Now that the Bush torture memos have been released, wouldn't it be, despite the President's promise to turn a blind eye to these violations, simply a matter of justice to put those responsible for encouraging these crimes on trial?
I am willing to accept (within means) that 9-11 posed an extenuating circumstance that might explain, if not justify, the encouragement of torture of terror suspects, and, if so, perhaps some measure of mercy should be shown by the court--but these are matters that ought to be given a hearing in court first and decided impartially based on debate over the evidence and existing law ... not left merely to media scrutiny and the unenforceable "decisions" of individual opinion-makers.
Mr. Obama says, "Nothing will be gained by spending our time and energy laying blame for the past." But isn't "laying blame for the past" precisely the reason we have courts of law? Isn't it worth the nation's time and energy to take steps to discourage future administrations from engaging in what appear to be patently tyrannical acts?
I urge you to investigate and prosecute the Bush administration's incitement to torture--in violation of American principles and Geneva conventions. The implications of the released memos are sufficient to require a fair and impartial hearing to determine the severity of the crimes, if any, that have been committed in the name of the citizens of the United States of America.
Right on, Joe.
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