We are just over 15 months away from congressional elections and I think it’s time to really put the Bush Administration on defense regarding torture. We have all the proof to show that the Republicans have condoned the blurring of lines for interrogation techniques that have directly lead to the horrors committed at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo.
Let’s use some LBJ politicking and nail these apologetic piles of rat turd with this issue.
Gasoline for the fire below the fold…
From Reuters:
The Bush administration, under fire for the indefinite detention of enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and questions over whether its policies led to horrendous abuses at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, put lawmakers on notice it did not want them legislating on the matter.
In a statement, the White House said such amendments would “interfere with the protection of Americans from terrorism by diverting resources from the war.”
“If legislation is presented that would restrict the president’s authority to protect Americans effectively from terrorist attack and bring terrorists to justice,” the bill could be vetoed, the statement said. (emphasis mine)
It’s time for us to fight dirty on this issue. The Bushistas are already juggling plenty of issues with Traitorgate, eroding poll numbers, Iraq, North Korea, Gaza, SCOTUS, etc. It’s only a matter of time before we force them to lose their concentration and watch their farcical government come crashing down.
If the Democrats can form a united front against torture, in a commanding way, then Bush will be forced to deal with the mishandling of this issue.
Like I said before, it’s time we start playing the game like LBJ:
Legend has it Johnson told one of his aides — “Go out there and tell ’em Coke was caught having sex with a farm animal.”
“But, Lyndon,” the aide protested, “you know that’s not true!”
“Of course it’s not true!” Johnson responded impatiently. “That’s not the point. Tell it anyway — and make him deny it…”
Make these sick bastards deny that they condone torture (again), then let the soon-to-be-released photos make their rounds around the world to embarrass the hell out of them.
Update [2005-7-22 17:3:55 by Man Eegee]: Susanhu has posted a front-page story with breaking news that Bush has blocked the release of the Abu Ghraib photos in the 11th hour.
Also, the Washington Post reported on July 14th that the tactics of Abu Ghraib were first used at Guantanamo Bay. This defeats the Republican soundbite that these were a few bad apples committing the crimes. We now have proof that these techniques were sanctioned by our government. I want Rumsfeld’s head on a platter.
Don’t forget the CCR’s hard work on this issue. They are leading the way to ending the scourge that is the U.S. Guantanamo policy.
… that listening to anything Bush says is torture.
Seriously, though… the wingnuts get off on the mere idea of torture. They are brutes and bullies, so this shores up his base while being vague enough to allow a denial.
Pretty sick shit, IMHO, but we are living in a sick time.
but I sense some vulnerability from the WH. I have some hope that mainstream Americans would be appalled to learn the full extent that Bush has enabled these atrocities to occur. We just have to keep hammering the storyline and counteract their propaganda.
I totally agree, but not just one infraction they have committed, but ALL of them.
The list is way too long for a comment, but hell, all America knows what they are, only the intelligent ones admit them ; )
One of the things that makes this issue “sticky” is that they can’t blame Clinton for it (one of their favorite tactics). We weren’t discussing torture policies before Shrub took office, his misAdministration is directly responsible for these immoral acts.
I agree, put them on the defensive. Thanks.
Regarding the Reuters article: it would take a wild stretch of the imagination to think that Bush would actually veto a defense-spending bill. What are they trying to prove by threatening the veto?
I’d also like to note that McCain has stated that he will push for the amendments regardless of their threats.
You know this veto threatening is pretty ridiculous and also makes me wonder just what they are afraid of…what horrors that would come to light that have been committed and finally have the public realize how morally bankrupt these people are.
I think most regular Americans would agree that monitoring the treatment is a reasonable request and the trumped up excuse that that would somehow interfere with making us ‘safer’ is blatant horseshit. Hopefully also wonder why the WH is protesting so much against this.
I think the issue of torture is a litmus test for Americans and if we fail to do the right thing and feel torture is somehow justified then we really have begun our great decline and the soul of America will shrivel up and die.
It also seems one point we should keep repeating that the military itself has always said that torture does not work, period. So why is it ok now?….That lies directly with the whole crew in office now-they have to answer as to why they believe torture is ok if it doesn’t work.
“I think the issue of torture is a litmus test for Americans and if we fail to do the right thing and feel torture is somehow justified then we really have begun our great decline and the soul of America will shrivel up and die.”
That was perfect, Chocolate Ink. Thanks, because that is exactly what is happening and what will happen.
If george ever dares another press conference it would be appropriate to ask him how he would feel if his wife or daughter was raped. I can just imagine his articulate, dignified response to such a question. However, it remains impossible to shame this man.
I dunno, he seemed to short-circuit every time his daddy was mentioned during the debates. I would love a question asking if he has spoken to papa regarding the outing of a CIA agent, or the fact that he fired Rove for leaking to Novak in 1992.
I know it has to be done; however, I do not know if my heart could stand another strain of this strong reality.
What is becoming of our military?
In tomorrow’s Washington Post, there will be an article detailing Vice President Cheney’s involvement in the WH’s opposition to the upcoming congressional amendments aimed at stopping the abuse.
In short: Cheney supports torture.
Are you forwarding this type of information to your friends? Show them proof like this that the Bushistas are immoral apologists of torture.
Support for torture is an extraordinary circumstance. Let’s fight the Roberts nomination. He supports the use of torture. Let’s use this as an opportunity to ask why the Bush administration is still blocking the release of these photos.