Criminal investigation of CIA detainee treatment?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
At long last, we may start getting some answers. The Obama administration may be getting ready to launch a criminal investigation into the CIA's treatment of detainees during the Bush years.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/08/10/art.guantamo0810.gi.jpg%5D
The Los Angeles Times reports that Attorney General Eric Holder is "poised to appoint a criminal prosecutor" to look into the alleged abuses of terror suspects.
One Justice Department official says it would be a narrow investigation focusing on whether people went beyond the techniques that were authorized in Bush era memos. Some say that criminal convictions would be hard to come by because the quality of the evidence is poor and this stuff has never been tested legally.
A prosecutor could potentially investigate waterboarding. 9-11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed was reportedly waterboarded 183 times in one month, and al Qaeda leader Abu Zubaydah at least 83 times in one month. Also, there are reports of prisoners being threatened with bodily harm, buried alive and threatened with a gun during interrogations.
Pres. Obama has left the door open for prosecution of those who broke the law. Both the president and Holder say they believe waterboarding is torture.
The real question is whether the administration will go after top Bush officials who may have authorized this behavior or just set out to prosecute those who carried out the orders.
Here’s my question to you: Should the Obama administration launch a criminal investigation of CIA treatment of detainees?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Patricia from Korea says:
The CIA was carrying out orders, and while that is not an excuse, it might be a mitigating circumstance. I think we need to prosecute the authors of the memos that allowed this to happen in the first place.
Kelly from Atlanta says:
Don't we have more important things to be doing?
Susan says:
The hatred for the perpetrators of 9/11 is understandable, but that is not an excuse to behave as if there is no mercy in this world.
Maria says:
Absolutely. If we can impeach a president when he lied to Congress about having sex, why on earth would we refuse to investigate Gitmo, secret terror prisons, transferring prisoners to be tortured in other countries? Cheney, Rumsfeld, Bush, Condi Rice and all the others who knew we were breaking international laws should be investigated together, apart, whatever. The soon the better.
Nathan from Columbus, Ohio says:
I think Obama should focus more on domestic issues instead of appeasing the rest of the world by investigating those responsible for our national security. I think this issue is a distraction on the issues we are dealing with today by looking backwards at Bush's years.
Pat from New York says:
Please give it a rest, Jack and the rest of you leftists. You won't be satisfied until Bush, Cheney, Rove, Rumsfeld and co. get frog-marched into the penitentiary. Personally – I think Bush's guys and the military were too soft on these criminal lowlifes. They should have water-boarded more of them.
Rolando says:
Waste of time.
Jon says:
It will never happen. Just like James Bond, they have a license to kill, and torture, and assassinate, and wage secret wars. The list goes on and on and on.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Probably not. Since they are the organization responsible for alot of the misfortune around the world it's probably best not to upset them lest their misdeeds start hit America.
Yes. This is NOT something to sweep under the carpet if we want to regain our image as ethical and law-abiding in the greater world. We abrogated our signatories on the Geneva Conventions, on the world laws concerning humane treatment, and our own laws of speedy trial by jury when we detained and tortured hundreds of people. That needs investigating - up to, and including, the Executive Branch.
YES, When we as a nation have to shred our Constitution in order to fight Terrorists, than the Terroirst has already won.
We are a Nation of Laws. And we have a very long history of insuring Criminal Investigations of those who violate those laws, no matter who they are.
Absolutely, but only if there are no limits on how high and far it can go. If they do like they did at Abu Gareb and only punish the low level GI's, then it is a non-starter. Pin the tail on the highest level donkeys involved, and if that is Bush, then so be it.
If you're referring to the treatment of prisoners from the Iraq war,the answer is no.It's too late in the game for this type of blood-letting to have meaning.The focus should now be that the CIA isn't doing anything like this anymore and they are more effectively watched by all those congressional and senatorial oversight committees so that they can't happen undetected in the future.
This investigation is going "no where"....it is another diversion by this ADM. This ADM is similar to a summer community group administered by teenagers (at least the teenagers care about the kids).
Jack C
WA
Not until they investigate and prosecute those who somehow managed to justify torture in their legal opinions. It's quite possible the opinions were "made as instructed," not thoughtfully studied. Unlike Abu Ghraib, the investigation needs to start at the top and work down. Who ordered up legalized torture in the first place?
Hey Jack, a crime is a crime & we must do what we do with crimes & criminals, like the Manson's.
Yes if there is evidence – the CIA ios not above the law. However, tghiose acting on ordes from higher authority should be exempt.
That will not happen we all know the CIA will be able to convince anyone that they are above all law and did no wrong. That be fact or not they wrote the rules so they didn't break any. Lets look forward and not waste money on such a "black hole" that when over we will know nothing more than we do now.
Yes, I believe such an investigation should be launched and completed. The only way to right a wrong is to unveil it and do what is necessary to try to redeem it. Perhaps they could waterboard Dick Cheney in the process.
Absolutely. It is a serious human rights issue. If these "detainees" were criminals the situation might be a little different, but a lot of these people are guilty of no crime and most of them haven't even been tried for the crimes they are accused of. If they are being mistreated the world should be made aware of it.
Fennville, MI
Jack: If CIA agents violated US law they should be investigated, and if they were contract personnel hired by the CIA they should be investigated. I believe there were contracted agents in Iraq who used inhumane treatment of prisoners, but did not get caught. Military personnel were indicted and found quilty of behavior unbecoming soldiers of the US Army.
I think it's time that President Cheney and all his groups of thugs be investigated. Bush was just an illiterate puppet, and you know where that put Cheney's hand.
Jack,
If our Constitution were a magazine, the discussion of 'due process' would be the 'centerfold.' It is the point! And those who forget that, no matter who they work for, and no matter what their purpose, are criminals. Jack, it is just that simple!
Rick, Medina, OH
Should the administration launch a criminal investigation of CIA detainee treatment?
Yes there should be a criminal investigation and we need to get GW Bush and Dick Cheney under oath to answer to this issue and others.
Jenna
Roseville CA
Why shouldn't we, who says the CIA has the final word as to whether they were being fair to the detainees, if nothing was done unfairly then they shouldn't be worried. Isn't this the exact issue we are facing with our financial system right now. Institutions being left unregulated is not a democracy,
Ellie White, New York
Absolutely. The Iranians have been torturing dissenters because they have no respect for human rights. Are we of the same cloth?
Not only should torture be investigated, it should be followed up the chain of command to its source.
The laws were broken at the top and then illegal policies handed down the line to the torturers. America did things that Americans shouldn't do. Looking the other way is for cowards and people who want to get away with something they can't look you in the eye and explain. Let's put Cheney, Alberto Gonzales and the authors of this disgrace in jail and give the guys with the car batteries a pass. cy arlington va
It would be political suicide to open Pandora's box on this one. The intelligent move would be to get the International Court of Justice to investigate these allegations. Why that hasn't happened already, I'm not sure.
Most emphatically, YES! I have been ashamed of my the Bush administration as President Bush and his Puppet Master, sorry, Vice President Cheney ignored/broke one law after another both of The United States and International Law. The eight years of the Bush administration will be known as the nadir of the United States foreign policy, international relations, and demonstration of American Leadership. The NeoCons will have to wait for another puppet to be elected. Hopefully America will not forget what the Bush Administration diid. Detainee treatment is just one piece of the entire picture.
No Jack – That can of worms should remain shut.
As much as I would like to see Cheney, Gonzales, Rumsfeld, Bush thrown in the clink, practically speaking, this is not a good idea. It would be costly, it would take a lot of time and energy and could detract from other perhaps more immediate and important projects. And where do they draw the line when holding accountable the people who "just carried out the orders"?
No. I don’t think most CIA officials tortured criminals (likely) for fun. If few innocents were tortured by mistake they deserve an apology and maybe some reward but investigating officials should neither get punishment nor reward. Don’t they say everything is fair in love and war?
OK, then start at the top of came up the "legalization" beginning in the Bush Justice Dept and especially Gonzales as he was the President's personal counsel.
Only if they are really serious about prosecuting the real offenders in the Bush administration. You start with the person who said it's ok. If their not serious then they should busy themselves doing other important things.
Geri – Mead, Ok
I'd like to see each member of the Bush administration answer for their misdeeds. However I hope the the Obama administration focuses on more important matters.
Long overdue... AND the prosecution shuld include anyone responsable, no matter how high up. This is a nation of laws, and anyone who breaks, or causes them to be broken, should be held responsable.
First we must ask ourselves why they are investigating this now? Next me must ask what problems this investigation might cause for our troops in the field?. Then we must ask ourselves if the investigation will also seek out which politicians in congress were aware of what was being done and if they failed to intervene knowing the laws were being broken and if so will they also be prosecuted for these crimes. In for a penny in for a pound Jack. If you prosecute one you must prosecute all.
Most being held were men in the wrong place at the wrong time and should never have been behind bars. Let these go and put Bush and Cheney, Rove and Rummy all behind and forget about them for years.
Jack,this so called investigation into the C.I.A. is nothing more than a political witch hunt,a big expense,and a waste of time.We need to move on.What ever happened to President Obama wanting to look ahead,Is this one more of his of his ever increasing flip-flops??!!
I'm sorry to say Jack, that it will unfortunately be another taxpayer-funded waste of money. After 8 years of Bush "signing points", and unprecedented attacks on the constitution, based upon the "War on Terror"; nobody in Washingtons ' elite will ever be held accountable!
Justice can be disregarded if the only fall guys are the people on the lower rungs taking orders from their superiors above, with pure immunity!
It might just get the American people's mind off his complete failures so far, and the devastation and potential obliteration of our free enterprise and healthcare systems.
What next? How about arresting our glorious troops for killing the enemy in wartime. I mean, let's have Barack Obama and his Attorney General totally emasculate our country so the extremist Islamic forces can beat us. Isn't that what his mission is?
Yes, they should! It's about time! This administration must be held to account so this blatant abuse of power never happens again.
Jack: In the atomsphere of war--we all loose sight of what is right and what is wrong-–we act on emotions-–and that is sometimes not the best emotion to respond with. If a criiminal investigation was to be launched against the CIA for all the "oprerations" that they have conducted--we wouldn't have a CIA. The bottom line in war is "results,"--get what you need and deal with the morality of how you achieved that later.
Cheney and Bush will undoubtedly sacrifice some low level sucker to take the heat for their criminal acts, so essentially it will be a waste of time and money. I've seen enough dog and pony shows from the government to know that they protect their own at all costs, and torture is just small potatoes compared to the real crimes they perpetrate on the American public.
Since 9-11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed was reportedly waterboarded 183 times in one month, and al Qaeda leader Abu Zubaydah at least 83 times in one month, I think Obama should launch an investigation into why the two of them liked waterboarding so much that they wanted more.
Maybe it can be added as an attraction at SIX FLAGS AMUSEMENT PARK IN NEW JERSEY.
This could be one new revenue source to help pay down the national debt !!
Jack
I say we not only should, but must push ahead investigating and if needs be prosecuting these malefactors.
No man is so high as to be above the law and no man is so mean as to be beneath it's protection. This is one of the founding principles of our Nation and is so deeply rooted in our public consciousness as to be ranked as a fundamental element of our identity as a people.
Pablo
Arlington Texas
Only if it launches an investigation of President Bush and Vice President Chaney first Jack. There is no doubt our country did the deeds even without an investigation. We continue a blame game with this issue and I personally would rather not see some low level official take the blame for some high level official that ordered the deed. There is no doubt that Bush and Chaney were not against such behavior or my belief is that it would never have occured in the first place.
How else would you clean up government unless you take out the rotten ones. We should have done a better job during Watergate.
Oregon
Only if there is incontrovertable indication that illegal acts were tundertaken without justification. This should not be done in the public lens and should be done with upmost respect for the safety of the accused and our national secrets.
Funny though, we investigate the potential criminal acts of a few people at a time of naiton al crisis in 2009. but, in 1945 when we incinerated 200,000 Japanese, we did not "investigate" the pilots.
So, politics aside - is this even a story?
Will never happen. Just like James Bond, they have a license to kill. and torture. and assassinate. and wage secret wars.
the list goes on and on and on.
Jack–
The madness has to stop somewhere. Somebody has to be accountable for criminal behavior no matter where it occurred. You can bet if the shoe were on the other foot–and a Republican was President and a Democratic administration were accused of these actions–that there would have been a special prosecutor long ago. At least President Obama has taken the time to think things over and discuss it before starting the investigation. That's more than Bush and Cheney would have done under similar circumstances.
Jack,
I'm as liberal as the next guy but right now I just don't have that much attention or energy to worry about the rights of terrorist suspects. Call me insensitive...or just call me a broke young guy trying to make it.
Brian
Boise, ID
Yes they should Jack and the sooner the better to get the truth on the table. You're other question about being un-American is true in the treatment of these people. Also, the consequences of the Bush people should be harsh and swift to punish them in the same manner that the detainees were subjected too.
Forget about treatment of detainees. When is the Obama adminstration going to launch a criminal investigation against the CIA for their role in September 11? After all, it was the CIA that originally created, trained, financed and equipped Al-Queda in the 1980's. How come nobody wants to talk about that?
The guilt and punishment should start at the highest levels, and prove that even the whitehouse is required to obey laws and cannot reinterpret them as desired. Subject cheney and bush to the same interrogation techniques, and as lon as they don't feel that it is cruel, and unusual punishment, or torture, continue the process until they own up to all the illegal acts they committed while in office!
No, If Obama’s posse is looking to fry Bush II, perhaps they should take a moment and realize that half of the stuff at Langley is named after Bush I. Say what you want, Bush II may not have been the sharpest tool in the shed but most of the people in Langley are patriotic and loyal… Something the Obama administration won’t ever be accused of and should highly consider !!
The Bush administration is a poisonous tree that must be cut out at the roots. Lopping off a few low-hanging branches won't accomplish any good purpose.
Susan
Tuscaloosa, AL
Jack
What do they hope to accomplish with this investigation ? There are issues more important that need to be addressed before this one. Health care reform, the economy, and getting the troops out of Iraq. Lets keep our eye on the ball.
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Yes. This is NOT something to sweep under the carpet if we want to regain our image as ethical and law-abiding in the greater world. We abrogated our signatories on the Geneva Conventions, on the world laws concerning humane treatment, and our own laws of speedy trial by jury when we detained and tortured hundreds of people. That needs investigating — up to, and including, the Executive Branch.
no
The Obama Administration should have launched an investigation during their first week in office. The longer they wait, the harder it will be to find evidence against those who have committed crimes. That's probably the reason for the long delay in acting.
Brownwood, Texas
Jack: Yes, there should be a criminal investigation, however now is not the time to pursue this. There are huge issues looming ahead of spending time, money and splintering the citizens opinions. Let it happen, but after health care reform and more ground level issues be sorted out first. The investigation is still at the 30,000 foot level – and we need expert air controllers (Justice Dept) to guide it in safely so that the case they make is airtight.
Waterboarding is torture . Not only the people that committed this crime should be prosecuted but also Bush/Cheney who ordered that this crime be carried out. To only focus whether the torturers went beyond the torture memos does not make sense. Whether these criminals went beyond what the torture memos cited is beside the point. If it was done just once, it would still be illegal. The only way for this country to get justice is for Mr. Holder to appoint a special prosecutor and let the investigation go where it may. If that ends with Bush and company being prosecuted so be it. It is the only way to ensure that future Presidents are not above the law.
What good is this really going to do? Or is it just another political move to discredit Republicans? If something worthwhile is promised to come out of this investigation, if something can be learned from it, than by all means, please do. If it's simply a way to win favor for the Democratic Party, please don't waste the time, energy, or money. This country has enough problems as a whole that we don't need to fuel a fued between parties.
Lucy
SF, CA
absolutely investigate, but the investigation should include documented analysis that prooves that torture does not work!
I know i would tell you anything you wanted to hear if you were pulling out my fingernails!
It's bloody inhuman and does not produce high value information!
No! Protesting is very american. I didn't like the GOP calling protesters un-american during the Bush years, it didnt help them. Calling americans un-american for protesting wont help Pelosi or Hoyer.
Yes, Jack, they should, and it is long overdue.We were supposed to be a nation of laws rather than men.It is high time the men who broke the laws did some time, and I don't mean just the ones who were following orders, but the ones who coldly created their own defenses in advance, and then trampled the laws that once made this country different than all others.
Jack, you've kind of answered your own question. They're not going after those who ordered or committed torture under the narrow dictates of when and who it was okay to torture according to the Cheney regime. Anybody else is and should be fair game. And if Cheney or Bush stepped over the insane reading of the law offered by the White House lackey 'lawyers' and ordered anybody at the CIA or anywhere else to commit torture, then they should be prosecuted for war crimes - just like we would prosecute anybody else for war crimes.
It is long overdue.We were supposed to be a nation of laws rather than men.It is high time the men who broke the laws did some time, and I don't mean just the ones who were following orders, but the ones who coldly created their own defenses in advance, and then trampled the laws that once made this country different than all others.
Why not. It could provide the blocking for the healthcare end sweep. It appears that trying for the middle of the line is going to be tough. Maybe we can provide better healthcare for the detainees while we are at it..
For what? Nothing is going to happen. Only the people at the bottom of the totem pole will get any punishment and the ones that promoted and instigated the whole thing will get nothing. Same ol', same ol'.
Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.
Our law is the Constitution, It has, among a host of other laws, been violated. Is it a just a meaningless piece of paper to the Administration? How many truckloads of evidence are necessary anyway. If the quilty are not convicted, it justifies the acts.
What a sweet diversion – this immature ADM has done this several times and did an about change, or never succeeded. This is the most laughable ADM I've ever seen.
JOan B
WI
Yes Jack, if Khalid Shaikh Mohammed was waterboarded 183 times in a month, that means he was waterboarded roughly every 4 hours for a month. If anybody can say thats not torcher then strap them down and see how many times it takes them to change their minds, my guess would alot less than 183 times
Dave from NH.
Come on Jack it took the Bush gang 8 years to build up America's global image to where it is today.
Investigating and prosecuting all these criminals will destroy the world wide legacy of Bush & Cheney. Besides America is always going to be just one election away from invading another country like Iran or North Korea.
Jack,
At this point, criminal indictments are far less important than lessons learned. The focus of any such investigation should be to determine precisely what happened, what specific actions went beyond what was legal, and what checks need to be put into place to prevent them from happening again.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
Torture is a crime. The action taken by these individuals to allow waterboarding tarnishes the reputation of the United States. As an American I do not desire the ability of being grouped with terrorists by sharing a common tactic such as torture.
Yes, but that’s not enough.
The entire Iraq war should be under investigation.
Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz etc. all should be placed under a microscope, preferably the Scanning Tunneling kind.
Before the extent of torture came to light, here's what I wrote on page one of my book WHY ARE WE IN IRAQ?
Saddam Hussein is dead and gone.
His fate was sealed soon after he climbed out of his spider hole.
Bush’s War will continue, and Saddam Hussein can now hang out with virgins in paradise.
How much better do we feel now that a brutal dictator has been put to death?
The United States of America is itself hanging in the balance of truth and justice.
Will the Bush administration be prosecuted for any Crimes or Misdemeanors?
Will President George W. Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney escape investigation for a war that was dictated and prosecuted with fabrication and obfuscation?
We may feel good about the hanging of Saddam Hussein, but we should not feel satisfied until our own leaders are brought to justice for an unjust and unnecessary war.
M.L. Squier
El Paso, Texas
The investigation would be a total waste of time. These detainees were not there for traffic tickets. They were there because they were trying to kill Americans. Does anybody remember 9/11?
No – Enough is enough. Personally I don't care about the treatment these terrorists received, it was way too soft compared to the people who are DEAD because of them.
They've already admitted to waterboarding three Guantanamo detainees, which is three war crimes, within accordance of Internation and Domestic accord.
The CIA was carrying out orders, and while that is not an excuse, it might be a mitigating circumstance. I think we need to prosecute the authors of the memos that allowed this to happen in the first place.
Yes, because accountability is important to a nation founded on the rule of law. My only fear is that a few low level "bad apples" will be prosecuted like the junior enlisted soldiers who went to jail after Abu Ghraib and not the senior officials who approved torture in the first place.
Jack,
I would support an investigation, so long as it doesn't exacerbate the current political turmoil in Washington. We don't need any more drama! However, we do need to hold our leaders accountable when their actions are unethical. On the same note, doing nothing says nothing, but doing something would show the rest of the world that justice is indeed a prominent value of our democracy.
jack – If that happens it would be wrong, they should not go after the calfs – go after the cows, them cia was following orders to from the top of the notch, CHENEY- BUSH- AND LETS HOPE ROVE.
Greetings:
The Nazis were hanged because of the charges brought against them for the treatment of detainees, let us now see the US keep to that tradition of justice in prosecuting human rights violations where ever they occur.
Absolutely. If we can impeach a President when he lied to Congress about having sex (line up, all you politicians still in office) why on earth would we refuse to investigate Gitmo, secret terrior prisons, transfering of prisioners to be tortured in other countries, Cheney,Rumsfeld, G.W. Shrub,Condy Rice,and all the others who knew we were breaking international laws everyday should be investigated together, apart, whatever and the soon the better.
Brunswick,MD
"There is no good government, but what is republican... The true idea of a republic is an 'empire of laws, and not of men...' As a republic is the best of governments, ... that form of government which is best contrived to secure an impartial and exact execution of the law, is the best of republics." – John Adams, 1776
No doubt about it, Jack. However, they should not limit possible prosecution to those who carried out orders. That would be like putting the death-camp guards on trial and letting Joseph Goebbels and Heinrich Himmler go free.
Yes, Jack, any time an American agency or citizen, whether its Bush or Dick, or a CIA operative, they should be investigated and if there is cause, then throw the book at them! We are a Nation of Laws!
Yes, most definately yes. It's about time we expose the Bush administration for what it is.
No, they should not. They should let it be. Desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures. 9/11 is not something we are used to.
In 2001 we were all out for blood and this caused Americans to behave more like Americans in some ways and less like Americans in other ways.
Obama should not prosecute anyone. What are we going to do prosecute one of our own for saving the lives of Americans who were in harms way from future terrorist acts.
Let us just learn from it, take corrective action, and move on to a brighter place.
Jack,
By law, the Obama administration must investigate! The former Vice President has openly admitted authorizing torture [enhanced interrogation] . The memo writers are exposed as facilitators of torture. Rumsfeld and Bush were there to authorize it as well. Unfortunately, what will be investigated are the few who might have gone beyond the criminal barbarism already given legal sanction by their leaders. This "show investigation" will go after the bottom folks and leave the top dogs free. What a monumental humiliation for the USA.
Rich Green
San Clemente, Cal.
Since the start of the Obama Administration, I have been writing to get these investigations started. Had Obama done so, the Cheney Opposition, and numerous other obstructionist policies, would have fallen by the wayside while these crooks looked to protect their assets. "Never Again" should be the rallying call, best achieved by putting a whole load of Bush and Co. in Prison for a LONG time.
This is just the tip of the iceburg on how our constitution has been
manipulated, laws have been broken.
When you have an administration who felt they were above the law,
lied to us, the American people are the victims as this is another
form of torture. We must demand that those who gave the orders,
not those who followed them be prosecuted.
The do as I say, not as I do attitude of the last eight years have
brought black marks for our country that will take years to bring
back the respect and honor we once had.
An investigation is absolutely called for, perhaps we could borrow the court used at Nuremberg in the 1940's. Fly the entire bunch over there and we won't have to concern anyone about U.S. rights since they'll be in Germany. Do a little waterboarding to the defendants and then get their opinion.
Let's do a "criminal investigation" of how the other side (Taliban and Alqeda) treat their prisoners FIRST!!!
GIVE ME A BREAK AND WAKE UP!!
YES. How can we go around condemning the actions of terrorist and their treatment of prisoners if our own government does the same things and worse?? Show the world we mean what we say, and prosecute those that break the law.
This may be the Pandora's box of the century. What are they going to do to those found guilty water board them? I say let sleeping dogs lie, a lot of time those that turned a blind eye thought they were doing the right thing. So many people are like sheep, not gutsy enough to think for themselves but not necessarily bad.
No..there is nothing to find out. I wonder how much investigating the terrorists did into why the free world didn't lay down and die after the murdering of all those people on 9/11.
Give me a break the C.I.A has done what ever , killed ,pay off, it would work with the devil to cut a deal and has in the past.
If we don't prosecute the people respondible for these war crimes ,we will be exoposed as hipocrits every time we accuse other countries of human rights abuses. Right now we are criticizing Iran for torturing confessions out of people who they arrested, while we are still holding people without charge in Gitmo. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. When the hell is Dick Cheney going to be forced to testify to any thing under oath. He belongs in prison along with Bush, Rove, Rice, Rumsfield, Gonzales, and those so called lawyers at the Justice Department who wrote the memos that gave them cover for these Illegal acts,
Jack,
I think an investigation is in order. If it is discovered there there has been criminal behavior so be it. I understand the reticence to open up a big can of worms with all the problems that this country has on it's plate but if this stuff isn't brought out into the light the same cast of characters will be back to do it again, again.
Greetings:
The people that will be prosecuted will not be the previous administration. They will be the 'lower level functionaries." The real villains will escape unscathed.
Should the Obama administration launch a criminal investigation of CIA treatment of detainees?
Not unlike any law enforcement agency, the CIA is often engaged in obscured practices that are at the very least criminally borderline...they continue non stop and go unnoticed until something unexpected calls national attention...unfortunately thanks to legislation such as the Patriot Act, there is virtually no transparency or accountability within, so yes this institution just like any non government institution or agency should be routinely and thoroughly investigated...
lets leave it alone now...it was wrong..its over....the ones really responsible ,the higher ups would not be punished just the ones they ordered to do it....so that would not be justice ..we will just never go there again
Although "Following Orders" has never been an excuse for breaking the law, the policy in place at the time must be considered in prosecution. If the national policy on interrogation procedures at the time of the incident is determined unlawful, then the drafter of that policy should be held accountable.
Why? Obama has shut the door on the constitution and the rule of law by not investigating the bush administrations wrong doing. Obama gives new meaning to the term "weak-kneed liberal", and is so disappointing to the base that i don't think he has a shot at winning a second term.
Don't we have more important things to be doing?
maYBE they should look into it and figure out what they should do.the detainees from what i remember were there in a make shift jail for terrisom.now i do not support terrisom and i feel mbama is way over his head.
Waste of time.....
Only if there is a suspicion of guilt. Then hunt them down and hang them high. In the words of GW Bush.
Oregon
Yes, and the higher-ups that ok'ed it should face punishment, just like the guy who holds up a convenience store. The crime is much more serious.
An investigation is indeed warranted. While this stuff is intel-sensitive, the idiots at Abu Graib blew it by taking those disgusting photos of themselves performing such dehumanizing acts on detainees. It's truly unbelieveable that those "soldiers" were Americans - in a foreign country - representing US! Since the rest of the world already knows there were abuses, we need to correct the situation as best we can, by acknowledging the errors of those in uniform who have been guilty of detainee abuse. America lost so much credibility in the international community under Bush-Cheney, we must attempt to repair what the world percieves that we have done... Water boarding, and all. Let it rip. I want to know what my country is doing in the name of America!
THEMIS, HOUSTON, TX
There are so many critical issues on the plate in this country: the economy, healthcare, and two wars for starters, it makes me deeply concerned a prosecution of Bush era torture criminals will be a huge distraction from the more pressing work required to save and improve lives today. I prefer allowing history to be the judge. I look forward to the day when Bush, Cheney, and their storm troopers take over the top spot on the History Channel.
Should they? YES. Will they? NOT IN THIS LIFETIME.
I think you truely defined American as the country that thinks everyone else is evil! As long as you don't look at Americas torturing people, kidnapping them and wrongly attacking other natiuons and starting wars based on full blown lies. Yep you got America down pat!
I think America needs to leave other countries alone and put a stop to the right wing Nazis we have in our country! Everything Hitler did Bush and company did too!
Will they start by looking in an "undisclosed location" for Dick the unknown-former Vice President? That's the place this needs to start. Then work up & down the "Bush-2" food chain from there. It took the whole village of idiots to come up with these ideas!
In my humble opinion. (oh oh , do I need to be in an undisclosed location now?) ...
The hatred for the perpetrators of 9-11 is understandable but that is not an excuse to behave as if there is no mercy in this world.
Yes. We have laws in this country, many of which were ignored for eight years, and the violators need to be brought to justice. Until we do that we are just another third world terrorist organization that tortures in violation of law and international convention. What we do to others can be done to us and we have no recourse. The CIA knew better but Cheney ruled so shame on them. Lock them all up.
Those who gave the orders, not those who followed them should be tried and prosecuted.
These last eight years, with undying support, our administration thought they were above the law, doing whatever they wanted and
twisting our constitution to their needs.
Their do as I say, not as I do attitude almost detroyed our countries
respect, creating even more enemies.
How can we dare to dictate to other countries when our own
has a record of criminal activities with those responsible not
having to answer to us and the world.
We need to get back our good name and honor.
Those who tortured, and those who ordered torture, should be prosecuted. If the U.S. won't finally do what's right, let's hope that Spain or France will indict - in the way they went after Pinochet and others.
It is in entirely necessary for an investigation. I believe that torture is a severe crime that should be taken seriously. The investigation should have been ordered right away after it was discovered what was going on. When people such as Dick Cheney condone torturing people, something needs to be done.
I think Obama should focus more on domestic issues than appeasing the rest of the world by investigating those responsible for our national security. I think this issue is a distraction on the issues we are dealing with today by looking backwards at Bush's years.
It is in entirely necessary for an investigation. I believe that torture is a severe crime that should be taken seriously. The investigation should have been ordered right away after it was discovered what was going on. When people such as Dick Cheney condone torturing people, something needs to be done.
Seth
Prosecute away, all the way up the ladder.
Atl ga
An investigation? Yes. But not of the CIA, an investigation of the people at the top. The ones giving orders and responsible for the actions of subordinates. The entire Bush inner circle, including Colin Powell who, more than the others, knew it was wrong, immoral, illegal and counter productive but did it anyway.
If we start caring more about the enemy, than our own freedom, we can never win this fight. Grow up America.
ABSOLUTELY!! It's about time. My only question is WHAT TOOK SO LONG? Also take it all the way to Cheney and Bush. Don't just pick on the little guys.
Our country comes first! This is a witch hunt that will only hurt the US and its armed forces. Eric Holder is alackey for the left wingers and he should be investigated!
Nope. These brave Americans put their lives on the line for us and were only doing what they thought was best in defense of their country. Lest we forget the thousands of Americans who died on 9/11. Obama has reserved the right to continue such measures in dire circumstances which exposes the hypocrisy of these partisan attacks. These anti-Bush folks are going to look pretty stupid the morning after the next attack.
Of course the Attorney General should open a criminal investigation.
But I think one aspect of this story is being overlooked. Vice President Cheney stated in an interview that he thought the detainees "got what they deserved". I think this program was more about retribution than intelligence gathering. Why else would you have to waterboard someone 180 times in a month. disgraceful.
Come on! We're talking about terrorists that were trying to or did kill Americans. This Obama guy is totally nuts! Bryan, Texas
I don't feel that there should be a criminal investigation,the terrorists don't play by any rules with pow's,why should the CIA be punished for roughing up a terrorist? Is it mean?unfair? Let's remember there terrorists
to those that want to investigate water boarding as torture, try living and working outdoors during monsoon season in s.east asia. many a grunt has, and survived. what`s the big deal, other than making political noise over no big deal.
If we are to adhere to the proposition that no one is above the law, then certainly we should investigate any allegation of wrongdoing. For goodness sake folks, government officials must be held accountable for their actions if we are to have a society that is governed by a rule of law instead of a rule by personality.
I can remember when a man's word was his bond and equal treatment under the law was supposed to mean something. No, it wasn't perfect (civil rights etc.) but we tried to fix it. Equal treatment for lawbreakers shouldn't exclude politician so , yes, prosecute the conspirators and the actors equally. Period.
Gee Jack, maybe the Bush Administration should have painted the toenails of the detainees, or maybe sent them to a spa. Heavens, I'm sure the Obama Administration will be much more compassionate to Bin Laden.
Jack, you and I know that someone ought to pay the price for what the Bush administration did to this country's honor while in power. The problem is that the current administration doesn't want to stir up the kind of hornets nest that it would if going after the actual culprits. Namely Cheney and Rumsfeld.
Some low level minion of these fools will most likely take the rap for all of them.
I'm dumbfounded that this administration would even consider wasting more of my tax dollars on investigating abuses on suspected terrorists. These are terrorists for goodness sake!!!!! No warm and fuzzies for them. That's okay as the current administration is failing in all it's policies, the voters will smarten up and get over hating President Bush and vote for a real commander in chief.
Of course they should, and the sooner the better. Justice needs to prevail, otherwise what's the point.
Absolutely. There is overwhelmingly evidence gathered by news organizations and investigative authors to provide the basis for an investigation. The Bush administration must be held accountable for its illegal actions and inhumane treatment of detainees. The issue is about transparency, not national security. It is national security that has been hurt by torture. Unfortunately, torture of detainees iwas and is the best recruitment tool for terrorist groups all over the world.
No, they should not launch a public investigation. I should probably do a private investigation, but to give it to you liberal media people would not be good for the country.
Absolutely not. It is ridiculous. Our country has many more important issues, such as our healthcare situation, for one. Besides, do you see those terrorists investigating how they treat their detainees?
Going after former Bush officials would set a dangerous precedent and establish a slippery slope. If Obama lets a bunch of henchmen with bloodthirsty eyes chase down former administration officials to score a few political points with left wing hooligans, then watch out, because the next administration will come after them!!! And yes, going after Bill Clinton was wrong, too!!
YES! Any type of torture is an abomination, prosecution should come hard and fast to the highest admin. levels possible. Save one cell in gitmo for Mr. Cheney .
Eric D.
Mahopac, NY
Jack,
It is inconceivable to me that terrorists caught shooting at Americans in the field and the terrorist who was instrumental in KILLING 3000 innocent Americans deserve us discussing their well-being.
Water boarding is used to train our own military and only considered torture by the extreme left who believe that we should let all of them go.
We should grow up and stop living in the land of milk and honey. Our enemy is ruthless and has not agreed to any sort of convention. We are at war even though we are trying to re-characterize it.
The attorney general should not go after government officials who handled the detainees in Guantanamo. We are at war! This is pure politics at the expense of our country's war effort. This administration is disgusting!
Jack: If we as Americans have the desire and commitment to again take pride in ourselves as a proud people and again assume a leadership role among the people of the world, we must sort out what happened to
to those prisoners.
Yes, Jack, when our country tells other countries that we are going to be "waterboarding" we are in fact telling them that it is acceptable to "waterboard" our soldiers and representatives. Certainly we can not, must not condone this behavior. We must bring these people up to task. Isn't being "waterboarded" 183 times in a month, six times a day?
Wasn't there already an investigation? I think it would be nice to see the new administration act. What happened to politicians like LBJ who had a set? He rammed unpopular legislation down the throats of Dixiecrats and Republicans alike. If any administration thinks they will get a concensus that is universally popular they are smoking their socks! We have had more than enough testimony that we tortured people, and we have the pictures to back that testimony up. We jailed those who carried out the orders, let's jam up the ones who gave them.
Desnee
Dear Jack,
Amrican need to live in safety and without fear of terrorists and terrorism.
If the only way to attaine this goal is by waterboarding or threatening terrorists to provide information about their own activities and those activities of their fellow terrorists who have not yet struck, I am all for it.
The choice is clear, terrorists want to see the death of Americans for their own fanatic and/or religious reasons. My vote is use whatever it takes to stop them before they strike and cause another 9/11.
Ezra Hanz
New York, NY
re: criminal investigation of cia/? re: terrorist detainees. NO NO NO> When terrorists start following Geneva Conventions then we cam consider. Doesn't anyone in this administration remember 9/11?
The solution is simple....don't take any prisoners!
oh yeah. I think we should definitely prosecute CIA and other officials who did everything they could to get information from brutal butcherers who would like to murder us all, women, children, all Americans. What a great idea. what a great administration.
And I'm sure it will be great for morale for all our people who we depend on to protect us...CIA, Armed forces...everyone who puts their lives on the line daily to have a bunch of suits who think danger is a rowdy town hall meeting, decide they were too tough on the Jihad terror butchers, who must love such incredible sniveling weakness.
Heaven forbid we should waterboard someone who wants to cut off your head with a dull cleaver. good grief!!!!!
NO! Lets just put everybody on trial that works to keep this country safe, it is an absurd idea. Former President Bush may not have been the best President by a long shot....but one thing was certain during those years, we were safe. Are we going to say the same thing at the end of the Obama era? Doesn't seem like we will.
Nothing good will come out of this. Some intlligence officers that just were taking orders will take the fall. What good does that do except hurt the morale of men and women who make tremendous sacrifices to protect us. In the words of CIA Director it is time to move on.
This is America. We punish politicians at the ballot box, we don't use our intelligence agencies to settle political scores.
Kevin
Tallahassee, FL
BTW, there's an excellent 2009 documentary on those Abu Graib detainee abuses (we saw the pictures). All of those involved, have been tried in military courts, and sentenced. The documentary is fascinating. Very revealing stuff when you have the opportunity to hear the words from those involved, and the level of intelligence they posses as they articulate themselves. Can't recall the name, but saw it on cable a couple of months ago. Anyone interested should watch for it. Very informative, and more to the fact that these situations must be investigated and adjudicated when, and if, abuses are found. War crimes are CRIMES. Everybody's gotta 'play' fair. That's the law–
Why don't we just open up an investigation on all of the past administrations! What a waste of time and tax payer money! Oh...our goverment doesn't care how much tax payer money they spend! When will this country wake up and take back our goverment before we no longer have a say!
I don't want to bother with the hired hands. If you don't investigate cheney, bush, and the ones at the top, don't waste our time and money. It will go nowhere.
ok, we had whitewater with the republicans in charge. we need something for the dems to knaw on. it's the american way. go for it
This country seems hell bent on doing what no other country has been able to do – destroy itself
These enemy terrorists took part in the death of thousands of innocent people and now the new administration is more concerned with making political points than protecting my country
If we are going to prosecute people for following orders then we better get bigger court houses for all those who have come before ... starting with our Founding Fathers
This is a typical Obama smokescreen situation. He will not take responsibility for this issue.
It is a tactic to hold the previous administration hostage to those who did not agree with him in the first place.
I am so glad I am a independent voter, The Republicans who were in office during Bush's time in office are criminals, and the Dems and the Press are weak kneeded for not investigating the crimes, this is why i can't stand weak-kneed liberal, they have no backbone and the Press too!
If you let them get away with it once they will do it again in the fufture when they get back in office, Then what type of country will we have then, we almost lost all of our rights becasue of the Patroit Act, that Bush and company passed!
Absolutely not, Jack. The CIA and the Bush administration should be given medals, and the thanks of a grateful nation, for keeping us safe!
Absolutely NOT!!! How soon we forget what happened on 09-11-01!!! Our freedom was attacked, our heritage was threatend, and our way of life was threatend forever. Whatever we need to do to gather information from those who threaten us, our way of life, and our country is fair game. September 11 ,2001 should not be allowed to happen ever again in any country. The stakes are high, those who choose terror deserve no MERCY!!! We must do what we have to do to protect FREEDOM!!!
This would be an exercise futility targetting the bottom of the chain of command as so to create the illusion that we are seeking justice.
Yes! If I broke a law, I'm sure I'd already be in jail! But since we're talking about powerful people, I can already see the favors being called in and the pardons being typed up and immunity deals given.The idea that we are all equal under the law is just one of the many fantasies in our constitution and bill of rights.
The Obama administration needs to be ready for a criminal investigation, because it would make a difference, What the Bush administration did at that time was nothing thats why we have this problem today,Pres. Obama is the man for the job and Justice needs to be served or has The US forgotten what Justice stand for? Its been along time since we actually had real investigation by the CIA normally the American Israeli, government pays them off to be quite just like they do on fox 6 and abc news.
A criminal investigation of CIA treatment of detainees will not help if there is no punishment for the crimes uncovered. The taxpayer's dollars would be better spent by having Congress pass legislation that defines torture and the punishment for carrying out torture. Future crimes would be easily defined and punished.
In "A Question of Torture" by Alfred W. McCoy, Donald Rumsfeld reportedly said to George W. Bush that international laws stood in the way of the US 'taking off the gloves' against terror suspects detained by the US. Bush's reply is reported as being: "I don't care what the international lawyers say, we're going to kick some a**." It was Bush's decision that the Geneva Conventions wouldn't apply to detainees. The responsibility for the rot that was the torture of detainees lies with Bush. He should be the first to be held legally responsible.
Damon
Toronto
no i dont.at this time because i do believe it would be a threat to national sec.
if anyone is actualy prosicuted for aledged unspotsman like conduct ie torture they will be viewed as sacraficial lambs by american's who believe deep down inside it was a necessary thing such as myself.
im sick of this torture coverage crap it has been a non news event for some time now. president obama and the courant administration should consider choosing another topic as a smoke screen.
ending two wars and healthcare reform,or our failin? that will work also.
george
chester,ct.
Why, what difference does it make at this point? Are we supposed to create a few new jobs for some stupid committee to check into what. Find something else to spend my tax dollars on please. I sure could use help with health insurance, etc. Just a thought.
Jack,
Of course the Justice Department should prosecute Bush & his mentally-warped CIA torturers. But Obama won't do it. Just look at how he suppressed the torture photos. Meanwhile, Bush's neo-con Zombies wander the streets whee they should be in Leavenworth's darkest hole.
If they broke the law then they should stand trail for what they did.You or I would be.
Clarence
If an investigation is launched by the Obama admin. they should be accused of treason. While we are in the midst of our civilization's survival by the fanatics that are bent on destroying us, It's surreal to see an investigation about method's that were used to extract information in order to save both Military and Civilian lives. Whose side is the Obama administration on? The method's used are subject to interpretation by the most respected litigators, and is a toss up. any decision reached against our fellow americans would surely be political.
Of course they should investigate the CIA and Top Bush Officials! Let's start at the top and work down. The Republicans are so fond of "Trickle Down Economics", let's try "Trickle Down Justice". If we do not investigate and bring charges against those responsible for ordering the "torture" we are all responsible for it. What kind of precedent are we setting for other Countries, and how will they treat our captive soldiers now, or in the future? It is also against the Constitution NOT to investigate and bring charges against the wrong doers. My belief is that the soldiers did not have a choice, but the Officials that ordered the torture did.
Think about it...We just dropped a small missle on a house & killed everyone inside to take out a terrorist (nothing wrong with that!)...but we want to criminally prosecute those who made terrorists uncomfortable during interrogations? Politics at its worse.
Al / Ft Lauderdale Florida
Jack, Considering the fact that almost everything found out would have to be treated as being of "National Security", what's the point? It's the same-old, same-old. No one held accountable, no one goes to jail. Come on Jack, think Katrina, think Iraq, think Cheney's energy summit. Layne A. Antioch, Il.
No. Even though I did not vote for nor approve of the Bush administration.
How far we go to keep Americans safe, is a matter of necessity. If someone threatened you're family, wouldn't you want to be able to prevent a possible tragedy? Violence still exists in this world, even with the Obama administration in office. Nothing that dramatic has changed, except for the lack of terrorism in the U.S.
Yes, but the goal should be the indictment and prosecution of the architects of the torture and other violations of human rights and international law: G W Bush, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, Alberto Gonzalez, Donald Rumsfeld, and others. Ordering an appointed official to say that something is legal that is against international law, does not make it legal. For US citizens and people around the world to again be able to respect the US government, accountability must be the goal. Everyone knows that Bush and Cheney should already be in prison, but justice must be done and be seen to be done. Investigating the CIA could be a start, but it's really those who gave them the green light who are responsible.
Jack,
How many tax payer dollars will it cost to launch an investigation into this possible wrong doing and what will be the end result?
It seems to me that many people in our country have a short memory when it comes to the events of 9/11. The bottom line is that we were attacked, 2,500+ Americans lost their lives and the responsible parties continue to want our demise.
No investigation is necessary!
Yes, ask all kinds of questions, then give the CIA pardons for testifying. Maybe it will show America and the rest of the world, what our leaders did during the Bush years. Hopefully it wii expose and arrest Bush, Cheney, Rove and the other bigwigs. The Republicans need to know, it isn't supposed to be who you know, but what you know. They need to be taken down a notch or two. After that, prosecute the hateful Palin, for her ethics problems and see who paid for her house.
p
Of course an investigation should be held. However, the question of whether the honchos should go down with the henchmen is easy. In the federal service, one is morally forbidden to act on unethical orders from higher ranking officials. In situations like that, they are supposed to bring the situation up to the IG or the ranking individual of that agency, or subsection.
In the case where the order come from the POTUS, well you up the creek without the perverbial paddle and probably ought to do a Gen Powell and quietly resign.
Jack,
Regarding any treatment of the terroists that planned 9/11, quit wasting time about being a do-gooder about water boarding. Have you ever wonered how the people who jumped from the burning towers felt, not to mention the people on the airplanes wondering what was going to happen. Those who were afraid to jump from the towers burnt to a crisp. If I would have had anything to do with interrogation, I would have water boarded continuously. Leave the people who were trying to protect us from further terroist acts alone. We should be praising them.
Bob
nvestigate,prosecute, incarcerate! And don't narrow the investigation. After WWII we hung Japanese soldiers for waterboarding.
About time to get the facts, and begin the process of regaining the moral high ground. Can you Imagine what the Chinese say behind the scenes when we lecture them on human rights? I mean after they stop laughing, of course.
Lee Russell
The evidence is clear. America disgraced itself. I would love to see Darth Cheney, Johnny Yu and the other torturers of language (and more) held to account, but going after the footsoldiers who did what they were told would be totally counterproductive. Indeed, notwithstanding my disdain for the complete obfuscation and tortured rationalizations for what was done by those who conceived this complete abnegation of all America (rhetorically) stands for, I think throwing this on the fire now just will be a huge distraction. There's too much other stuff on the hotplate right now to get bogged down with whether the perpetrators of heinous crimes against all of humanity were tortured on the orders of Cheney and his henchmen.
this is ridiculous I can't believe this is actually being looked at.
Doesn't anyone remember 9/11 what about how our men were dragged, killed, burned and much more over there.
you have got to be kidding me we are trillions dollars in debt and all kinds of problems and this is what we are looking into and spending money on??
what a big disappointment in this president.....
The government has already been wasting our tax paying dollars and our economy is hurting and it's the regular citizens of America that are struggling so I say "NO!" Don't go wasting time and money on a witch hunt. Obama wants an investigation? Why? To try & detract from him and the worries he is heaping on general America? I am scared about our future.I'm 52 years old and disabled with health problems. Socialized medicine will be a death sentence to people like me. I guess that is his plan. Kill off the old & disabled? I am afraid for my children's future and their children. Every one I talk to, people are scared all over. Our America as we knew it is changing and moving away from the land we loved. Please keep America safe.Don't let this Presidency hurt the people who need health care the most. God Bless America, and save us from disaster.
When did it become normal to torture anyone. When ever a was done to american POWs we were outraged and demanded action. What's different now? Americans have always stood up for human right regardless of where it was happening. Have we all become hippocrates of our own ideaology. It will be a sad day for all americans when that happens. If it's OK to do to others just remember you could be that other.
Maybe we should stop interigating and kill more of the enemy. Maybe if the Islamic world suffered the losses the west did during WW2 they would fight a more civilized honorable war....
Having served in OIF twice and now being out of the Marine Corps I can say that I hated knowing that there were rules of war. As a Marine I had to get consent from three different levels just to fire my weapon while the threat approached rapidly. With that said I followed orders and abided by the rules even though they weren't fair. Had I not followed the rules I would quickly be in Leavenworth. The CIA didn't have a threat to face and had no justification to torture any human. Simply put everyone from President Bush on down to the lowest level should be prosecuted as if they were a soldier in combat because as a President he is the Commander in Chief and those CIA agents are taking orders from the top as I did. They should all be prosecuted and without hesitation.
Yes we should, but I fear the stunts Congress will pull behind our backs while the media is busy reporting the day to day events of the investigations. More unconfirmed reports that will be pounded into peoples heads until they do become "facts", meanwhile the taxpayer is kept totally oblivious as to where our money is really going. It's a classic diversion.
Absolutely and if they want to do the job right, they should start from the members of Bush cabinet including George Bush and Dick.
Susan – Corona, CA
If Michael Vick was convicted and imprisoned for treatment of dogs, then investigations should be launched for any criminal wrong doings to human beings.
Of course we should prosecute them! They have taken their positions of power and used them to promote the use of torture. They're at least partially responsible for the terrible opinion that the rest of the world now has for America. Furthermore, would average Americans get away with what the CIA has done in the name of 'national security'? No. Forgetting titles, these people are American citizens, and should be held responsible for their actions just as every other American citizen should be. We cannot let the rest of the world think that we condone torture, because then we are no better than the terrorists.
If you torture prisoners, soon the police will be torturing you too, why should only the Federal Governement be allowed to torture innocent people then you will not need a legal system! You can torture everyone to determine if they are guilty.
Welcome to the new Nazis Motherland!
My only question is: What took so long? What was done is in violation of international law as well as the laws of the US. The attorney general is obligated to investigate and prosecute. If nothing is done this atrocity will be repeated in the future. It is far past time to put an end to it for the sake of us all.
jack, I have read all your viewers responses and by far it is apparent that most o fus think as US citizens first and politicians or media second. holder investigates and Obama has mor eblood on his hands!
No one is above the law. Failure to go after all those who authorized, expressly and implicitly, and executed illegal interrogation techniques makes the Obama administration accessory after the fact. There should be no quarters for those who think they can violate the law with impunity because they are in power.
This is an easy question. Let's go back and remember why those guys were detained. Wasn't it because of "terrorism" or "violation of human rights"?So what are we waiting for? Let's punish those CIA terrorists severely for harming our security.
Alright Jack,
Let's get real for a minute. We are primarily dealing with Islamo- fundimentalists who will stop at NOTHING to attain their goal. They have one purpose, and one only: to give up all that is their's (wealth, health, and life) for the sake of dying in th ename of ALLAH. If one is willing to sacrifice so much, there is very little stoping such a person. The job of a government is to protect its inhabitants by all meens. If that means waterboarding or any other method of acquiring information, then by all means... The last thing USA needs in these times is another 9/11 attack, and if torturing one murderer will stop the death of more American lives, then waterboard away!
This is a typical Obama smokescreen tactic. He continually tries to tarnish the image of the previous administration by innuendo and saying the previous administration, what he inherited etc.
Nearly 4000 people died on 911. There is nothing that we could do with war criminals that would bring justice for their deaths.
Obama needs to "get over it" and move on. But, he does not have the leadership skills to do that.
Yes,
You can't fix an injustice and illegal act of our history. By simply over looking what happened and not holding people accountable. This is the United States we are suppose to be above this.
Thanks Jack
Yes, please investigate.
I know they won't but please,please, yes,yes!
They are not worried about national security, they are worried about there own sorry butts.
That is why Obama didn't release more pictures after he said he would.
Where is Bush? If he has been on the news, I sure missed it.
Leave it alone only the last man standing down the line will have a problem.
Probably a waste of tax dollars, Obama won't do anything to Bush, but could probably hold the embarrasment as a means to coerce the Republicans into giving up attacks on healthcare and leverage to make the GOP withdraw it's agent provocatuers from shouting down the Democratic congress folks.
I despise seeing our national security politicized and those charged with keeping this country safe second guessed. We lost over 3,000 American citizens on 9/11 and I for one am proud of the steps taken to prevent further attacks and those that were taken to go after those responsible.
If we need to prosecute people, start with the Clinton administration for failing to identify the risk that Osama Bin Laden presented to this country and for failing to eliminate him. Prosecute the numerous politicians currently in office for tax evasion.
For the most part, the vast majority of Americans have no idea what it takes to keep this country safe or what it took to give them, and subsequently defend the rights they enjoy today – including the right to degrade the men who gave their lives so that those rights would withstand the test of time. It is all too easy to look with hindsight, spend months even years second guessing a decision or action of those that prevented further attacks on this nation had minutes to make.
If you cannot stand with our soldiers and agents of our intelligence community then stand in front of them. Those who risk nothing are so quick to judge those who have and are giving their all.
This is not politics!
I'm reading through the responses to this question and am absolutely amazed at how many people think it's ok to do whatever we want to in a time of war. Or in the alternative, leave it alone and move on. Amazing. I'm embarrassed by what we did. It destroyed our credibility, and we may never get it back.
Call it Holder's witch hunt! These people wanted to destroy our country! What should we have done – treat them with kid gloves??? Holder & Obama probably want to crucify the whole Bush administration – including Cheney & Bush!
When they start torturing American openly and do away with our court system, maybe then you will see the true cost of torturing innocent people, until then ignorance reigns!
America is a nation full of fear, The Republcains have done their jobs well, this country will commit far more war crimes in the future, and then the world will attack us for our war crimes!
If you live in fear torture is your way!
I agree with some of the comments, it is time to get to fixing the problems like the economy and healthcare reform. No matter what side we are on, it is time to move on. I have read the left and their comments, they need to remember that if the President Obama does this, he opens himself up to the next President and Congress when the right takes it back in the future. It is the swing of politics. Also, a person may not have liked Cheney but he needs to get over it. We have much bigger issues that I believe that President Obama is trying to resolve. He opens this can up and he will definitely upset the right. Remember we are not talking about people who are our citizens but people who wanted and still want to destroy our way of life. They also have no problem taking our citizens and doing much more than waterboarding, they don't even think twice about torturing and killing our people. We call ourselves a civil society but we sanction the killing of unborn children. I saw what torture was all about when I was stationed in Germany and visited Dachau. If you have a problem with what was done, go to the nearest military recruiter or CIA office and join the fight for your freedom, it may give you a very different perspective.
No, These Patriots were protecting American's. That includes you Jack. Their activity was taken and sanctioned by both Repub's and Dem's during a declared War. It asks the question "How far would you go to save your child?" My answer is "As far as it takes.." That's what Bush did. Now the Dem's are in power and are doing evrything and anything to continue to attack and trash the Bush administration, even if it's counter to America's safety and well being..
If there has to be an investigation then dig for the TRUTH backed by independent investigation and demonstrative facts not a political trashing of American Patriots.
so our enemies have no rules & publicly torture & kill innocent people, yet we cannot do what is necessary to get information we could need from people who are likely involved with these evil forces? so, where's the deterrence for people trying to destroy us? putting our soldiers in jail for prying answers out of them? soft minded americans are destroying MY America. If we're not tough on them, we're seen as weak. we will not be a superpower for long with this pathetic attitude. we need to stand up and fight like we want to end this! even common criminals aren't afraid of our legal system. try to steal a loaf of bread in singapore. show some spine people. if you can't handle the process of freedom, then move to a free society where you don't have to fight for it. good luck.
This is one very dumb avenue for the Obama administration to pursue. It will clearly demonstrate how "stupidly" they can act.
Obama's ratings are going down – this is just what he needs to lower them some more.
The detainees were some of the worst in the world and deserve no quarter or sympathy. It is only reasonable to use any methods whatsoever in an attempt to obtain information from terrorists
who are at war with all americans.
We need to televise some of the terrorists beheadings and force the proponants of this investigation to watch.
In my opinion, American politics and American democracy are mostly build on party line politics. Therefore the exercise will unavoidable come down to Democrat versus Republican and it will further exacerbate the already "sore" politics of Washington.
Stop wasting more of the taxpayers money!!
Can't investigate crimes that won't be punished.. It's just a smoke screen to cover something else that is happening there. It appears that obama admin has bought and owns all the major news media
except Fox News. Includes abc, cbs, nbc, and cnn, because there is
something going on that they don't want "noticed".
No, that would be bs we know who are the responsible ones.
Bush and Cheney. Sounds familiar? enough of politics as usual lets get the real criminals here.
Jack
A capitol YES Jack. After 35 Years as a DoD Investigator; concurrently as a MIL NUKE Officer, please note an issue at Abu Grav prison. The first photos showed special Security forces in Black T-shirts where the poor Nat'l Guard person was ordered to restrain with dogs and etc. The word came down from WAY above; that 3 Biggies did not care how it was done, but find out where the wanted 52 {cards} were hiding. Unfortunately the Nat'l. Guard General took the hit at the ordering of the 'Biggies'. We are always the scape goats in the Reserves. The 'yeahoo SECDEF said "You go to war with what you have"; all the MIL Guard and Reserve Branches receive the out dated, oboslete and junk from the Regulars. These 'Biggies' can be held responsible for our losses and concurrently with Swartzkoff's CINC who let Sadam get away the first time; all the Gen. had to do was let his tanks idle their way towards "Dogbag" [?] and Sadam would have gotten on his yaught and headed for Monaco. Keep up the good work.
I was born in 1948. My parents didn't say much about WWII, but they made sure we all understood what happened afterward. It was firmly established at that time that, "I was just following orders" was not a valid defense for those accused of committing war crimes, atrocities, and crimes against humanity. It was firmly established that those giving the orders, as well as those who followed them could be held equally responsible for such crimes. It was established that a civilian population could not plead ignorance of its government's crimes.
My parents were glad the the Allies won the war, but I did not feel that they rejoiced in a victory that was achieved, in great part, by the use of nuclear weapons and by making concessions to the Soviets, allowing them to overrun Eastern Europe. I hope that the son of Tom Dodd would support efforts to prosecute everyone from George Bush down for their crimes, and for the great shame they have brought upon us all.
Hartford, Connecticut
Are we kidding here? Is this really relevant? Is this necessary? Do we need to keep picking on the hate Bush scab to keep it bleeding? Or is this really just diverting attention away from the failed liberal Congress and Senate. That gave us the disastrous collapse of our economy which they attempt to blame on Bush? The Obama Admin. is just not working. So they must pull out the trick of look back and never mind what is here and now. Here and now is a disaster created but the Dimrats in office here and now. They need to go, the senate and the congress. Vote em all out. And this witch hunt is of no good and of no real purpose except to direct your attention away from the real issues of this failed Obama Admin. But then again, what should we expect from a community disorganizer. That little ACORN-NIK.
This issue is being driven by left wing fanatics and kept alive by the media who is unable to report in an unbiased fashion. This is pure politics, why else is it that the administration declassified documents that support one side of the story, which surprisingly supports their charges but have refused to declassify the rest of the documents that show which attacks were averted?
The media is quick to attacks the military, CIA, NSA etc… but boy do they befriend the soldiers they travel with when their in the war zone. I suggest that to ensure fair reporting that all reporters currently in Iraq and Afghanistan move off of the bases, live among the population and travel without the protection of our armed forces.
Had we lost 3,000 reporters or politicians on 9/11 I would not be appalled at the investigations and witch-hunt, but we did not, we lost citizens that were productive to society.
Yes, Yes, Yes! They should also investigate the former President and vice President as well as Rice. Why do you think Powell got the heck out of there?
Just consider this: The instigators of the 9-11/2001 crime all had legal documentation for being in the USA. Where was the proper safety chain? Then we got a knee jerk reaction by an incompetent giovernment causing allegations of mistreatment and torture of prisoners. It does not matter who those prisoners were,they deserve treatment like we ourselves would expect to be given by international law. America seems to have absolutely failed in its national behaviour
and thereby caused itself an awfully BLACK eye and a name of being terrorist country. High time to acknowledge this and to take remedial action.Praise goes to this administration.
I don"t understand why the decision to start the investigation would be left up to the president-one man. It should be the rule of law that if there was reason to believe that criminall activity took place under any administration,that there would be an automatic investigation .not only doe this protect international relations but it protects American citizens if an injustice was perpatrated against them. If one man is allowed to make the decision to lead an investigation against criminal behaviour , whether it be here or international or etc. There is oppurtunity to blackmail each party from one administration to the. Next.an example-now that the GOP is thought to be instigating problems at these town hall meetings,then one man ,president Obama, could threaton to start criminal proceedings againt the former bush administration, if they don"t back down. This would not be in the interest of the american people,as according to the rule of law, if there is reason to believe criminal actions took place, there should be an automatic investigation, by unbiased and or a committee without a conflict of interest. . Sorry. I"m not good at communicating better, it"s times like this I wish had of gotten a better education then 10" th grade ....
We cannot push forward, until we find out how torture was condoned in our country, and who was responsible.. If we use torture, then we allow everyone else to do the same.. How would you feel about a country that allowed your son or daughter to be sexually humiliated and tortured? We are better than this! Who ever ordered this, needs to be held responsible. I think we know it was probably Rumsfeld or Cheney. ,Cheney still defends torture! Interesting, for a man who has never been to war. But whoever was responsible, needs to be held accountable.. ABSOLUTELY.. OR Americans need to shut up when their own children are tortured abroad. Our country will NOT condone torture in the future , and the past will need to be sorted out.
Thomas Bate Ft Lauderdale
Yes,
Explained in Two Words -War Crimes
If we don't foreign Lawyers will, they are mounting their case as we speak. Either way it should happen.
Yes, Jack an immediate investigation should be initiated. Both those that committed the torture and the higher ups that ordered it should be brought to trial for war crimes. Those that wrote legal memos giving the ok on torture should also be prosecuted. As Americans, we are better than that.. or we used to be! The last adminstration, with its undercover Patriot Acts that erode our civil liberties, the torture, illegal memos against Geneva Convention rules we have agreed to for years and the millionaires made by back room deals with Haliburton, Blackwater etc SHOULD ALL BE EXPOSED! .....and now, so that it does not happen again. Those that don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. Can we afford that?
No. We have enough divisiveness in the country as it is.
This would create a diversion from solving our problems.
Dallas
Criminal behavior is a crime. The decision on whether or not to investigate a crime should not turn on how high up on the food chain the evidence might lead.
nothing will become of it, just like the phony reason for invading iraq the only reason was because american oil companys owed iraq 400 billion
Jack,
If the is government had acted in an immoral and illegal manner which I feel they more then likely did, then they should be held accountable for their actions. This should include X President Bush and Dick Cheney in the investigations as well, since they were the master minds behind it. As for the individuals who followed their orders, they should have far less accountability since they really have little choice in the matter other then face court marshal. Allowing these type actions would set a president that Americans do what we want, when we want with no respect or disregard for foreign nations sovereignty or human rights. The word of America is translates to lies and trash all abroad.
I dont know if this is right or wrong.But how soon we forget that they are the first ones to fligh plains into the twin towers, the pentagon, and a field.
But I guess that was all OK
No. It is outrageous to ask this
I cannot believe how naieve people posting here are. If prosecuting those who protect this country is you aim, then join the military, stand out in front, put your life on the line and exercise the rule of law. Be the one that walks down an IED laden street, the first to walk into a building where sniper fire just came from. Presnt the enmy with a search warrent and while you are at it read them their miranda rights. Then when you feel the rule of law has been satisfied, bring the enemy to justice.
It is so easy to have such high standards for those you send into harms way and from whom you expect so much it is time you put your beliefs to the test and take them into battle. Take your beliefs and go to the front lines, if you return and after you have sacrificed come back and tell us of your views.
Nurenburg Revisited.
Prosecuting only the thugs that exceeded orders in torturing detainees is a shameless bit of hypocisy. Now the Germans can sit back and say, "See we were right, after all."
More waste of time. Our inteligence services scrutinized by the liberal media. Don't you have anything better to report.
I believe this is something that could be done internally and with as little public exposure as possible. We have already suffered global humiliation and insult to our liberties and citizen trust. We want justice to be served in accordance with our constitution. And we want any abuse that merits punishment to be dealt with swiftly and internally. We are a big family and we can handle it right here, at home.
There are more important issues right now. The president made numerous campaign promises that are focused on improving the economy and the welfare of US citizens. The efforts spent on investigating CIA treatment of detainees will not help these issues. No one will benefit from such an effort. If anything, ensure rules are in place and that they are followed with an understanding of violation consequences.
Tony (South Carolina)
The present ADM will go down in history as the most corrupt ever in history. Were this the 1950's – 1960's Obama would of been tried for high treason already w/his denigrating of his own Country while in Europe. THIS MOVE IS HOW YOU COVER UP WHAT YOU REALLY ARE.
James T
New York
America is just as bad as all of the other countries in the world they all commit war crimes, no country or it's people are noble, no matter if they are civilians or military!!!
I can't wait till all of you face your maker, i promise some you are going to burn for enternity.
Foir all those who say they are GOD's childrens your in real trouble if you support torture!
When you couple the blind naiveté of the Obama administration with the bleeding-heart ignorance of some of our people you have a recipe for disaster.
The Bush administration made many mistakes but this is not one of them. The people they interrogated were plotting to kill more of us. The interrogations averted at least one more 9/11.
Grow up people! This is the real world we live in and not everyone is nice.