Still, for every hostile letter writer, two expressed support—including interrogators who said they wished they could tell their own stories. “For people who want to continue working for the Pentagon or for contractors, speaking up is a career ender,” he said. One handwritten letter stood out. It encouraged Fair to continue talking publicly about Iraq and about the abuse of prisoners. The letter was signed by former president Bill Clinton.
The ordeal cemented Fair’s decision to change course and attend seminary school beginning this fall. Will his confession prevent him from being ordained as a Presbyterian pastor? “There are going to be issues that will come up about my behavior in Iraq,” Fair said. But he can always teach theology. Or write more articles.
