Why I agree with President Obama that the Bush Co cabal should not be prosecuted.

[JDPriestly]

1. Yes, The dilemma for us is to establish strongly that we are a moral nation and that we will

not accept leadership that is clearly cruel and immoral and that subverts or ignores the principles of due process for all, not just for Americans in America, and the rule of law.

Even when we are dealing with people who do not share our values as a civil society, we have to stay true to our principles or we will disintegrate into a sham state, into a country that is governed by a secret cabal of cruel sadists.

But we also want to protect our democracy which is based on the idea that we elect our leaders and then that we, because we are responsible for their election, share in the blame for the wrongs they do. We also want, as you explain, to protect our ability to enjoy the peaceful transfer of power each time we elect a new government.

What we need is a process that provides for a sort of "trial" that is more a process of the admission of policies and conduct that have been wrong, morally, politically, ethically wrong, apologies for the wrongs and reconciliation with those who have been wronged and their families.

But the terrible acts of torture which are a betrayal of our highest most important standards, an utter betrayal of our Bill of Rights which has no meaning if it is not to be universally applied to all humans (because it outlines the innate rights of all humans which no government has the authority to transgress of violate).

Thanks for your complex analysis. I do think that Cheney/Bush/Rice and all who condoned and carried out the torture should have a day in court, perhaps not one that could culminate in prison sentences or their loss of freedom, but one that calls them personally to answer for the terrible cruelty and sadism they indulged in.

Let's don't forget that Al Qaeda and now ISIS and some other governments have also participated in horrendous acts sometimes torture of helpless prisoners. But let's stand for the ideal that the wrongs of others do not justify our own wrongs.