Wait! I thought Republicans were in favor of torture...
I have argued with Colonel Hunt--sometimes violently--against the need for a public debate on torture. Well, it looks like Colonel Hunt is going to get his public discussion and it also looks like I was right about the consequences...
The White House is threatening to veto a $442 billion dollar defense Bill if Senators attach amendments that seek to regulate treatment of prisoners at Gitmo and other places.
(Note: It was not OK for the Dems to vote against the $87 billion saying we needed to find a better way to pay for this other than burdening my children and yours but it is OK to deny the troops what they need because some REPUBLICANS want to make sure we don't advocate torture.)
Senators McCain, Warner and Graham have decided that they want to insure that we don't torture anyone. President Bush and Vice President Cheney don't want that.
In total honesty, I don't want that either. I wish we could have just trained our Special Forces to do what they have to do in various situations, taught them that if they got caught crossing the line they would be punished and then sent them on their way to do what they have to do--minus cameras and camera phones. But no! We had to use untrained guys and girls who were stupid enough to do stupid things when it wasn't necessary and then compounded that stupidity by photographing it and sending copies to their friends.
And then there was the screaming about torture and now here we have it--a public debate on torture. We are the United States of America. We can not have a public policy advocating torture. Can't do it. So now, we are going to have a problem. Now--in the few situations where it is necessary--we are not going to be able to do it.
I respect these Senators for what they are trying to do. I respect Senator McCain for all the reasons behind what he is doing. I don't, however, think this is a good idea...
This would have been best left in the dark shadows, where it belongs.
For more read Point Five or if you are so inclined The New York Times.
Michelle Malkin has other links as well.
Congress has gotten to the point where they believe the should control everything through legislation. The military, CIA, FBI, Homeland Security, NSA, Secret Service and all the other governmental anti-terrorist/ security organizations need to have options..especially in dire circumstances.
War is an ugly thing. Interrogation is an ugly thing. I'm glad there are men and women out there that can stomach it and do their job. I'm glad there are guys who can silently walk up behind an insurgent, stick a knife in his neck, and not think twice about it.
The last thing any of these protectors of our country need is to have their hands tied by Congress.
Posted by: Lisa | Monday, July 25, 2005 at 05:09 PM
Why in the hell did we bring these guys to Gitmo to start with.Seems like we wouldnt want them closer to the U.S.If we had taken them to Diego Garcia, know one would know anything.Ask them a few questions then shark bait.These guys we caught[in AFGAN.] are the real bad guys ,they want and will kill us.Iraq different story.We made more insurgents out of the ABU GRAIB mess than we kept.We are sending are fine young people to prison or reducing rank and fineing them for shoving a prisoner ,when the prisoner spits on them.What in the hell has this mess come to.It is not the Left that Bush is catering to with all of this,but the Arab politicions.Maybe we should shove some of them around a little.
Posted by: Billy | Monday, July 25, 2005 at 05:21 PM
and you ask why do they hate us.
Posted by: Steve | Monday, July 25, 2005 at 05:26 PM
Lisa and Chris
I am done making comments today. I will try to stop in every once in a while, I cannot do it often as today all the time. If I ever step over the line just let me know and I will back off. It is your site and I want to play by your rules.
Thanks for inviting me
PS. Lisa
I think your husband is wrong, you are a Hard Core Republican.
Posted by: Steve | Monday, July 25, 2005 at 05:55 PM
I thought when we needed someone tortured we outsourced the services to Egypt or some place like that. I believe there was a story in the NY Times about it a few months ago. So let them pass all of the legislation they want. DC is the loophole capital of the country.
Posted by: hollabackdave | Monday, July 25, 2005 at 06:21 PM
Steve...I'll admit when it comes to the security of this country and my family and your family, I'm very hard core. On economic issues, I'm hard core. On social issues, I'm more moderate. For example, I am pro choice and I really don't have a problem with gay marriage and I think that everyone should be able to adopt a child if they can provide a loving and financially stable home, no matter who they sleep with.
Seeeee......I'm not so bad.
I had fun debating you today. I do hope you continue to come back.
Take care,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | Monday, July 25, 2005 at 06:29 PM
Dave....I don't have a problem with outsourcing that job...hell, we outsource every thing else, why not interrogation.
Posted by: Lisa | Monday, July 25, 2005 at 06:31 PM