A strange ‘chivalric spirit’
It appears that once again the military and the courts send mixed messages to the troops and the public.
Retired major general Yang Wen-chen (楊文鎮) is found guilty of “groping and sexual harassment,” only to receive a slap on the wrist (“Ex-major general convicted in sexual assaults of NCO,” April 16, page 3).
Why, if the offenses were committed while on active duty, was he not returned to active duty to stand trial? Why is he being allowed to retain his rights to his retirement pay without penalty?
Furthermore, why is he being allowed to simply pay a fine to avoid going to jail?
What angers me the most is his disgusting reasoning behind such behavior. Was it a case of “chivalric spirit”? “A way of giving encouragement”? Grabbing a woman’s breasts and fondling her genitals is in no way chivalrous behavior. It is, though, sexual harassment, if not outright sexual assault.
This is not about encouraging his subordinates. It is about abuse of power at its worst, and I find his justification for this behavior disgusting.
How is this woman ever supposed to be able to trust again? What are other young service members to conclude?
Taiwan wants an all-volunteer military, and to attract the best and the brightest. This is no recruiting plus.
I do have one message for Yang: General, if you were retired from my army or air force, I would immediately return you to active status, as the offenses were committed while on active duty. I would then have you stand trial as a military officer. When found guilty of said offenses, I would strip you of your rank, fine you heavily and send you to a prison cell. You are a disgrace to the uniform and all it stands for. You have left your honor in the gutter.
If Taiwan wants more from its military, they need to expect more.
Tom Kuleck
Taichung
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