FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
No testimony without immunity. That's the word to Congress from the former CIA official who's said to have ordered the destruction of tapes showing controversial interrogations.
Jose Rodriguez was asked to testify before the House Intelligence Committee next week, but his lawyer wants to play "Let's Make a Deal" first.
Several high-ranking officials inside the Bush Administration, including the President's counsel, Harriet Miers, as well as a federal judge ordered the tapes not to be destroyed. They reportedly showed two key al Qaeda terror suspects being subjected to controversial interrogation techniques including waterboarding, which is considered torture by many.
Another CIA official, John Rizzo, who opposed the destruction of the tapes, has agreed to testify freely before the committee. The CIA, both houses of Congress and the Justice Department have all launched their own investigations.
Meanwhile, in a ruling yesterday, that U.S. district judge put off an inquiry into allegations that the Bush administration defied his order to preserve evidence which may have included those tapes.
Here’s my question to you: The former head of the CIA’s covert service, Jose Rodriguez, wants immunity in the destroyed tapes investigation. Should he get it?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Richard from Canfield, Ohio writes:
Jack, he should be granted immunity only if his testimony would bring evidence of a larger conspiracy so Congress could put the big scoundrels in jail!
Jerry from Port Royal, South Carolina writes:
It is crazy that we are even having this discussion and hearings. I don't care if the CIA used electrical cords, jumper cables, cattle prods or pliers on the terrorist. If it got the information that was needed, to stop another terror attack on the USA it was necessary. You can't fight terrorist playing by Mr. Goodies.
Greg from Pennsylvania writes:
I'd rather waterboard the man to get the truth out of him, but we supposedly live in a civilized nation that doesn't condone torture. Most likely, what he has to say will directly implicate both the president and vice President. I say, grant him immunity so we can finally be rid of Bush and Cheney by impeachment.
Ryan writes:
We all know that with the power establishment in place, this guy will never go to prison. However, there is no immunity in the courtroom of public opinion. So essentially how rough this guy gets it is up to you guys in the media... I say let him have it!
Troy from Indiana writes:
Yes he should. These guys are doing their best just like our military to protect this great country from terrorism. Had this been in October 2001 just after 9-11, this would not be a question. It would be expected.
Chris writes:
At what point do we need to start holding our government and government employees accountable for their actions? Let me give you hint...it's long overdue.