Subsequent to my recent post to briefly express my thoughts, my real concern is a greater story behind this whole issue. Based on information provided by news media, this photo and an article was submitted to the likes of CNN, the New York Times, and I believe others might have been contacted, as well. The story that seems to have sparked a response by West Point to launch an investigation was published in a blog by John Burk, a former enlisted Drill Instructor. His story was published by the Army Times. Worthy news stories get published all the time. However, it is the blatantly unprofessional and unethical manner in which John Burk conducts business to which that I take offense. To understand Burk's self-processed agenda, you can see his videos and comments on his Facebook page and his blog, among other things. Burk reveals that his source of factual information comes from "his" sources (about seven) from within the Academy itself. His sources charge that some of the lady cadets in the photo have dawned their BLM shirts at times and he is concerned that the gesture of their clenched fists may be perceived as a BLM statement. He claims that the problem is not their support of BLM, but that they display their support while in uniform. You'll find more behind that on FB. He insists that "race" was not a motivation behind his action. Only John Burk knows for sure. This photo has been shared on FB dozens of times with thousands of comments. You will find no shortage of hardcore racist statements from his supporters. Since he professes to be a champion of standards of professionalism and conduct, I find it very concerning that I've yet to see a post from him disapproving the remarks by his loyal followers and others. You'll discover from his social media formats that he has taken it upon himself to recruit active duty soldiers to find instances of unprofessional conduct in their units and instances where NCOs and officers are not being fair and equal in their treatment of soldiers. He asks his recruits to send him the story with photos for him to publicize. See the story of CSM Fourtney, 8th MP Bde. He basically threatens the unit chain of command that "I am watching to see if you are doing right by your soldiers." Back to USMA, how does a veteran insist that the 16 female cadets be held in contempt for violating standards of conduct when he uses vigilante tactics to undermine the very code of conduct that he claims to live by, even as a veteran? He emphasizes the uncompromising accountability of cadets' code of conduct, but yet he knowingly compromises the ethics and integrity of his supposed seven informants within the academy. He doesn't specify whether or not his informants are cadets or permanent party personnel. If they are academy cadre, why haven't they addressed the issue? His loyal followers seem to be drooling while they wait for results of the investigation. The mist preferred resolution appears to be "kick them out!" In my association with the army that began over 40 years ago, I have never seen a more disgusting and distasteful display of unprofessionalism.