ppl of the lie, contd

6. MYLAI
Interesting prelude: Before exorcism fell into deserved ill-repute, exorcists were considered fairly low in Church hierarchy. And deservedly. It's easier to cast out demons from the truly evil than to discern and battle evil on the vestry, in the pews, on the street.

A. Crimes
Task Force Barker, on March 16, 1968, moved into MyLai, in Quang Ngai, in S Vietnam, searching to destroy Vietcong harbored by villagers. C (Charlie) Company of 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Light Infantry Brigade moved in, discovering not a single combatant, but women, children and old men.

Five to six hundred were killed in a variety of ways. In huts, running away.

The largest casualties were in MyLai 4. The 1st Platoon, commanded by Lietenant Wm. Calley, killed 20 to 40 villagers at a time.

Perhaps only 50 people pulled triggers. Perhaps 500 knew within a week of the event, which lasted hour. Approx 200 witnesses, eventual charges to 25. Six went to trial. One was convicted: William J Calley, Jr.

Failure to report a crime is a crime. A helicopter pilot tried to stop the massacre, but after he radioed HQ and superiors, who seemed unconcerned, he gave up.

The public learned of MyLai a year later, March, 1969, from a man who had heard of the event, had written Congressmen three months after his return to civilian life.

The author, M Scott Peck, headed a committee of three psychologists commissioned by the Surgeon General of the Army to recommend research to prevent such behavior in future. Their recommendation was dismissed on the grounds that embarrassment would ensue.

B. Preface to group evil

oh my: Not My Job. Specialization leads to group behavior that excuses individuals because "it's not my job"? oh and then group pressure not to "tell" and mess with the group itself.

And then, there is the possibility that the men who observed, who participated were not aware they had committed a crime. they had not murdered.

C. Up the Ladder of Collective Responsibility

1. Stress effects
2. Group dependency on the leader

I cannot go on. It's time to stop.