Fun With Play-Dough

Here’s a lovely story about why it isn’t a good idea to show appreciation to the members of the Marine Corps. South Florida businessman T. Gonzales, who has more money than he knows what to do with, recently thought it might be nice to say ‘thank you’ to some members of the USMC. He invited several marines and their wives onto his 35 million dollar yacht for an evening of festivities, after which he gave each a certain amount of money. According to Gonzales, he had checked with the Corps beforehand, and everything was fine; however, 1^st Sgt, William Barnes, an 18-year veteran of the Corps with 3 tours of duty in Iraq under his belt, is now under investigation for accepting said money.

What?

Is it just me, or could the Corps have dealt with this in a more humane fashion? If it really is against the rules to accept this money, have him give it back and call it good. After 18 years of loyal service, after three (!) tours to Iraq, I would think Sgt. Barnes deserves that much.

Bad form.