Kucinich Shows His Spine

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As you can see there is a wide gap between the facts as reported initially and the manner in which they are being reported now. As I understand the Defense Department?s position, these recent accounts are ?outrageous, patently false and unsupported by the facts.?[3] At the same time, Defense Department officials now seem to be qualifying their earlier statements. For example, Bryan Whitman, Department of Defense spokesman, reportedly said ?the U.S. military never claimed that the troops came under fire when they burst into the hospital.?[4]

I believe it is time for the Department of Defense to fully disclose what happened.

First, I request that you order the public release of the unedited footage taken by the military cameraman of the military operation to recover Private Lynch. There has been a great deal of commentary on the manner in which the Department edited and aired a videotape of the rescue operation. Several media representatives have requested that the full tape be released so the American people can make an independent assessment of these conflicting claims. I see no reason for the Department to reject this request.

Second, I would like you to answer formally the following questions about the health status of Private Lynch and the military operation to recover her:

• Did U.S. forces encounter any Iraqi forces in the hospital?
• Were U.S. troops fired upon during the rescue operation? If so, please describe specifically the nature of the interchange.
• Did U.S. [forces] have any information suggesting that Iraqi forces had abandoned the hospital?
• Did Private Lynch sustain any gunshot or knife wounds?
• Did U.S. officials have any information suggesting that Iraqi medical staff were trying to deliver Private Lynch to American forces?
• Did U.S. forces at any time fire on any ambulances?

Finally, I understand the Department has ordered an investigation into the facts surrounding Private Lynch?s capture by Iraqi forces. I also understand, however, that investigators were not asked to examine the circumstances surrounding Private Lynch?s rescue. In light of the controversy that has arisen regarding this case, I suggest that the Pentagon?s ongoing investigation also include the facts surrounding Private Lynch?s rescue as well.

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