Redemption? Better journalism?

Brigadier-General Labbe as seen by a colleague:

INJUSTICE PERPETUATED IS JUSTICE DENIED
So much for belief in redemption
By George Petrolekas

Montreal, Quebec (25 July 2008) - Negative coverage of Serge Labbe's promotion to Brigadier-General was certainly inevitable. But it is surprising that a man cannot achieve some sort of redemption in our society whatever good he might do. And thus the coverage of his promotion is noteworthy for the volume of its omissions and inaccuracies both with respect to Somalia and Labbe's career fifteen years on.

Labbe did not command the Airborne Regiment, nor was Labbe ever censured for anything that the Airborne Regiment, and specifically, that one of its commando's did.

Serge Labbe was promoted to BGen on 2 July redressing for many in uniform what had come to be seen as a continuing and unjust condemnation. Whilst Labbe was censured by the Somalia tribunal for supposed acts of omission in command, specifically in not having verified the status of Rules of Engagement and the training in the Geneva Conventions for the force under his command, there was never any censure for acts of commission; nor any mention that these omissions occurred long before Labbe ever had command of the overall mission. And Peter Desbarats on 8 Mar 2007 said "In many respects apart from the one I've mentioned, the rules of engagement issue, he did a pretty good job in Somalia, and he certainly was admired by his soldiers. And there was no doubt about his intelligence." As opposed to his newly found pique.

And therefore, to publish as fact allegations of "champagne for the first dead Somali" are repetitions of hearsay at best, scandal-mongering at worst, especially when the various articles fail to inform the reader that the Commission did not find it pertinent to address these alleged statements in its findings. And further fails to mention that the then Colonel had also passed lie-detector exams specifically addressing those comments, mention of which was conveniently expunged from the official record let alone that the hearings did not permit him to present evidence in his defence. That these elemental principals of justice were denied should make Canadians shudder.

But such off-hand treatment continues by using partisan political commentary to buttress as insignificant or inappropriate Labbe's contributions to Canada's international stature in the years since Somalia.

I first met Serge Labbe in 2003 in NATO where he already was if not the most decorated, then one of the most decorated officers in Canada's service. In NATO circles, as I told the BQ's defence critic on the telephone yesterday, he was considered a "general" by every high ranking member of the alliance who continually sought out his advice and counsel. The list is so long it can barely be listed in this article save to say that every NATO operational commander and every single commander of the ISAF mission in Kabul sought out his opinions and advice. And whilst some articles toss out in an offhand manner his actions in Kosovo, they also fail to mention that Labbe was honoured with a NATO Meritorious Service Medal for not only Kosovo, but also for his actions in Turkey and the former Soviet republics in promoting dialogue between East and West in the partnership for peace. I wrote my superiors in Ottawa in late 2003, mentioning that whilst I understood the fallout of Somalia, I could not understand why he could not be promoted. "Everyone understands how extraordinary he is" I was answered, "but to promote him is just not politically palatable".

In Kabul, as deputy chief of staff to Gen Hillier, he was recognized in word and deed by the Afghans, the United States, the United Kingdom and others. In fact, a US General called him the "most outstanding officer I have seen in over 31 years of service". And such recognition, even extended to the so-called failed mission in Somalia where Labbe was given the United States Presidential Legion of Merit; a rare award indeed.

But notwithstanding the Somalia Commission (which was cut short) it begs the question of redemption. In Canada's apology for the native residential schools, or the acknowledgement of failure in the case of Mahar Arar, there is a tacit admission that maybe the facts of a generation ago may not have been entirely correct and in Labbe's case begs the question; are our futures consigned to be prisoners of our past from which there is no escape? I think most Canadians would agree that they're not.

Finally, the coverage of his promotion does no justice to the inherent nobility of the man as I know him. He has always been driven by three precepts; "my mission, my country, my soldiers". In the six years I've known him, I never heard him once complain or dwell in despondency but rather I saw a man who took extraordinary care of his soldiers, cared for this nation like few others, and accomplished more in this country's name than most. I would without reservation entrust my life to his care, and soldiers I know who have served with him would not hesitate to do so as well. And for soldiers, that speaks volumes far beyond mentions of a stellar career.

In recycling tired decades old comments and in making no effort to speak to those whom Labbe worked for, worked with or commanded ensured that coverage would be inevitably negative. The hidden casualty in all this is objectivity, justice and fairness. Canadians deserve better journalism, and so does Labbe.

Here's Babbling's BBS' initial reaction to the promotion.

More from Col. Petrolekas here, here, here, and here.

Babbler's Update: More perspective on the promotion from another professional source disconnected from Canadian politics entirely:

What is undoubtedly true is that Serge accepted the decisions of the inquiry with a dignity and determination to continue to serve Canada, at whatever level and in whatever role he was permitted, that is quite simply extraordinary given the circumstances that prevailed. Lesser men would have been broken by what happened to him. But his attitude, utter professionalism, loyalty both to his country and to the missions and commanders he subsequently served in NATO were inspirational to servicemen and women from other nations in the Alliance who served with him. The comments on the perceived 'benefits' of his service overseas, financial and other, are particularly unfair; he continuously worked his heart out in the name of his country while never losing the pain of knowing he would not be able to serve again with the Canadian soldiers he so loves.

Whatever the truth of Somalia, the Canadian Army lost the service of an outstanding officer as a result. But Canada's loss was NATO's gain. Serge set standards wherever he served in the Alliance that were a benchmark for excellence that others strived to achieve. It is a pity that ordinary Canadians don't know what a superb ambassador he has been for his country.

It was my privilege to have soldiered with and learned so much from such an outstanding and inspirational soldier and gentleman. I cannot hide my heartfelt pleasure that his service since the events in Somalia has now been recognized. A proud Canadian, he has served his country with quiet pride and dignity - which is all the reward he ever sought!