The Misguided Obama Bergdahl Prisoner Exchange

The story so far:

* In 2009 a US soldier said he was ashamed to be an American (echoes of Michelle Obama?) and the US army was a joke, deserted. Six Americans trying to get him back died as a result. He was promoted during his captivity.

* In 2014, within a day or so of the VA scandal Chairman's resignation, President Obama urgently exchanged 5 top Guantanamo Bay terrorists for him. In doing so, he broke the law to get back a deserter who caused the death of six Americans and who possibly committed treason.

* There was a press conference with the President of the United States and the soldier's parents in attendance. The White House obviously viewed this as some kind of magnificent triumph and PR opportunity. Susan "it was the video" Rice characterized the soldier's service as exemplary.

Americans' reactions will range from joy to fury depending on what aspects of the story they hear and believe. I tend to the fury side, but am willing to listen and learn.

* * *

Perhaps the White House wanted to get this guy and punish him by handing him over to the VA?

Related articles

• 'I am ashamed to be an American': Emails from freed PoW before he was captured and held by Taliban for five years show he had become disillusioned and planned to leave
• Soldiers question Bowe Bergdahl's bravery
• 11 Things You Need to Know about Obama's Exchange of the 'Last American POW' for 5 Gitmo Terrorists
• Victim or villain? Times and Post analyze Bowe Bergdahl
• Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl a deserter, not a hero, say comrades
• Fellow soldiers call Bowe Bergdahl a deserter, not a hero
• Fellow soldiers say Bergdahl deserted his post, cost lives of people searching for him
• Bergdahl's fellow soldiers protest swap, call him a deserter
• Is Ransomed U.S. Soldier Bowe Bergdahl a Deserter?
• Mixed reaction to Bergdahl's recovery by servicemembers who consider him a deserter