The Rank, Reeking Horror of Torturing Some Folks

[Babel_17]

133. I'm wondering if it doesn't boil down to prosecuting ones predecessor

In this instance, the commission of crimes came from instigation from above. Everything here relates to war powers and National Security. The buck stops at the highest levels.

It's important to remember that the AG doesn't work for POTUS, but in effect any prosecution of the top of the previous administration is only likely to happen with the consent of the President.

I'm no student of law but I imagine every President going back to Johnson, and maybe beyond, could have cause to fear a vindictive DOJ, in the hands of ones successor, of another party. And I think this will remain true, going forward.

I say this only as context. I have opinions as to our options but I'm aware of some of the ramifications. I will say this: We are here today, in the state we are in, partly because it was expedient to get past Vietnam, to get past Iran-Contra, to get past the Saving and Loans scandal, and so on, and so on. Now we are looking at a landscape recently deformed by the destruction of Iraq and the collapse of our financial system.

There are arguments for each of several approaches in requiring accountability. I just hope that the cost of not going far enough is weighed in.

One last thought that I posted elsewhere, regarding pardons. I think President Obama should have people seek out someone who truly regrets going along with illegal orders to torture. Allow that person to apply for a pardon on the condition that guilt is openly admitted. I think this action will resonate and help clarify debate in the public forum.