bunk22 said:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/cunningham/20060115-9999-lz1n15legend.html
Those who knew him or served during this time might find this article interesting (A4's).
As much as I don't want to, I suppose I should weigh in on this tragic and sordid business for three reasons: I knew Cunningham back then; I knew almost all of the people quoted in the article; and I have first hand knowledge of many of the details contained in the article.
[Incidentally, I had a Union-Tribune reporter contact me two weeks ago about Cunningham, which I assume may have been about this story. Having been burned before on "background", I declined any comment.]
There were no surprises in the article for me. Much of what was said about Cunningham was fairly accurate, and was common knowledge at the time. But generally, we all kept it amongst ourselves, so the general public – including many in the Navy - was never aware.
What was surprising to me however, was the quality of people quoted in the article. "Fingers", "Mugs", Ruff, and the others quoted were all revered icons of that period. That such respected voices support a story critical of Cunningham, and one that ran on the front page, "above the fold" in the Union-Tribune was a real surprise to me. [This is {was?} a very conservative newspaper that had long been very supportive of Cunningham.]
I have also read with interest, the various opinions expressed about Cunningham, on this, and other forums. Unfortunately, many dance politely around the elephant in the room - that he is now a self-admitted criminal of serious and multiple crimes. After adamantly and publicly denying any and all culpability for several months, Cunningham, finally - and only when totally cornered – tearfully admits to breaking serious federal laws regarding tax evasion and bribery, then asks for mercy.
To those who believe he didn't do much more than many others, and this is somehow business as usual, let me point to the U.S Attorney's quote: "This was a crime of unprecedented magnitude and extraordinary audacity." (U.S. Attorney Carol Lam) Openly and blatantly living it up with $2.4 million in bribe money, and underpaying in one year tax on $120,000 but having actual, unreported income of over 10-times that amount, ($1.2 million) are not common. Indeed, his is the largest bribery case in Congressional history.
To those who believe his undeniable ace status and heroic achievement should somehow mitigate his crimes, I say this: I would never expect my combat missions to ever allow me to break any law – to embezzle a little money for each combat mission, or rob a 7-11 for each Air Medal. If I ever did a crime, I would expect the full penalty for that crime, regardless of any ancient (or recent) and irrelevant combat history.
To those who believe everyone has his price, I say this: I hope not, but perhaps they do. I don't really know. What I do know is that most of our Vietnam POW's, if they ever had a price, the enemy couldn't reach it. Those guys endured incredible hardships and torture, rather than to be bought off with a little special treatment, a cigarette, or an early repatriation. If everyone does in fact have his "price", then the "cheap" and the "expensive" live in far different and separated universes.
Like most politicians, Cunningham presented many different facades to many different people, depending upon the circumstance. That is why opinions of him vary so.
Finally, I would never discount Cunningham's extraordinary ability and heroic achievement in the air. Likewise, I acknowledge his significant benefit to his district's constituents, San Diego's defense contractors, the City, and to the U.S. Navy – especially Naval Aviation. Those are all undeniable.
But likewise, I do not and will not discount his serious crimes and flawed character. This is a tragedy on several levels – but it is a tragedy of Cunningham's own making.
