The June 11 edition of The Baltimore Sun carried an article about the mismanagement of graves at Arlington National Cemetery. The article cited outrageous incidents of mismanagement. Also reported was that John Metzler, the cemetery superintendent announced his plans to retire in July. It was stated his exit "was the result of pressure from Army officials."

Does this mean Mr. Metzler will receive his retirement benefits? What punishment is Mr. Metzler receiving for his disgraceful incompetence and incredible mismanagement of our nation's premier cemetery for our military servicemen and women? Being allowed to resign and not facing any penalties for his malfeasance is no punishment at all. In fact, being allowed to resign and receive his federal pension is unbelievable — he is not being held accountable and not suffering for his horrible performance of his duties.

During the campaign and on many occasions since, President Obama pledged that government employees would be held "accountable" for their performance of responsibilities. When has this happened?

Mismanagement of duties and irresponsible behavior (perhaps even criminal activity) has been reported regarding employees of the Department of the Interior, employees of the agency responsible for overseeing the operation of coal mines and oil drilling, and employees of the Security and Exchange Commission, to name a few such situations. Yet, there has not been one report of any employee being fired, prosecuted or punished in any way — not even a letter of reprimand in their personnel folder.

When the president pledged to hold people "accountable," what did he mean? Giving a speech acknowledging irresponsible behavior or mismanagement in which unhappiness is expressed or strongly stating that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in the future is hardly holding anyone "accountable."

When will employees who do not perform their duties be held accountable and suffer some consequences?

Stan Levin, Owings Mills