let me also make one thing clear, I understand this isn't about interrogation techniques, its about detainee abuse, but if you admit that detainee abuse is propoganda then you make the leap that enhanced interrogation techniques will provide the same results.
I could spin it that Obama seems willing to release documents that endanger troops if it is politcally advantageous in the case of the waterboarding documents but not if little can be gained from it for his party. Also I do not see your paradox of how it is hypocritical to support a practice but not support the releasing of the documents proving you did it. In a war, I think that it is logical to assume that could easily be true.
I don't think you can logically make that leap because waterboarding was supported from the top of the food chain while these are photos (if I understand correctly) that were not supported by the military. AKA an Abu Ghraib situation.
first of all, these original photos were out way before obama was the nominee, again we're talking about iraq. waterboarding was also discussed at least two years ago in the sense we knew it was happening. i didn't say it was hypocritical, i'm saying he doesn't mind putting the troops in danger
Man, if there was ever pressure from above by the Obama cabinet to do a half of what the Bushies were pushing on those prison chiefs, I'd be pissed at the current admin. Just because Obama doesn't want to continue to Bush ****storm by releasing the pics doesn't mean he's a hypocrite.
seriously, what purpose would releasing these photos serve, people have already been prosecuted for these acts.
I agree that it's not hypocritical (I never said that either). But he did pledge to release them. I'm not sure I disagree with the decision per say, but I do think Taguba's claim that he fears that those pics may "imperil" troops an utter load of horse****.
Freedom isn't free. As US citizens we have a duty and an obligation to confront what was done in our name, no matter how unpleasant. We also must face the consequences of those actions done by our government. I'm tired of my government deciding to protect me by preventing this information from being released. This is nothing related to national security unless you count horrific, embarrassing actions as national security. I understand these photos represent horrible stuff... some of what I've read indicate there may be torture and sexual abuse of children while mothers were forced to watch. I don't want to look at these photos. I wish they didn't exist. But they do exist. I believe America is strong enough to withstand whatever happens with the release of these photos and ultimately, I think the release will make us stronger and better and improve our national security... but I'm under no illusions that this will be comfortable or easily dismissed. People will have to acknowledge this is now part of America too and then work to change it. And the photos will come out eventually, so be prepared.
We've confronted Abu Ghuraib, even Runmsfeld took responsibility for this. Regardless of national security or not, it serves no purpose.
I don't agree. I think it would be highly beneficial for americans to truly understand: 1) the nature of warfare and the outcome of dehumanization and 2) the extent to which our presumed moral superiority is utter bull**** Why is that beneficial? It might give people pause before we rush to throw our army at every problem. It might make people stop and think about the "cause" instead of just retaliating to the "effects".
that's not what I wrote, he said this happened on his watch and it is claimed he offered to resign. do you think rumsfeld should be prosecuted for what happened in the prison
this is actually an argument I can buy into. but hey, we went through Vietnam and we didn't learn our lesson going into Iraq
check out his mocking of the airforce 1 plane fly-overs. hilarious. this was funny too though. as for the topic at hand...i think Obama waffled here. He should stick to his guns. I mean, if you are going to say America doesn't believe in holding someone indefinitely....and if we don't think we can convict guys with a fair trial....then maybe they should be released. Isn't that what our country is about?
No, it was only some of us (like the ones who avoided going to Vietnam) that didn't learn our lesson.
