The Sin of Competence

October 9, 2006 6:27 PM

Lieutenant Commander Charles Swift is the Navy lawyer who took the case of defending Salim Ahmed Hamdan (aka Osama bin Laden's driver). A quick plea-bargain was expected, but Swift managed to get his client a hearing before the Supreme Court in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld. While a complicated and nuanced decision, most would agree that "Swift, one of five judge advocate general lawyers assigned to represent the first round of commission defendants, determinedly stepped through this looking glass, defying skepticism at home and abroad that he and his colleagues would do more than a perfunctory job." However, despite all of his efforts and obvious legal abilities, he was recently passed over for promotion and effectively fired under the military's "up or out" promotion system. (Previously: [1] [2] [3])
posted by bardic (30 comments total)

despite?
posted by mwhybark at 6:35 PM on October 9, 2006 [1 favorite]

Those cocksuckers. By which I refer to the guys who forced him out. By which I mean the current administration.

Swift oughta run for office and *really* get under some skin.
posted by notsnot at 6:40 PM on October 9, 2006

A government employee doing their job well, thereby ruffling feathers is relaliated against.

I'm shocked, shocked!
posted by lalochezia at 6:48 PM on October 9, 2006

As a self-avowed letist, semi-professional disrepecter of authority, and something of a pacifist, it's quite an odd feeling for me to have immense admiration for these gentleman. They embody all the professionalism of their position and respect for the process of law that your President, legislature, and some in your legal system lack.

Many here would have nominated Major Michael Mori for Australian of the Year, except for the small fact that nominees must be Australian citizens.

Regardless of whether you believe in the guilt or innocence of their clients, these men and women are doing your country proud.
posted by Pinback at 7:00 PM on October 9, 2006

Because who needs tough, motivated, capable officers in the military?
posted by Smedleyman at 7:08 PM on October 9, 2006

"Quite a coincidence", indeed. This administration seems to encounter those all too often, unfortunately.

I heard about you on NPR, Lt. Cmdr. Swift, USN Ret., and I salute you.
posted by TheNewWazoo at 7:10 PM on October 9, 2006

The up or out policy is one of the most fantastically stupid and destructive policies I've ever seen. It seems the military brass have forgotten that one of the greatest Generals in US history had been court martialed and suspended for insubordination, a certain promotion killer by any reasonable standard.
(That would be Winfield Scott, by the way. )

Stupid, stupid, stupid.
posted by absalom at 7:13 PM on October 9, 2006

I have great respect for military lawyers. In my limited experience, they generally seem to be dedicated and fair. I salute Lt. Cmd. Swift, but I don't know how much of an exception he really is. Regardless, he is a good man.
posted by Falconetti at 7:26 PM on October 9, 2006

despite?

Being named to National Law Journals's List of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America when it was released in June for the first time in six years, for one.
posted by ChasFile at 7:35 PM on October 9, 2006

The Navy made a huge mistake. However, this boy will easily quadruple of more his earnings in the next year alone, with more to come. He took GW to the supremes and won! He can write his ticket with all the best firms. Don't cry for him, cry for the country who lost him as an underpaid government lawyer.
posted by caddis at 7:43 PM on October 9, 2006 [2 favorites]

The lawyers who defend the Constitution are not needed anymore. Seems obvious now that you think about it.
posted by fluffycreature at 7:53 PM on October 9, 2006

Thank You For A Job Well Done
posted by homunculus at 7:58 PM on October 9, 2006

If he goes into private practice, he'll be well-prepared for the worst-case scenario.
posted by homunculus at 7:59 PM on October 9, 2006

The military can be a pretty conservative organization. Which is why it attracts folks like Lt. Cmd. Swift, who still believe in the Constitution and the rule of law.

Unfortunately, at high levels, it is all political. Which is why a sailor who is a credit to his uniform and his country is being beached.

It's enough to drive a geek to reread the Honor Harrington novels.
posted by QIbHom at 8:23 PM on October 9, 2006

you gave me the shivers, fluffycreature.
posted by owhydididoit at 8:34 PM on October 9, 2006

.
posted by Heywood Mogroot at 8:43 PM on October 9, 2006

Don't cry for him, cry for the country who lost him as an underpaid government lawyer.

exactly ... he's going to be doing just great from this ... our country, on the other hand ...
posted by pyramid termite at 9:00 PM on October 9, 2006

I just hope that the JAG corps is full of similar people who value the Constitution more than their jobs.
posted by oaf at 9:38 PM on October 9, 2006

I just hope that the JAG corps is full of similar people who value the Constitution more than their jobs.
posted by oaf

They're all on notice now.
posted by taosbat at 10:01 PM on October 9, 2006

he's not as hot as Catherine Bell anyway
posted by matteo at 12:48 AM on October 10, 2006

Is there a way we can send an email or something to this guy to tell him what a hero he was/is, some place collecting signatures or anything? Can we send him flowers? I want to do SOMETHING for the guy.
posted by empath at 6:17 AM on October 10, 2006

Swift booted.
posted by darkstar at 10:31 AM on October 10, 2006

The military can be a pretty conservative organization. Which is why it attracts folks like Lt. Cmd. Swift, who still believe in the Constitution and the rule of law.

That's some weird interpretation of the word "conservative".
posted by Artw at 11:03 AM on October 10, 2006

That's some weird interpretation of the word "conservative".

Only if you go along with the definition of "conservative" that the radical Republicans and neo-cons are using. If you go by the dictionary, it isn't an odd usage at all.

Being a bit conservative when it comes to language, I'll go with the dictionary.
posted by QIbHom at 11:14 AM on October 10, 2006

I'd be willing to bet cash money that the order not to promote him came directly from Rumsfeld.
posted by chuq at 12:30 PM on October 10, 2006

Only if you go along with the definition of "conservative" that the radical Republicans and neo-cons are using.

Good luck franticly cutting those ropes...
posted by Artw at 2:29 PM on October 10, 2006

Artw: no, 'conservative' would be standing up for the Constitution, not inventing new classes of people and new places to hold them, and new interpretations of decades-old treaty agreements.
posted by Heywood Mogroot at 6:38 PM on October 10, 2006

Wow, integrity in a US naval officer. No wonder the Admirals' Gestapo participated in the hanging party...can't have anybody rocking the boat and upsetting the flags, no sir.
posted by pax digita at 5:34 PM on October 11, 2006

That's a pretty ignorant comment. I think you will find more integrity in your average US Naval officer than in your average citizen.
posted by caddis at 6:05 PM on October 11, 2006

Swift on Detainee Bill: ‘I Don’t Believe’ It Will ‘Match Constitutional Muster’
posted by homunculus at 12:56 PM on October 17, 2006