You know, I’m all for Rumsfeld resigning. I’m all for Kerry shutting his opportunistic yapper, too. As with most things, no one person or group is to blame. What I want to know is: what ever happened to the idea of comporting oneself with dignity and honor? Lyndie England and the others have dishonored themselves and tarnished everyone else in the service (and America) who do act with bravery and compassion and honor.

The report issued on Tuesday by an independent four-member panel headed by former Defense Secretary James Schlesinger showed there was a "failure of the civilian chain of command," the Democratic presidential challenger said.

- Kerry Renews Call for Rumsfeld's Resignation

I agree there was a failure of the chain of command (and it wasn’t just the civilian part). But the failure wasn’t just poor guidelines or unclear procedures. The greater failure was in acting without honor just when it was needed the most.