‘Shock Troops’ Author Outs Himself
Charles Johnson
Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 8:17 am PDT • Views: 481
The author of “Shock Troops” has been named at The New Republic: Scott Thomas Beauchamp. And he says anyone who criticized his article is a chickenhawk.
My Diarist, “Shock Troops,” and the two other pieces I wrote for the New Republic have stirred more controversy than I could ever have anticipated. They were written under a pseudonym, because I wanted to write honestly about my experiences, without fear of reprisal. Unfortunately, my pseudonym has caused confusion. And there seems to be one major way in which I can clarify the debate over my pieces: I’m willing to stand by the entirety of my articles for the New Republic using my real name.
I am Private Scott Thomas Beauchamp, a member of Alpha Company, 1/18 Infantry, Second Brigade Combat Team, First Infantry Division.
My pieces were always intended to provide my discreet view of the war; they were never intended as a reflection of the entire U.S. Military. I wanted Americans to have one soldier’s view of events in Iraq.
It’s been maddening, to say the least, to see the plausibility of events that I witnessed questioned by people who have never served in Iraq. I was initially reluctant to take the time out of my already insane schedule fighting an actual war in order to play some role in an ideological battle that I never wanted to join. That being said, my character, my experiences, and those of my comrades in arms have been called into question, and I believe that it is important to stand by my writing under my real name.
He had a blog, too.
Bryan at Hot Air has a long post on the story this morning: Scott Thomas revealed; Update: So is his blog.
“Chickenhawk” Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive responds: Private Beauchamp- Requiem for a dung beetle.
And I’m sure “chickenhawk” Greyhawk at Mudville Gazette will have something to add soon.
Frank says: