Special Prosecutor Needed to Investigate the Bush-Torture Scandal

[earthside]

Today's Earthside Commentary:

Special Prosecutor Needed to Investigate the Bush-Torture Scandal

It is becoming evident that a special prosecutor MUST be appointed to investigate George W. Bush's involvement in the "war on terror" torture scandal. A special prosecutor is essential because, by reading former congresswoman Elizabeth Holtzman's commentary one can easily infer that if Bush were responsible for the approval of a torture order, he could be indicted, tried, and found guilty of violating America's War Crimes Act of 1996. If found guilty of torture or abuse that resulted in a fatality, Bush could even be sentenced to his favorite punishment - the death penalty. (Just imagine Bush pleading: "Please don't kill me" ... just as he, himself, while governor of Texas, mocked condemned murderer and born-again Christian, Carla Fay Tucker.)

What is the likelihood of this outcome? Fairly probable if justice is done and people of good conscience do the right thing. Two developments show why Bush is potentially in so much trouble. First, the memos leaked thus far indicate that White House and Justice Department lawyers believed it was important that Bush sign-off on the unique interpretation of law that would allow torture and thus violate the Geneva Conventions. That was because the lawyers were concerned that without the presidential 'okay', others (perhaps even the lawyers, even John Ashcroft) would be subject to possible war crimes or conspiracy charges. How difficult is it then to conclude, knowing how the Bush gang operates, that Bush did sign such an order, never expecting it to see the light of day. Second, Ashcroft's refusal to provide the U.S. Senate with further documents relevant to the leaked memos, is a sign that there is indeed something explosive to cover-up. And isn't it interesting that Ashcroft did not invoke Executive Privilege when refusing to provide the papers. But, of course, using the 'privilege' (which can only be claimed by the president) would have meant that he actually consulted with Bush about the 'problem' - so ending the defense of presidential ignorance.

So there it is. Ashcroft's cover-up in the Valerie Plame case and his stonewalling in this torture scandal demonstrates that he will never impartially and thoroughly investigate these possible crimes - with the prospect of such serious punishment for George W. Bush. A special prosecutor is essential if this nation is to bring the truth to light and begin the process of restoring America's honor ... the reputation that George W. Bush has so cynically soiled.

Dave Chandler
www.Earthside.com

[indepat]

1. It just struck me: just maybe Ashcroft and the other neocons think

they are never going to give up power, so they can violate the laws of the land, international law, the Constitution, be in contempt of Congress, so what, for I suspect in their view no one is ever going to hold them accountable.