The 46-page report dated July 20, 2007 found that:

1. Pentagon Chaplain Colonel Ralph G. Benson obtained limited approval for the non-profit, non-Federal religious organization “Christian Embassy” to film in the Pentagon by mischaracterizing the purpose and proponent of their new, fundraising video. He had stated that the video was to document the Pentagon’s own ministry rather than that of a non-Federal entity, when it was actually intended to attract new supporters.
2. Benson thus provided “Christian Embassy” a selective benefit, including permission to film and unescorted access to Pentagon areas and personnel that other organizations would not have received.
3. Seven high-ranking military officers, including major generals and brigadier generals were filmed in interviews with “Christian Embassy” during the duty day with rank clearly displayed in official and often identifiable Pentagon locations.
4. None of the officers had sought or received approval to participate in official capacity or uniform.
5. The officers’ remarks conferred approval of and support to “Christian Embassy”, and some officers’ remarks implied that they spoke for a group of senior military leaders.
6. The officers defended their actions by asserting that “Christian Embassy” had become a “quasi-Federal entity”, since the Department of Defense had endorsed the organization to General Officers for over twenty five years. “Christian Embassy” is in fact affiliated with Campus Crusade for Christ, a worldwide evangelical missionary organization.
7. Chaplain Benson defended his actions by asserting a First Amendment Establishment Clause right in connection with his professional status.
8. Mr. Robert Varney, Executive Director of “Christian Embassy”, testified that the new video was used for his organization’s fundraising; indeed the new video covered exclusively the non-Federal organization, but did not mention the Pentagon’s ministry.
9. The new, 2004 video updated “Christian Embassy’s” prior promo video of 2001 and included endorsements of the organization and its “services” from supporters working on Capitol Hill, other Federal agencies and embassies, wholly unconnected with the Pentagon’s ministry.
10. The non-DoD speakers on the video included six congressmen, two ambassadors, two ambassadors’ wives, as well as the Under Secretary of Benefits for Veterans’ Affairs and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, who acknowledged in the video “Christian Embassy’s” international and federal-governmental evangelical outreach.
11. The report concluded that Major Generals Peter Sutton and John Catton, Brigadier Generals Vincent Brooks and Robert Caslen “improperly endorsed and participated with a non-Federal entity while in uniform”. It recommends that the Air Force and the Army “consider appropriate corrective action…”.
12. The report also concluded that the Pentagon Chaplain’s office authorized contractor badge status to 34 religiously affiliated volunteers, including “Christian Embassy” employees. Further, it noted that the Inspector General’s office is “unconvinced” that these passes were properly authorized and “suggests that a contractor badge is not appropriate for these individuals”.

A Quick Study, But A Slow Learner

…I know that you were probably referencing, “first, shoot all the lawyers…” and sure, if it was good enough for Shakespeare…although none of us would be up for a bout of bear-baiting, or execution by decapitation…

some chaplains are good people…

jus’ saying…but with much affection

…rather than shooting, would to be to out the Rethuglican Dominionist chaplains.

’Cause after all, they are members of the Grand Ole Pervert partei. They are likely to be dipping their wicks somewhere they aren’t s’pozed to be.

No Hell below us
Above us, only sky

So if it’s a violation of federal law, who can go after these lawbreakers in court?

The Justice Department…mkay?

Nagahapun!

A Quick Study, But A Slow Learner

though HST called ’em “The Guardians of Privilege.”

A Quick Study, But A Slow Learner

“The first thing we do,” said the character in Shakespeare’s Henry VI, is “kill all the lawyers.”

I refrained from that step, at least, ya gotta gimme a little credit for restraint!