Meaning: The quote "To all of us who have been charged, we all agree that we don't feel like we were doing things that we weren't supposed to, because we were told to do them. We think everything was justified, because we were instructed to do this and to do that." by Lynndie England, offers insight into the complex dynamics of responsibility and accountability within a charged or accused group of individuals. Lynndie England is an American former military personnel who gained notoriety for her involvement in the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal during the Iraq War. Her statement reflects the rationalization and justification that can occur within a group when individuals are following orders or instructions from authority figures, even if those actions are later deemed unethical or unlawful.

In examining this quote, it is important to consider the broader context of the events at Abu Ghraib and the subsequent legal proceedings. The Abu Ghraib scandal involved the abuse and torture of detainees by personnel of the United States military at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The mistreatment of prisoners, including physical and psychological abuse, was documented in photographs that were made public, leading to international outrage and condemnation. Lynndie England became one of the most recognizable figures associated with the scandal due to her appearance in several of the controversial photographs.

The quote reflects a common defense used by individuals implicated in actions that are later deemed unethical or illegal: the notion of following orders. This defense, often referred to as "just following orders," has been historically associated with war crimes and atrocities, particularly in the aftermath of World War II and the Nuremberg Trials. The argument is that individuals were simply carrying out the instructions of their superiors and therefore should not be held fully responsible for their actions.

However, this defense raises complex moral and legal questions about individual accountability and the role of personal conscience in the face of orders that may be in conflict with fundamental ethical principles. The Nuremberg Trials established the principle that individuals cannot escape responsibility for their actions simply by claiming to be following orders, especially when those actions violate established laws and moral standards.

Lynndie England's statement encapsulates the internal conflict experienced by individuals who find themselves embroiled in actions that later come under scrutiny. The assertion that "we don't feel like we were doing things that we weren't supposed to, because we were told to do them" reflects a sense of cognitive dissonance, where individuals attempt to reconcile their actions with their understanding of right and wrong. This rationalization is a common psychological response to mitigate feelings of guilt or wrongdoing.

Moreover, the quote underscores the influence of authority and the power dynamics within hierarchical structures such as the military. The concept of obedience to authority, as famously studied by social psychologist Stanley Milgram, highlights the profound impact that directives from those in positions of power can have on individual behavior. The obedience to authority phenomenon raises important questions about the limits of obedience and the ethical responsibilities of individuals to critically evaluate the commands they receive.

In conclusion, Lynndie England's quote provides a glimpse into the complex interplay of authority, responsibility, and individual conscience in situations where individuals are implicated in controversial or unlawful actions. It serves as a reminder of the moral dilemmas that can arise when individuals grapple with the tension between following orders and adhering to ethical principles. The quote invites reflection on the enduring relevance of the "just following orders" defense and the imperative for individuals to cultivate moral courage in the face of conflicting demands from authority figures.