failed to disclose that he had been reimbursed for his travel by a nongovernmental source. But the report said that he had "made good faith efforts" to consult with legal advisers about his speaking activities.

more

taking over the Pentagon. They knew the religious right was a nuisance. William Kristol correctly commented that they were tough to deal with "passionate about their beliefs", but they could be thrown a bone or two to keep them happy.

This was one of their compromises. Ever see a photo of General Boykin? He has an insane look on his face. He has been showing up in church, on Sunday, IN UNIFORM, speaking about the "Holy Battle" against the Evil Muslims.

The neo-cons felt it was worth it, but even this was too much for them.

...along with other assorted neocons.



Stephen