We have avoided saying much about this pathetic story, and TNR's pathetic way of handling the con job they wanted so much to believe. Yes indeed, more "fake but accurate" from the Left.
Today, however, Democracy Project has posted a piece on the subject by the Rev. Paul W. McNellis, S.J. which is the essay I wished I could have written and which I think is the final word on the subject.
It is here. It concludes:
Pvt. Beauchamp has two choices.
He can await his discharge and then return to testify before Congress as the victim veteran in the “proud of being ashamed” mode. He might even run for Congress himself. He wouldn’t be the first.
Or, he can use his remaining time in the military to earn an honorable discharge. He could try to leave the military as a better man than when he entered. There are hints from his blog that he was already moving in that direction.
I would urge Pvt. Beauchamp to look at those in his unit, some of whom he surely respects and admires. Imitate them, and in the process you will become a better soldier, a better friend, a better husband, one day a better father, and...in the end, a better writer.
That will also leave you with something far better than the anemic sense of shame you describe; it will leave you with a sense of honor. And though TNR may no longer be interested in what you write, you will surely have become a better man.
