Re: the BDN’s Aug. 18 editorial, “Telling the Whole Truth”: I am all for a “truth and reconciliation” commission in the U.S. But where would we begin and end?

I would start with any member of the military, sergeant or lower. Maybe with those poor misguided souls who took photos of themselves stacking up naked prisoners or of the prisoner atop a box, wired and hooded. They deserve a chance to express regret for things they did while on duty by carrying out the orders of their “superiors,” whether in uniform or in office, to face those they harmed, and for all those to find a type of closure.

Many members of the armed services realize, along with many Americans, that we were sold a bill of goods. We were lied to. People are willing to believe all kinds of untruths when angry.

Where should it lead us? I say “no forgiveness” for those who led us into these crimes. For them, nothing short of international Nuremberg-type trials with life imprisonment as a punishment. That would not even begin to “reconcile” with the millions of civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world who have been maimed, suffered losses or killed. I hope to live long enough to see Cheney, Bush, Rumsfield, Rice, Rove, Wolfowitz, et al in a court

And where could we end? Certainly not by electing Democrats. That is not an answer either. Any “truth and reconciliation” commission worth its name would find there are many equally guilty persons from our recent history.

Shame, America.

Paul Sheridan

Northport