CB061 Misused Power pp.qxd
4/20/06
11:33 AM
Page 1
When Power Is Misused Finding The True Strength Of A Man by Jeff Olson he 1992 motion picture A Few Good Men tells the story of two US Marines put on trial for the murder of a fellow platoon mate. Under orders from their commanding officer, they had carried out a “code red” against a fellow soldier thought to be a dishonorable slacker. Also known as “hazing,” a “code red” is an illegal and extreme form of physical discipline sometimes used to teach a lesson. In this case, the “code red” triggered an undetected medical condition that not only contributed to the fellow Marine’s underperformance but also led to his untimely death. The two Marines accused of the murder were defended by a trio of military lawyers who were split on how they viewed their clients. Two of the lawyers believed the men were innocent because they were following orders. Although the third lawyer accepted their contention that they were under orders, he believed there was no excuse for what they did and that they should be severely punished.
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