Letter: Does accountability exist anymore?

Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007 | 7:06 a.m.

Regarding the 190,000 weapons missing in Iraq:

It is interesting how the government's accounting procedures have changed! When I was processing out of the Air Force in 1961, the folks at Ellsworth Air Force Base did a complete accounting of my toolbox.

As a B-52 mechanic, I had used all of the issued tools for four years. Sometimes I used them for 36 hours straight during Strategic Air Command alerts. Upon discharge I had to pay $10 for a missing 6-inch ruler.

As I now sit back and observe that 190,000 weapons are missing in Iraq, I have to compare that debacle to my $10 punishment. When I think of the hours I put in (freezing) in South Dakota (the Air Force didn't pay overtime), my "missing" ruler experience stings.

When the Air Force privatizes its aircraft repair/maintenance operations, I wonder if everyone will still be charged for a missing 6-inch steel ruler .

Charles F. Carpenter, Henderson

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