This is the Army, Mr. Saville

Poor Army 1st Lt. Jack Saville. He has to cough up $12,000 ($2,000 a month for 6 months) and spend 45 days in a military prison, all because he particpated in the sadistic assault of three Iraqi civilians, and probably the murder of one of them. Earlier this week, Saville pleaded guilty to assault and related crimes for forcing two curfew violaters into the river at gunpoint. One is said to have drowned. Saville was also charged with failure to stop another forced walk to death in a different incident.

Saville, you will recall, laughed about the incidents, which were ordered by Staff Sgt. Tracy Perkins. Perkins was acquitted of manslaughter, but was convicted of assault and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to six months in prison. Saville was originally charged with manslaughter, conspiracy, and lying to investigators. All of those charges were dropped. Apparently, he was never even charged with attempted murder.

Saville could have gotten 9 1/2 years in prison and a discharge from the Army. If you think his sentence is a tad on the light side, remember this: This is the U.S. military, which does no wrong. And this is a war. And the victims were--how can I put this delicately?--oh, yes--they were not white.

Saville says he has been forgiven by God. No word was available on his status with the victims' families.