A Truth Commission (only a politician could come up with such a term!), sometimes referred to as the Investigation Commission, is currently being pushed by many Democrats in Congress, particularly Senator Leahy (D-Vermont) and House Speaker Pelosi (D-CA). The aim of the Truth Commission would be to determine who authorized torture (if it can be called that and is another topic altogether), who carried it out, and who knew about it and when did they know it. The Obama Administration appears to be against such a commission because it fears getting side-tracked from their other goals and it fears such a commission would be perceived as a 'witch hunt.' I support the Obama administration's position, but for different reasons. I think such a commission would harm our national security and make us appear weak to our enemies.
The political backlash from such a commission would harm the Democrats and help Republicans. Some Democrats in Congress actually knew of the torture procedures and tacitly approved them, so they would be hurt by such revelations. It is evident to me that Pelosi knew everything, but is denying that she did because the political fallout from her base would be severe. Since I am a conservative, I would not cry over the damage to the Democrat party, but the safety of the nation is more important than scoring political points. I stand with the Obama administration on this issue (provided that he does not flip-flop again).
1 comment:
I have been angry about this commission now for a few days. It is a witch hunt. It is un-American and very un-patriotic to seek out former administation members who made policy in efforts to combat terrorism. I thought I saw a news report saying that the Obama administration is actually considering giving its ok to prosecute if their--what I call "un-american witch hunt" finds people they think are guilty of a crime. Although...I don't beleive that waterboarding was against the law. I have not heard the opposite. Whether it is a soft form of torture or not...it worked to get some very important information. Heck....when the tables are turned...the terrorist don't water board and jail. They cut off heads and execute at will. There is a very big difference. They are only on this witch hunt because they are after former Bush Administration people. and I agree with you Alan when you say that such a commission would harm our national security and make us appear weak to our enemies. And did I already say that it is un-American for our polititions to be so anti-American? That disgusts me.
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