Charles Ain't in Charge No More

I don't know if you've been following the television interviews that the news have been having with Charles Graner, "Jr." (natch), the "ring leader" in the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal a few months ago, but he was was arrogant motherfucker. He was accused of stacking naked prisoners in a human pyramid and later ordering them to masturbate while other soldiers took photographs. He also allegedly punched one man in the head hard enough to knock him out, and struck an injured prisoner with a collapsible metal stick.

Graner radiated confidence when asked about how he felt going into the trial and the possible penalties he may face. He glowed and smugly said ""The sun is shining, the sky is blue and this is America. Whatever happens is going to happen, but I still feel it's going to be on the positive side." You got the distinct impression that he thought nothing was going to happen to him because he was wearing a "American soldier" label, and therefore untouchable and above the law. Well, as it turned out he counted on American's latest patriotism fad a little too much.

I say "was one arrogant motherfucker," because he was just found guilty and could face up to 15 years in prison. Funny how that smile got turned upside down, ain't it? The jury took less than five hours to reach the verdict, and began the sentencing phase Friday evening.

Graner faced 10 counts under five separate charges: Assault, conspiracy, maltreatment of detainees, committing indecent acts and dereliction of duty. He was found guilty on all counts, except one. Each count required that at least 7 of the 10 jurors to agree for conviction. According to ABC news: "Graner's demeanor at the beginning of the trial was upbeat..." "As the trial wore on, his expressions grew more and more stoic. " Are those tears in his eyes? I hope so. Maybe they'll be compounded (no pun intended) once he gets to prison and gets recognized for the buttplug he really is. Good riddance.