#PardonBoweBergdahl
Should President Obama pardon deserter Bowe Bergdahl? | The Tylt
Former American prisoner of war Bowe Bergdahl has asked President Obama to pardon him before he leaves the White House. Bergdahl left his outpost in Afghanistan without permission in 2009, and was captured by militants and held prisoner for five years. Critics argue Bergdahl was a traitor who endangered the lives of the soldiers who searched for him. But an Army investigation declared Bergdahl mentally unsound, and some say he's suffered enough. Does he deserve a pardon? Vote below!
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Should President Obama pardon deserter Bowe Bergdahl?
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An Army Sanity Board found at the time of Bowe's desertion, he was suffering from mental illness. His Taliban captors held him in brutal conditions for the five years he was imprisoned, including locking him in a cage and in darkness for lengthy periods. Supporters of the pardon say he has suffered enough.
#PunishBergdahl
But many want to see Bergdahl tried and punished, and say a pardon from Obama would be a betrayal of the military. "It’s unfortunate that he was a prisoner for five years, but it’s his own fault,” Bergdahl's former platoon mate Sgt. Matt Vierkant said during an interview with Fox and Friends. "He has to be held accountable for his actions."
#PunishBergdahl
27 members of Congress wrote a letter to President Obama urging him not to pardon Bergdahl.
Bergdahl's lawyer argues because President-elect Trump has publicly called for Bergdahl's execution, he will not be able to receive a fair trial.
