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Torturers Should Be Punished

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Posted on Apr 21, 2009

By Amy Goodman

  SPOKANE, Wash.—George W. Bush insisted that the U.S. did not use torture.

  But the four Bush-era Office of Legal Counsel memos released last week by the Obama administration’s Justice Department paint a starkly different picture. The declassified memos provided legal authorization for “harsh interrogation techniques” used by the Bush administration in the years following Sept. 11, 2001. They authorized (as listed in the Aug. 1, 2002, memo by then-Assistant Attorney General Jay Bybee) “walling ... facial slap, cramped confinement, wall standing, stress positions, sleep deprivation, insects placed in a confinement box, and the waterboard.”

  According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the OLC under Bush “became a facilitator for illegal government conduct, issuing dozens of memos meant to permit gross violations of domestic and international law.”

  The memos authorize what the International Committee of the Red Cross called, in a leaked report, “treatment and interrogation techniques ... that amounted to torture.”

  These torture techniques were developed by two psychologists based in Spokane, Wash.: James Mitchell and Bruce Jessen. Their company, Mitchell Jessen & Associates, provided specialized training to members of the U.S. military to deal with capture by enemy forces. The training is called SERE, for Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape. Mitchell and Jessen, both psychologists, were contracted by the U.S. government to train interrogators with techniques they claimed would break prisoners.

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  They reverse-engineered the SERE training, originally developed to help people withstand and survive torture, to train a new generation of torturers.

  The memos provide gruesome details of the torture. Waterboarding was used hundreds of times on a number of prisoners. The Bybee memo includes this Kafkaesque authorization: “You would like to place [Abu] Zubaydah in a cramped confinement box with an insect. You have informed us that he appears to have a fear of insects. In particular, you would like to tell Zubaydah that you intend to place a stinging insect into the box with him.”

  After President Barack Obama said there should be no prosecutions, he was received with great fanfare at the CIA this week. Mark Benjamin, the reporter who originally broke the Mitchell and Jessen story, said when I questioned him about Obama’s position: “If you look at the president’s statements and you combine them with the statements of Rahm Emanuel, the chief of staff, and Eric Holder, the attorney general ... you will see that over the last couple of days the Obama administration has announced that no one, not the people who carried out the torture program or the people who designed the program or the people that authorized the program or the people who said that it was legal—even though they knew that it frankly wasn’t—none of those people will ever face charges. The attorney general has announced that ... the government will pay the legal fees for anybody who is brought up on any charges anywhere in the world or has to go before Congress. They will be provided attorneys ... they have been given this blanket immunity ... in return for nothing.”

  Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Dianne Feinstein asked Obama to hold off on ruling out prosecutions until her panel finishes an investigation during the next six months. Though Obama promises to let the torturers go, others are pursuing them. Bybee is now a federal judge. A grass-roots movement, including Common Cause and the Center for Constitutional Rights, is calling on Congress to impeach Bybee. In Spain, Judge Baltasar Garzon, who got Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet indicted for crimes against humanity, has named Bybee and five others as targets of a prosecution.

  For years, people have felt they have been hitting their heads against walls (some suffered this literally, as the memos detail). On Election Day, it looked like that wall had become a door. But that door is open only a crack. Whether it is kicked open or slammed shut is not up to the president. Though he may occupy the most powerful office on Earth, there is a force more powerful: committed people demanding change. We need a universal standard of justice. Torturers should be punished.

  Denis Moynihan contributed research to this column.

  Amy Goodman is the host of “Democracy Now!,” a daily international TV/radio news hour airing on more than 750 stations in North America. She is the co-author of “Standing Up to the Madness: Ordinary Heroes in Extraordinary Times,” recently released in paperback.

  © 2009 Amy Goodman

  Distributed by King Features Syndicate


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By sheila, April 30 at 11:35 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

As an American citizen and tax payer I resent Mr. G.W.Bush getting $200,000 a year for the mess he’s
made of the country and for his underhanded tactics while in office.  He can’t hide behind anyone in his cabinet or his twisting of the law - this is a democracy and he should be subject to punishment just as the people who elected him are subject to punishment - he authorized torture and he authorized war with a country who had done us no harm.

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By Howard in Manchester, April 29 at 11:37 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

I find it amazing how brainwashed you Americans still are…
First of all the notion that John McCain was tortured is a total mythological fiction. McCain
far from being tortured received their best medical care and in return was the prison’s number one snitch !! The Vietnamese did not call him POW SONGBIRD for nothing within hours of capture he told them everything and made a deal. Fine in itself but he has built a career on a lie. He could have told the truth on his return home (in good condition) but instead he went along with the myth !!

Here are the facts

FEWER than 500 American pilots were tortured by the
NVA ...McCain was NOT one of them.

IN CONTRAST…the United States built a torture complex across South Vietnam that was responsible for the far worse far more cruel and brutal torture
of an estimated 200,000 Vietnamese. In Saigon alone
the CIA and the client regime tortured 50,000 Vietnamese.

Wake UP !!

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By DWIGHTBAKER, April 29 at 1:23 am #

LYNN and BOB SCHEER

Has a voracious unawareness reduced some to ruthless ruins?

And has some innate clear conscience protected their innocence in acts of virtue?

Has the clearness gone out of many eyes?  To not be able to tell right from wrong and is it in them to muddy the water for others needing to swim?

Thus here we stand in our generation of time with many things that have gone undone and many looking in have not a clue what to do. So instead of thinking it through many just think FIGHT if not winning FLIGHT. Therefore where is that common fabric that links one to another?

Could it be a generation with lacks of acts in common decency that has led to their degradation?

When in the scales of justice how will we individually weigh in?  Were we one who took personal pride when making others suffer? Or will the ones who used a sense of personal power to let a lot slide in order to make a cohesive group that in turn lead the way out of this dismal state that we find all of us in?

THE VOICES FOR WE THE PEOPLES ADVOCATES—-WTPA for Grass Roots Actions needed for forming our own truth filled lobby in Washington DC to power punch our VOICES and VOTES of the people for our rights to life in acts of equity with Justice.
Dwight Baker Chairman Contact E-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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By DWIGHTBAKER, April 29 at 1:21 am #

Lynn what we see often today are CHICKEN HAWKS—- some even on TRUTHDIG cry for war but not using their blood.  The lacks that are all around on the web today is that many would rather fight with one another than put their minds and backs into taking our country back.  So in an attempt to change the direction on TRUTHDIG I dug deeper with the ways that I thought right to get to DC and make a long lasting presence that would endure for years to come.  But I was not surprised when the ones who post the most on TRUTHDIG never acknowledged the effort. So here it is again take a look and give some feed back if you see the need.


CASUALTIES RESULTING IN CAUSTIC CONSEQUENCES
OR RENEWED COMMUNITY
INTEREST IN AGGRESSIVE REGROUPING WHILE RECOUPING

Have not all of us been left with head in hands at the perceived to be titans of our failed and frocked with fraud leadership for far too long, watching them in open daylight rob cheat lie?

We the majority of Americans have been deceived and as a result have been bystanders just trying to look in to perceive what might have been the master plan. It is time to stand back calm down and look at our problems as a small businessman would?

Once we agree that could be the right approach. Then many good sound forums could commence that would in time churn to the top the cream of ideas that would work.

A few ideas that could be the starting place to began—- getting ideas from the many would be:

A FEW ADDITIONS AND REVISIONS Tuesday, April 28, 2009

1.  What are the time lines for stopping ALL the madness without giving in our giving up to the present agendas set forth as needed?

A.  Think through a plan to fund the activities of a small group of patriots to find the Constitutional ways and means to demand TREASURY revue to fund We The People in setting up Plenary powers and authorities, and paying for the JUDGES salaries and per-diem expense while in the USA.
B.  Set up ten new Federal courts of law in and around Washington DC to take on the giant task of cleaning up our nation—-make a way to employ many good and untouchable judges from other nations who could come and pass such judgments quickly and judicially. Make a way to give them plenary powers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plenary_authority that would extend over all others, Leave in place till all other needed matters could be resolved restored or ended.
C.  Use Eminent domain to buy one of the three broadcast news outlets restructures completely the news media entity.
D.  Bring home all our National Guard troops in Iraq and Afghanistan in 30 days then in each location provide new replacement items for the ones left in the war zones including personal hand held and fixed arms etc.
E.  Repeal the Patriot act
F.  Shut down COMPLETELY the CIA
G.  Enforce the RULE of LAW charge indict try fine imprison and/or banish the guilty
H.  Lesser Criminals Indict and/or impeach all crooks in Washington DC using a sting operation on the largest scale in human history.
I.  Shut down both wars?
J.  Get our economy moving again in main street
K.  Discharge unneeded staff at all levels in DC

2.  For us to insist the RULE of LAW move quickly to make examples of the scores of the thought to be too big to fall ones first——televise such with public outcry. That would finally be a day of reckoning that has needed to be done for a long time.  Televise the many thought to be wise guys——- cry as they are shuttled out of the courtrooms in chains etc.  That would bring many to their own end by ending their existence and for some maybe getting calmer and dong the right thing from that sobering time forward.

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By foggyjones, April 29 at 1:16 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

TUESDAY 1159 PM/CST DFW

GARTH GETS IT!

Years of experience in the inner workings of the news industry helps gain insight in these things. Otherwise, things like this seem happenstance. It usually is not. Joseph Goebbels may have been the first to play the modern propaganda game and calculate time and potential effects. Rove cut his teeth on the Water Gate epidode. Now many others have learned the craft. It works, but now worse, now the news business is an oligarchy who one leg of the triangle of power. Now, they routinely cooperate, unlike years ago. Not like it is now, anyway. They routinely assist with these asinine diversions, also, the outright misrepresentation and, most frequently, burying stories like the impending $3 trillion TARP add-on that could be up for a vote by Thursday. The more distractions the better. Maybe it will get rubber-stamped late at night by the U.S. Congress. I am afraid they are building a house of cards and the little working people may get hurt, again. A bold leader’s excessive hubris and testosterone can result in decisive action but people get hurt.

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By Lynn, April 28 at 9:36 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

Isn’t this the same intelligence agency that told us about WMD’s and OBL, and where are they? I see this as smoke and mirrors to take away from the fact that hundreds of thousands of Iraquis, and now, or soon to be, Afghanis have been KILLED. We complain about torture, but where is the indignation about murder? I don’t think in a 100 years, we could or would torture as many people as we kill on a regular basis in just a few years. Once again we miss the forest for the trees…Murder of innocents so corporations can profit has to be the most heinous crime on the planet today…I think if we prosecute the murderers, we may find that the torturers are part of the same club and will also go down.

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By garth, April 27 at 12:53 pm #

The “argument” that is being used by those in favor of torture seems to be one of justification rather than justice.  The justification is 911 and blah, blah, blah.
All this talk about a terrorist holding information back while the clock is ticking sounds good, but the torture was carried out in far different circumstances. For verification you could’ve asked ex-Rep Duncan (R-CA) as he sampled the lemon chicken in a press conference a few years ago to show how well the terrorists were being treated in Guantanamo.
The interesting question to me seems to be: Where did all this start? Could Bush be at the bottom of all this?  Nah, too obtuse.  Could it be Cheney?  Well, he is Machiavellian, but far too one-track minded to be at the bottom of it, but close to the bottom.
Now, our Bobo says, in effect, we are immune from punishment because we call, “Time.” Let us say let’s not look at that.  Like the Japanese do with their folding separators for rooms.  The separator says, “Don’t look there.”

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By DWIGHTBAKER, April 25 at 11:21 pm #

By garth, April 25 at 11:01 pm


Mexico’s Calderon Declares Emergency Amid Swine Flu Outbreak


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aEsNownABJ6Q&refer=home

Obama’s Visit
The first case was seen in Mexico on April 13. The outbreak coincided with the President Barack Obama’s trip to Mexico City on April 16. Obama was received at Mexico’s anthropology museum in Mexico City by Felipe Solis, a distinguished archeologist who died the following day from symptoms similar to flu, Reforma newspaper reported. The newspaper didn’t confirm if Solis had swine flu or not.

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By garth, April 25 at 11:01 pm #

Another little note of interest in this swine flu.

Taken from WRH:
“The outbreak coincided with the President Barack Obama’s trip to Mexico City on April 16. Obama was received at Mexico’s anthropology museum in Mexico City by Felipe Solis, a distinguished archeologist who died the following day from symptoms similar to flu, Reforma newspaper reported.”

Commentary from Website
“And yet a week later, after the 7 day incubation period, Barack Obama does not have the flu according to this report.”

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By garth, April 25 at 10:57 pm #

There goes the Torture memos.  Down the 24-hour news cycle hole.

————————————————————————
From Legitgov.org

“In a ‘Holy convenience, Batman!’ moment, a ‘unique’ flu virus (one likely concocted in US Army labs) overtakes media coverage of revelations that the highest levels of the US government instructed the CIA (and private contractors) to torture terror suspects.

Scientists said the virus combines genetic material from pigs, birds and humans in a way researchers have not seen before. “We are very, very concerned,” World Health Organization spokesman Thomas Abraham said. “We have what appears to be a novel virus and it has spread from human to human,” he said. “It’s all hands on deck at the moment.”

Guess where the first swine flu outbreak occurred? That’s right, Fort Dix, New Jersey, in 1976. Also likely created in a US Army lab. Thirteen soldiers died, leading the US government to force a questionable vaccine on the population—backed by a legal liability escape clause mandated by and for the pharma-terrorists. Next, people started dying not from the flu—but from the *vaccine.*

Every major media outlet has reported the fact that US/UK bioterrorists have been manipulating the avian flu virus in university and Army labs. This new flu strain, one that ‘no one has ever seen,’ contains avian flu. Now, how does *that* happen?”

http://www.legitgov.org/flu_kills_torture_memos_260409.html
===================================================
From the University of CT Health Center
By William Hathaway

Scientists have resurrected one of the world’s great killers in the laboratory, hoping that the genetic secrets within the 1918 influenza virus will help them predict and combat the next major microbial threat to mankind.

In a contained laboratory at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, scientists used reverse genetics to re-create the 1918 flu virus that killed 20 million to 50 million people, according to studies released Wednesday. Scientists say that although the 1918 strain probably does not represent a significant human health threat today, it can provide insight into dangerous types of contemporary influenza, such as the highly lethal avian strain now circulating among birds, which some scientists fear could evolve into the next catastrophic pandemic.

“This is truly a spectacular event,” Dr. John Shanley, professor of medicine and director of infectious diseases at the University of Connecticut Health Center, said of the studies published in the journals Nature and Science. “To resurrect a virus and gain useful scientific information from it is remarkable.”

http://www.uchc.edu/ocomm/newsarchive/news05/oct05/fluvirus.html
=================================================
By Anthony Wile
FreeMarketNews.com
11-16-5
POMPANO BEACH and MONTREAL—(Former) U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is not only a force in launching the controversial flu remedy Tamiflu, he (was) also behind the release of the increasingly criticized sweetener aspartame.

http://www.rense.com/general68/page.htm
================================================
It seems like the first step in their eugenics plan.  The next step will be the quarantine and vaccinations.

Good bye cruel world.  Whooosh!

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By DWIGHTBAKER, April 24 at 10:27 pm #

A. Z. Arrow, April 24 at 9:05 pm
MY TAKE

President Obama missed his mark and now Erick Holder is to do what?  MY TAKE don’t think so. Obama does not want to look back only forward how dumb is that?  Sounds to me like a pussy that is a prosecuting attorney and a underling got raped and killed by an elite blue blood and he states for the Press guys lets don’t look back at the crime scene lets just look forward to the bright days ahead.

My concern is not for President Obama but it is for us.  I did not cry for a king or someone that I thought could solve all the problems over night.

However he missed the mark completely by not insisting that the RULE OF LAW be enforced.  For if he had persisted vehemently on doing that first thing a lot of our miseries we are seeing and living through today would not have come around.  For one thing the sociopath do fear is being locked up. That is the very worst thing they can imagine happening to them. 

So the lack he showed to honor his oath of office and restore the RULE OF LAW made many others and myself wonder if in fact he was a con artist.

Now I am not concerned about his image or his demeanor when being pressed hard, for it is not unto me or any other to be influenced by his needs over ours.  In my estimation with the ones that he has picked to help him administrate the duties of his presidency I again repeat his career looks very bleak to me.

Soon we will have our presence in DC and we will snoop in every cranny in every crevice and find out the real news every day.  And then when on CSPAN the American public will get to see what the VIEWS news missed telling folks with willful purpose based solely on deceit.

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By A. Z. Arrow, April 24 at 9:05 pm #

Torture is a national disgrace, it is also illegal: The Nuremberg defense will not do -“I was only following orders.” Well, who gave these orders? Who authorized the use of torture? The law requires that those who colluded with these crimes be investigate, charged, brought to trail, and, if found guilty, sentenced—CIA operatives, private contractors, and Bush administration officials included. There is no debate on this. Torture is a violation of the Geneva Convention that the United States Government initiated, help draft, and signed, along with other nations, on the dotted line. The US has imposed compliance with Geneva in its’ treaties and military alliances with other nations. Further, United States law makes it obligatory that Eric Holder bring charges against those responsible for the crime of torture. If Holder and/or Obama do not comply with these laws then they are engaged in a cover-up.

> A. Z. Arrow
April 24,2009
.

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By DWIGHTBAKER, April 24 at 11:29 am #

Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong, which will be imposed on them. America is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future. At a time like this, a scorching iron, not convincing argument, is needed. Fredrick Douglas

MAYBE WE SHOULD FORGET talking out about TORTURE and instead hope that doesn’t happen to us.

NOT A SURPRISE TO MOST
BUT WE IN AMERICA ARE NOT DEMOCRATS OR REPUBLICANS ANY LONGER
WE ARE NOW ONE PARTY CALLED THE BILDERBERGS

So why should any one contribute to just one ruling party? Makes no sense to me.  When with just one ruling party——- our concept of democracy has failed.  No voices are to be heard and no votes are to be counted seems kind of like North Korea.

Should we change the names of our ruling elites—- to like calling President Obama—-now Emperor Obama. 

What about all those in the CONGRESS, SENATE, ETC. what should we do with them?

No need to vote on anything any longer.

Hey maybe give each one of them a STATE to rule over.  But we have governors now what about them——gosh don’t know.

So why would I be spending my time doing this?  I am too old to work in construction or mending stuff any longer so maybe the BILDERBERGERS will give all of us like me a pill to send us off in a blaze of glory.  And have bull dozers setting around with mass graves dug throw all of our bodies down then burn to same money.  You know the BILDERBERGERS likes to save that money?

So why am I doing this now——- well I still have high hopes that many like many others and me will come along and decide enough is enough and do what we must in our Democracy now and take our country back.

We are not at the point of taking it to the streets but we are at the point of all standing up and shouting out HEY BIG BOYS IN DC WE ARE COMING TO TAKE OUR NATION BACK. And you supposed BIG BOYS——- out you will go with all others like you. And the rule of law we will make sure exist in perfection from henceforth.

NOW HOW TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT only ONE WAY –got to BEAT THEM AT THEIR OWN GAME.

We The Peoples Advocates WTPA we are providing the only HOPE in saving our great nation.  So JOIN IN and ENLIST to serve with your VOICES being heard and your VOTES being counted and moved along to our lobby group in Washington DC to power push the peoples needs, wants and wishes in our cities, states and Federal Governments.
Info contact Dwight Baker .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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By JFoster2k, April 24 at 11:04 am #

Waterboarding is torture. That fact is established. Whatever lengths anyone goes to to justify it’s use is irrelevant. Whether or not it produced good intelligence is irrelevant. Whether or not our enemies use the same or harsher techniques is irrelevant. Whether democrat or republican is irrelevant. Torture is illegal.

We are a nation of laws. Our laws must be upheld.

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By Outraged, April 24 at 4:58 am #

Re: rfidler

AGAIN…. you are absolutely speaking for McCain… or at least “betting” you know what he THINKS…. by stating;

”“I can’t speak for John McCain, but I’d bet he’d much rather be in Club Gitmo than the Hanoi Hilton.”

In this same vein you are making ill-conceived comments regarding “moi”.  Such as:

“I went through SERE training on my way to Viet Nam while you were sponging off your parents and trying to figure out how to destroy their wealth.”

How is it you “know” what I was doing during the Viet Nam War and the measure of my parents “wealth”?

From Wiki:  “U.S. involvement escalated in the early 1960s and combat units were deployed beginning in 1965. Involvement peaked in 1968 at the time of the Tet Offensive.”

For the record, what I specifically did during the Viet Nam War was watch the national news, at the ripe old age of 9,10,11 to see if MY BROTHER’S NAME appeared at the end of the newscast when they listed the dead, the injured and the MIA’s ( word was, that this was the quickest way to know their fate ).  You see, my parents had a large family, my father worked overtime each and everyday to support his family.  For this reason, many times was “just getting in the door” to find out if his son was dead or alive, maybe crippled for life…. or maybe just GONE.

My mother worked without let-up to keep the family needs met, therefore was usually busy preparing supper.  Of course, she would “run in and out” of the living room trying to find out if her son was dead or alive or GONE.

So while there were several of us, you know how it is the older ones were out doing other activities, but I wasn’t “old enough” to be to far from home, BUT…. I was a good reader and quick at it, therefore I would watch the names roll by, seemed like hundreds….. especially when you’re young.

Anyway, I remember distinctly the look on my parents face when my brother wasn’t “listed in the dead”.  Of course, you still had to pay attention to see if he was injured or GONE.

Yep, that was what I did during the Viet Nam War.  I’ll never forget it.  My brother came home, physically, “all in one piece”.  And a mere 20 yrs. later, I believed… that really, he was going to be okay.  But you’d have to get his perspective regarding how he determines it….. I can only give you mine.

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By foggyjones, April 23 at 6:48 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

THIS IS MAINSTREAM INITIATED PROPAGANDA AT ITS WORST - THIS WATERBOARDING BS.


Keep you eye on the the ball. It is still the economy, stupid. For instance, the “suicide” of Kellerman (Freddie Mac) yesterday, and the announcement of Ken Lewis (Bank of A) today about how the governement (Bernanke, Lloy Blankstein of Golman Sachs, Paulsen, Geithner, Summers etc.) forced him to buy Merril Lynch, and the news about traitorous acts by Rep. Jane Harman, etc. etc. GET SERIOUS! iT IS STILL THE ECONOMY, STUPID!

(WANT MORE? Gilad Atzmon believes the financial meltdown “is all just part of the programme,” including the Iraq war, of “America acting as an Israeli mission for fighting the last pockets of resistance, led tactically by Neoconservatives and the Federal Reserve.” He says there was not a credit crunch but a “Zionist punch” and that “ALAN GREENSPAN’S JOB was to create a financial boom so America’s people were not concerned with the tactics used in the Middle East.” He says non-Jews like former U.S. president George W. Bush also “behaved Jewishly”: “Even in Christianity, this tendency to go Old Testament - into tribalism, into supremacy, into violence, into shock and awe . . . This is something we have to fight against.”

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By garth, April 23 at 6:31 pm #

The outstanding argument in favor of torture thus far should go to one, Marc A. Thiessen, a lard-encased, cherub looking lout from the Hoover Institute, who said on C-SPAN the other day that the Koran allows muslims to give in to torture if they reach a breaking point and can’t take it anymore.  (That’s all I can stands.  I can’t stands no more.) Then, as his argument goes, the torturers therefore were helping the captives reach that point sooner with the “enhanced techniques.” 
And there it is.  The torturers were just being facilitators.  Helpful.
In the words of my favorite commentator, Bugs Bunny, on some of the stuff that comes out of these think tanks, “What a moroon!”

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By garth, April 23 at 6:31 pm #

The outstanding argument in favor of torture thus far should go to one, Marc A. Thiessen, a lard-encased, cherub looking lout from the Hoover Institute, who said on C-SPAN the other day that the Koran allows muslims to give in to torture if they reach a breaking point and can’t take it anymore.  (That’s all I can stands.  I can’t stands no more.) Then, as his argument goes, the torturers therefore were helping the captives reach that point sooner with the “enhanced techniques.” 
And there it is.  The torturers were just being facilitators.  Helpful.
In the words of my favorite commentator, Bugs Bunny, on some of the stuff that comes out of these think tanks, “What a moroon!”

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By dihey, April 23 at 2:12 pm #

I am astonished that TD is always so far behind on the really significant news. Digging must be a slow process I guess.

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By DWIGHTBAKER, April 23 at 1:44 pm #

DMFD, April 23 at 1:11 pm

May I remind you that there are many other courts that take international law cases?  I know of two but I am sure there is more than that.  Now forget about CONGRESS.  We the 3 to 5 million that are not inane to the political games and the horrors inflicted on us and the worlds populations during the BUSH BUNCH OF THUGS rule and reign can when really connected file with those courts and bring charge against those mentioned and have trials.  Now just drop the need for our CONGRESS to do our biding that just is not going to happen for the reasons stated. But there are good courts of law with good sane and sound judges NOT ON THE TAKE that will take those cases from us.

We have that power given us in our CONSTITUTION but little is stated about the powers of the people.  Good read.

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By DMFD, April 23 at 1:11 pm #

I say again; There will never be any Nuremberg re-enactments with Congress because some of the Democrat members were on the 2002 Intelligence Committee that allowed for the torture.  ie: Nancy Pelosi.  If we are going to call on all involved then let’s call on all involved.  This is not just a republican or democrat thing.  Quit looking beyond your own party to place your revenge. 
“Those officials won’t be the only ones who suffer if all of this goes forward. Congress will face questions about what the Members knew and when, especially Nancy Pelosi when she was on the House Intelligence Committee in 2002. The Speaker now says she remembers hearing about waterboarding, though not that it would actually be used. Does anyone believe that? Porter Goss, her GOP counterpart at the time, says he knew exactly what he was hearing and that, if anything, Ms. Pelosi worried the CIA wasn’t doing enough to stop another attack. By all means, put her under oath.

Mr. Obama may think he can soar above all of this, but he’ll soon learn otherwise. The Beltway’s political energy will focus more on the spectacle of revenge, and less on his agenda. The CIA will have its reputation smeared, and its agents second-guessing themselves. And if there is another terror attack against Americans, Mr. Obama will have set himself up for the argument that his campaign against the Bush policies is partly to blame.” WSJ

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By rfidler, April 23 at 10:22 am #

outraged:
Again, I’m not speaking for McCain.
I went through SERE training on my way to Viet Nam while you were sponging off your parents and trying to figure out how to destroy their wealth.

Norman Harman:
I’m looking at the Lyndie England photo as I write: no “ice-packed corpse” to be found, just a line of naked (OH, THE HORROR!!) guys with bags over their heads.

jackpine savage:
You said the contractors are not legal combatants and are therefore not covered under the Geneva Convention. Same goes for Al Qaeda.

Bisbonian:
“palestinian crucifixion” What could be the etymology of that phrase I wonder? And Warrant Welshofer was convicted? I guess what he did was a crime then. Who convicted him? The Taliban? Al Qaeda? Or was it the Bush judicial system? You need to understand that the Geneva Conventions are NOT universally binding. Among many other limitations is one that requires combatants to be in uniform and the flag of a recognized sovereign nation.

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By Billy Brown, April 23 at 5:39 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

The way to stop torture is to torture the torturers!

The way to stop war is to go to war to end all wars!

The way to stop murder is to murder the murderers!

The way to stop abortion is to kill the killers!

Can you spell “highpockcrassy”?

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By Outraged, April 23 at 2:04 am #

Re: Dwight Baker

Your comment: “One thing for sure all of us agree you have guts to want the job of being our President to lead us out of the espionage and sabotage done by some corrupting our Nation that has been going on for a long time.  And one thing you can count on us for doing——is watching your back day and night, best as we can. 

What ever you need us to do just tell us.  Give us BIG JOBS to do——there is a lot of folks that will work for free to help us get back on our feet——WHY—- They like me love this our home America——- think about holding a SUMMIT with the many others that have a good heartbeat from the grass roots of the American folks right now.

As in all good things——change comes little by little and we should not rush any longer to put out fires that might be needed to burn down the old failed ways of doing business as usual——- that has us in the fix we are in.

I cannot say I agree with your entire post, Dwight…. but this portion, is spot on.  Very empathetic and encouraging words.  And to this portion of your post, I commend you.

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By Outraged, April 23 at 1:40 am #

Re: rfidler

Your comment: “I can’t speak for John McCain, but I’d bet he’d much rather be in Club Gitmo than the Hanoi Hilton.

Standing against a wall! Hooding!

OH, THE HORROR!!!!”

Yes.  You shouldn’t speak for John McCain, so don’t attempt to.

Additionally, the SERE program was instituted to help pilots endure the VERY TORTURE PRACTICES that our country has now engaged in.  Yes… these are communist TORTURE practices, are you claiming we should engage in the same depravities?  Or are you claiming that it’s okay…?

Hey everyone…..get a load of the commie torture endorser.  Apparently goes by the screen-name, rfidler.

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By Folktruther, April 23 at 12:26 am #

Obama is continuing the torture of the Bushites, saying publically, as the Bushites did, “America does not torture.”

How can he possibly try the previous administration for torture when he is still practicing it?  Indeed, there is no point in indicting past toruturers if the US is replacing them with others.

torture is part of the war against populations that the US-Israel is conducting.  This includes blowing up houses and bombing weddings, deliberately killing large numbers of women and children.  How is torture worse than mass slaughter?  It’s all part of the same war, the War on Terrorism.  Which Obama is continuing.

Opposing torture and mass slaughter and at the same time supporting Obama simply doesn’t make any sense.  the simple truth of the matter is that America DOES torture, and does so under both Bush and Obama.  Under both the Dems and Gops.  They both are funded by the ruling class and both support barbarism, as the ruling class does.

there is no way that pressuring Obama to put a few lower torturers on trial is going to change that.

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By Bisbonian, April 22 at 10:50 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

“Name me one, just one Gitmo, or Abu Ghraib detainee killed as a direct result of our “torture” techniques. Someone please give me the particulars of ONE Al Qaeda prisoner who was killed by a bug, or a slap, or humiliation, or sleep deprivation, or waterboarding, or any other heinous method employed by our sicko military/intelligence complex.”

I have…once on this thread and a few times on others, in answer to your challenge.  You either can’t read, or choose to ignore it.  Norman Harman has also stepped up to the plate, with other examples.

A couple of points to note.  None of these examples were Al Quaida.  One of them was a soldier; an Iraqi General.  Iraq had agreed to abide by the Geneva COnventions…and we made a big flap about it when they “violated” them by showing a few of our POWs on television.  At least they didn’t waterboard them, or smother them to death in a sleeping bag.

Second, why is it that people who have had extensive military training on the subject (John McCain, Norman Harman, myself…I am an Academy grad, SERE grad, taught the Survival portion for two years, and veteran of the first Gulf War, my ex-wife… Army CWO3 reservist called up to train new interrogators after the mess at Abu Ghraib) abhor torture and American use of it, and people whose military experience was gained from an X-Box and from watching Bill O’Reilly think that it’s no big deal?  More importantly, why do we care WHAT you think?

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By James Morgan, April 22 at 7:52 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

James Mitchell and Bruce Jessen should face those they indirectly tortured by their approval of the ‘procedures’ they espoused. Then let’s see how THEY fare under the same ‘procedures’.

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By DWIGHTBAKER, April 22 at 7:30 pm #

MY TAKE

International law of which we should beholding SAYS NO TO TORTURE.  Now we are in this long discussion of should we or should be not be civil. HELLO any one get that word CIVIL?

Now if the BUSH BUNCH OF THUGS were still around controlling our minds they would have just such a forum to get the Americans to agree that torture is needed if the big shots say soo.

Then if and when the BIG SHOTS want to take your next-door neighbor off and torture HIM/HER you or me should not be alarmed.  Because the BIG SHOTS KNOWS BEST. 

NOW is the BUSH BUNCH OF THUGS STILL AROUND TODAY——- I KNOW SO. DO YOU?

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By Norman Harman, April 22 at 6:38 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

riddler and Scorpionet asked “Name me one, just one Gitmo, or Abu Ghraib detainee killed as a direct result of our “torture” techniques.”

OK, here’s one from Abu Ghraib: Mr. Manadel al Jamadi. Captured by Navy Special Ops near the Jordanian border in mid-2003. He was taken to Abu Ghraib and, over the course of several weeks, autopsy reports show he was beaten to death during interrogation. Most reports seem to indicate he was being interrogated by American mercenaries (now-a-days we call them “civilian contractors”). In fact, his corpse appears in one of those famous Abu Ghraib “photo-ops” released in 2004. It’s the one with little Lyndie England smiling over Mr. Jamadi’s ice-packed, plastic-wrapped body, giving the “thumbs-up” sign. Mr. Jamadi’s death is mentioned prominently in the Taguba Report, the Army’s internal investigation of the Abu Ghraib scandal.

Here’s two more, these are from Bagram Prison in Afghanistan - both occurred in 2003 within weeks of each other: Mullah Habibullah, a Taliban commander - according to an American military doctor who did the autopsy report, he died from blunt force trauma to the lower extremities, resulting in fatal blood clots. The other was a Mr. Dilawar - a taxi driver picked up just outside the airbase by Afghan soldiers and handed over to the Americans. He also died of blunt force trauma to the lower extremities, resulting in fatal blood clots. The really disturbing thing about Mr. Dilawar’s case is that every American who dealt with Mr. Dilawar during his 2 week ordeal, by their own admissions, knew he was a perfectly innocent man. If you read the official investigation you can actually read the words of several soldiers as they lament the fact that “this guy wasn’t guilty of anything other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

In addition there are reports of three others beaten to death at Bagram and allegations of more than 35 total deaths at the various torture sites the Bush administration set-up around the world.

I spent four years in the US Army (65-69), I was an intelligence specialist and I was put through what was then the standard SERE training. It was painful and it was at times frightening - and I was aware the whole time the guys doing it were not really trying to harm me or kill me.

Torture is a disgusting practice, it generally leaves lasting psychological scars (not mention physical), and it corrupts those who do it. There is no such thing as “lawful torture.” It is one of the few human practices that virtually all civilized societies condemn. And rightly so for it is monstrously degrading to the human spirit of both the victims and the perpetrators.

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By jackpine savage, April 22 at 5:50 pm #

Just to be clear, a contractor who happens to carry a US passport is not…using the legal argument of the Bush/Obama administrations…a legal combatant and so not covered by the Geneva Conventions or the UN Convention on Torture.  Therefore, all you red-blooded Americans might not want to use what happened to a contractor (which is another word for mercenary, which is also illegal under international standards) as some kind of counter-example.

Then, have someone waterboard you and let us know whether or not its torture.

As no one has ever been charged with 9/11…certainly not OBL, who’s not even wanted for the attack…the argument about the evils that Al Queada has done don’t hold much water either. 

And finally, the actual military was against the use of torture from the get-go.  You might be wise to not conflate the uniformed military with intelligence agencies…since the latter don’t wear uniforms either and also fall under the Bush definition of illegal enemy combatant.

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By rfidler, April 22 at 5:27 pm #

NYCartist:
Cons aren’t afraid to have torture charges investigated. We argue that “torture” didn’t even occur. And, if it did, it was within the bounds of current law and with the approval of Congress, including Nancy Pelosi. And, that retroactive prosecution is no more than political payback (be careful what you wish for).

It’s libs who are now crying about the publication (which the administration wanted to suppress)of the positive results of the “torture” of KSM. So much for “the new openness” and all that crap.

Once again, I only hope that our servicemen, should they become prisoners, are treated as “barbarically” as we treat our prisoners.

And I’ll add to Scorpionet: Name me one, just one Gitmo, or Abu Ghraib detainee killed as a direct result of our “torture” techniques. Someone please give me the particulars of ONE Al Qaeda prisoner who was killed by a bug, or a slap, or humiliation, or sleep deprivation, or waterboarding, or any other heinous method employed by our sicko military/intelligence complex.

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By foggyjones, April 22 at 5:08 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

This waterboarding discussion accomplishes exactly what Rahm Emanuel and his propaganda staff is aiming at, to distract from the Crime of Century, tossing out red herrings to get the hounds off the trail of what underlies the Great Bailouts of 2009. Further, to allow the “winners” like Lloyd Blankfein and the Goldman Sachs alumni to sweep things under the rug and bury the bodies, such today’s body found hanging in his closet (ref. Fannie Mae official).

Connect the dots and follow the money. A Grand Panel must be created to prosecute these people. It reeks, everybody is either very suspicious or outraged. Obama, Emanuel and Summers cannot keep their fingers in the dike much longer, despite how much sway they have with mainstream media. The truth will out and heads will roll. These current politicians in the U.S. Congress better read the writing on the wall. Offer huge rewards and immunity to get the ball rolling. The longer they hesitate, the more they must pay. Pay no attention to this waterboarding distraction and the others that will follow. I worry they will create another diaster to try and distract us from the crucial issue. The greatest bank robbery, ever!

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By NYCartist, April 22 at 4:43 pm #

Why are Rightwingers, conservative Republicans, so scared to have the torture charges investigated?  The comments who insist “torture” didn’t happen are examples.

I like Zinnia44’s comment, but I would change one word, based on my own point of view: in the two (or more)place where Zinnia44 uses “moral”, I would put “law”. 

Reverb, DemocracyNow has covered Adm. Blair in re his support of Indonesia’s nasties in E. Timor.  When he was nominated, it was covered.  Amy Goodman and Allan Nairn were reporters in Dily, E.Timor when the Indonesian (occupying) military attacked/massacred people at a funeral.  At the time, I heard their coverage, soon after the event, on WBAI 99.5FM,NYC in the early 1990s.  Nairn had a concussion from a soldier hitting him in the head. Amy Goodman kept pointing out how she and Nairn were American journalists, so the soldiers would not attack them further, as they were shooting civilians at the funeral. Scary stuff.  Blair did some questionable things in his job in the Pacific, as the Indonesian military went wild as they were leaving E. Timor in the late 1990s, I think is the timing. http://www.democracynow.org

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By Scorpionet, April 22 at 4:34 pm #

By the way, those who escaped or were freed by force from Al Qaeda capture survived not because of the kindness of these terrorists. You think Al Qaeda teaches their members rules of the Geneva Conventions, really?

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By Scorpionet, April 22 at 4:25 pm #

Oh, those who say we should not ‘torture’ so the enemy would treat our soldiers kindly if captured. Al Qaeda terrorist are soldiers? Excuse me, name one American soldier or civilian for that matter who had survived an Al Qaeda (and their affiliates, including AQ of Iraq/Mesopotamia) capture. Even before Abu Griab, just name one!

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By Bisbonian, April 22 at 4:13 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

“I only hope that waterboarding is all they have to fear.”

Actually, rfidler, as I have pointed out before, they have far more to fear. 

Manadel al-Jamadi was hung from the bars of his window by his wrists, in a technique commonly called a “palestinian hanging” or “palestinian crucifiction.”  He was beaten and questioned by CIA interrogator Mark Swanner for about 30 minutes, but was unresponsive.  Swanner asked the guards to move him to another position, and they found he was dead.

CWO Lewis Welshofer was convicted in the torture death of Iraqi General Abed Mowhoush by pulling a sleeping bag over Mowhoush’s head, tying it with electrical cord, then sitting on him and periodically placing a hand over his mouth.  (Incidentally, no intelligence was gained in either of these interrogations.  Hard to give much actionalable intelligence information when you are dead.)

I think our soldiers can expect at least that much.  Do you have ANY idea why we signed the Geneva Conventions (thus making them binding law, by the way)?

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By rfidler, April 22 at 3:53 pm #

Zinnia44:
I only hope that when our soldiers are captured, that the enemy treats them the same as we treat the enemy. I only hope that waterboarding is all they have to fear.

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By Bisbonian, April 22 at 3:51 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

That’s all true, American.  They should also be tried, for their part in the crimes.

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By DWIGHTBAKER, April 22 at 3:46 pm #

THE AMERICAN CON JOB
STUDY THE PIECE BELOW

WE HAVE BEEN SEEING SMOKE ——MAYBE CIA SMOKE
WHAT HAS PRESIDENT OBAMA AND CREW BEEN DOING
WHILE THE REAL FIRES HAVE BEEN RAGING?


We must in an effort hurriedly stop being as mundane morose morons and take on the right and just tasks of changing one vital missing step in our current democratic process by adding a true voice of WE THE PEOPLE in having and supporting our own lobby in Washington DC.

Now for those what want to know the truth beyond a shadow of doubt click on the site below and you will——- if sane will want to SHOUT OUT. 

STOP THE MADNESS RIGHT NOW

The truth is below not from our USA bought for VIEWS


http://statismwatch.ca/2009/04/19/us-to-put-conditions-on-bank-bailout-repayments/


OFTEN MORE TIMES THAN NOT
THE VICTIMS MESSAGES ARE MORE PROFOUND


FAMOUS QUOTES BY FREDRICK DOUGLAS 1818——- 1885

America is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future.

At a time like this, a scorching iron, not convincing argument, is needed.

Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong, which will be imposed on them.

I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.

It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake.

No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.

Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.

The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.

The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppose.

The thing worse than rebellion is the thing that causes rebellion.

To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.

Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.


Dwight Baker Chairman THE VOICES FOR WE THE PEOPLES ADVOCATES—-WTPA for Grass Roots Actions needed for forming our own truth filled lobby in Washington DC to power punch our VOICES and VOTES of the people for our rights to life in acts of equity with Justice.
Co-founder Bondservants of Christ Jesus Ministries serving the needs in the DR CONGO
PO BOX 7065 Eagle Pass, TX 78853
Tel/fax 1-830-773-1077
Contact E-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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By Bisbonian, April 22 at 3:28 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

No need for you to speak for John McCain,  rfidler, because he spoke for himself.  You can speak for the panty-wearers, though, if you like.

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By American, April 22 at 3:12 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

What a joke, Clinton and her buddies in congress APPROVED the treatment of these prisoners many times! Now they act outraged and want to prosecute. That is the part of the report they are trying to keep under raps.

just like when they sent our troops to Iraq, and then changed their minds, and we outraged by the war.

Just like when they ran the debt up under bush, and know want to say they “inherted the debt”

liars and hipocrites

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By Zinnia44, April 22 at 1:28 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

The techniques used are torture as it is legally and ordinarily defined.  Perhaps not the most extreme available, but still torture.  Several good reasons for not using them 1. They don’t provide reliable intelligence according to experienced interrogators and law enforcement 2. They are morally wrong against treaties that we have signed, and their use corrupts the torturers 3. They destroy the reputation of the US as an honorable country 4.  They make it more likely that our soldiers will be subjected to torture if captured.

For those who know the history of the Nurenberg trials, “I was just following orders” is not an acceptable defense.  A full investigation, followed by prosecutions, should be conducted, with or without the permission of the President.

By allowing these techniques, we put ourselves in moral danger. The good book says “What profits it a man to save his life if he loses his soul.”  Our souls are in danger if we allow torture. Better, if it comes to that, to be destroyed from without than by our own immoral actions.

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By rfidler, April 22 at 1:03 pm #

I can’t speak for John McCain, but I’d bet he’d much rather be in Club Gitmo than the Hanoi Hilton.

Standing against a wall! Hooding!

OH, THE HORROR!!!!

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By rfidler, April 22 at 12:54 pm #

Come on Purple Girl. I bet you’re not purple and I bet you’re not even a girl. I know you’re not educated. You’re a pathetic soul who is outraged by the fact that the world doesn’t know or care about your existence. Go find something constructive to do.

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By DWIGHTBAKER, April 22 at 12:46 pm #

Scorpionet, April 22 at 12:21 pm

Please do not condemn Amy Goodman she works hard for all of us.  Now on your topic remember this

ALL GOOD THINGS TAKES TIME and never forget this maybe just maybe the CIA BUNCH are now on a short leash.

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By Finnerty, April 22 at 12:28 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

I have posted a group on Facebook to support the case in front of Spanish prosecutor Baltazar Garzón accusing the 6 Bush attorneys of war crimes for their engineering of the policies of torture used at Guantanamo and other “black sites.”

Please tell your friends on Facebook to join, to show their support that this case go forward. It is especially important in light of President Obama’s apparent unwillingness to pursue this matter in a just and legally appropriate manner.

Thank you,
Terrence Finnerty Burke

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=105932486520&ref=nf

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By Gaia, April 22 at 12:22 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

You have the power to Contact Holder and tell him how you feel:
BY E-MAIL: E-mails to the Department of Justice, including the Attorney General, may be sent to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Department of Justice Main Switchboard - 202-514-2000 Office of the Attorney General -202-353-1555 http://www.usdoj.gov/contact-us.html

Contact Holder now, and give this contact info to all your friends.

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By Scorpionet, April 22 at 12:21 pm #

You call this torture? You should ask the families and loved ones of over 3000 victims and counting on 911, terrorist acts commited thereafter by Al Qaeda and it’s affiliates what REAL torture is. No? I guess not, you just don’t have the balls to approach the REAL victims of torture by these two thugs and the entity they represent. Oops, I forgot, people like Amy Goodman do not have balls or guts for the matter…

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By voice of truth, April 22 at 11:47 am #

Purple Girl, please stop posting the exact same lunatic rage on every article.  At least come up with a new and original thought on each one if you are going to post, and please don’t post the same thing over and over.  Most of us can read it the first time.

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By Purple Girl, April 22 at 11:38 am #

FISH ON!!
Once again the Left has latched it’s mouth around the shiny lure of the MIC.
Do you actually think this well known atrocity is the only High crime they’ve committed- they threw this out for you.
What crimes did they committ they never bothered to get a Legal CYA for?
What has happened to those taken to Black prisons?
Who was on the Damn Cheney Assasination List- Bhouto?
When the Heir apparents of the MIC Throw out these type of Lures- you have to realize there is a reason.They are distracting you from the more heinous crimes.
there was more to Watergate than merely a Break in or secret Slush fund, and yet Nixon and his handlers never were prosecuted (election Rigging). There was more to Iran contra than merely a Rouge soldier doing back room deals…There was the undermining of a sitting president, again to rig an election.
The Left must finally realize they are being played just as much as the Right.
if the left continues to whine and stomp their feet about these low rankers, the big fish will once again get off scott Free.
Past small time prosecutions have provided cover for the MIC to continue Business as usual. We need to not only get the heads of the MIC - Cheney Rummy & Wolfie- we need to dismantle the MIC itself and the best way is to focus on the crimes these three have committted over the last 3+ decades.

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By Scorpionet, April 22 at 11:36 am #

It is Amy Goodman and her fellow terrorist lovers who should also be water-boarded for weakening the resolve to fight this cancer called the jihadist movement, islamic terrorists or islamofacists as some of her opponenents would call them.

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By Bisbonian, April 22 at 11:26 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

Dear voice of truth “Please find me one person who was “tortured” anything like any pilot / captive of the infamous Hanoi Hilton,”

I FOUND one!  His name is John McCain!  Lets see what he has to say:

  “Anyone who knows what waterboarding is could not be unsure. It is a horrible torture technique used by Pol Pot and being used on Buddhist monks as we speak,” said McCain after a campaign stop at Dordt College here.

  “People who have worn the uniform and had the experience know that this is a terrible and odious practice and should never be condoned in the U.S. We are a better nation than that.” —John McCain, October, 2007 in Iowa.

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By Douglas, April 22 at 11:18 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

So the two terrorists were ‘tortured’ to extract information hopefully to save thousands of innocent lives in the future. You don’t mention the real and permanent torture these terrorists inflicted on over 3000 families of people who died on 911 and numerous subsequent terrorist acts thereafter around the world.
Amy Goodman is so left and WRONG for this country. I suggest she and her Democracy NOW cohorts move to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea where there is no torture, you just disappear from the face of the earth courtesy of her buddy the Great Kim Jong IL! A real democracy it is!

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By Purple Girl, April 22 at 11:08 am #

Again chasing Small Fish while the big fish get away. Haven’t we learned anything from Watergate, iran Contra,AbuGhraib..?Come on folks Wake Up, You waste time and money prosecuting these low rankers and the Godfathers walk away scott free.
Small fish will invoke their miranda rights and we’ll never learn what crimes were committed that no legal briefs were requested. Lessoned Learned- don’t just destroy ‘18 minutes’ -never document those 18 minutes!
I don’t just want the Godfathers, I want the entire Orgnaized Crime Syndicate which they played Executors of.
Who is encouraging these Red herring prosecutions- those who have worked so hard to protect and defend the underlying network of Ciminal activity- for Decades?
I not interested in the Liddy’s, the Norths, the Englands, the Libby’s ....I want the entire conspiratorial network of ‘Families’ and their Current heads. Cheney Rummy and Wolfie are the Face of the MIC- but they are NOT the heart & circulatory system of the MIC.
Ya think Ike was a soothsayer or paranoid Tin hat? SOB the man tried to warning US about an organiztion which was already up & running!Hell bent on Bringing the Political, socio- economic sovereignty of the US to it’s knees.A Multinational conglomerate who’s mission statement is to oppress and enslave Humanity for it’s own self serving power and wealth. Who do you think has been sponsoring this Race to the Bottom? Come on Paulson and Berneke knew this economic collapse was coming 6 months prior- and they penned a 2 1/2 page Death threat/Ransom note to be pulled out as soon as the bottom fell out! Well forseen, thus avoidable, thus forethought, thus malice.
Torture is a Red herring, one they are confident will create enough distraction to avoid prosecution for much more heinous and treasonous acts.
Ya think the Waterboarding was bad, you have yet to even ask what happen to those in the Black prisons, where Torture is legal.Or Who was Assasinated by Cheneys’ Hit squad???Bhouto?
This is why the American people have been led astray for at least 3 decades- the so called Investigative Reporting never bothers to ask more indepth questions than the raw meat you are thrown. Ever wonder why they offer up this red meat, so readily?shit you never bothered to devle further into what was really on those damn 18 minutes!A Higher crime than a mere DNC break in or slush funds?
It’s an ‘Eminence Front’

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By Purple Girl, April 22 at 11:07 am #

Again chasing Small Fish while the big fish get away. Haven’t we learned anything from Watergate, iran Contra,AbuGhraib..?Come on folks Wake Up, You waste time and money prosecuting these low rankers and the Godfathers walk away scott free.
Small fish will invoke their miranda rights and we’ll never learn what crimes were committed that no legal briefs were requested. Lessoned Learned- don’t just destroy ‘18 minutes’ -never document those 18 minutes!
I don’t just want the Godfathers, I want the entire Orgnaized Crime Syndicate which they played Executors of.
Who is encouraging these Red herring prosecutions- those who have worked so hard to protect and defend the underlying network of Ciminal activity- for Decades?
I not interested in the Liddy’s, the Norths, the Englands, the Libby’s ....I want the entire conspiratorial network of ‘Families’ and their Current heads. Cheney Rummy and Wolfie are the Face of the MIC- but they are NOT the heart & circulatory system of the MIC.
Ya think Ike was a soothsayer or paranoid Tin hat? SOB the man tried to warning US about an organiztion which was already up & running!Hell bent on Bringing the Political, socio- economic sovereignty of the US to it’s knees.A Multinational conglomerate who’s mission statement is to oppress and enslave Humanity for it’s own self serving power and wealth. Who do you think has been sponsoring this Race to the Bottom? Come on Paulson and Berneke knew this economic collapse was coming 6 months prior- and they penned a 2 1/2 page Death threat/Ransom note to be pulled out as soon as the bottom fell out! Well forseen, thus avoidable, thus forethought, thus malice.
Torture is a Red herring, one they are confident will create enough distraction to avoid prosecution for much more heinous and treasonous acts.
Ya think the Waterboarding was bad, you have yet to even ask what happen to those in the Black prisons, where Torture is legal.Or Who was Assasinated by Cheneys’ Hit squad???Bhouto?
This is why the American people have been led astray for at least 3 decades- the so called Investigative Reporting never bothers to ask more indepth questions than the raw meat you are thrown. Ever wonder why they offer up this red meat, so readily?shit you never bothered to devle further into what was really on those damn 18 minutes!A Higher crime than a mere DNC break in or slush funds?

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By voice of truth, April 22 at 10:59 am #

This whole hysteria is ridiculous.  Torture, Medieval?  Subhuman?  Are you kidding me?  Please find me one person who was “tortured” anything like any pilot / captive of the infamous Hanoi Hilton. 

Sleep deprivation?  Have any of you ever had children?  Should mine be put in jail for depriving me of sleep?  Solitary confinement?  I got 4 kids, I would LOVE to be left alone for an hour!

Red hot pokers stuck into eyes and up anuses is medieval torture.  Sticking a hood over a guys head is not.

All this crazy wacko is simply a way for the Hate American First, Everything is Bush’s fault nutjobs who are clearly not capable of rational thought or looking at both sides of an issue.

It really is pathetic.

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By Bisbonian, April 22 at 10:55 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

John McCain, who has experienced torture, says that waterboarding is torture.  Rfidler, who has experienced women’s underwear on his head, says it is not.

It’s so confusing! Who can we believe?

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By Bisbonian, April 22 at 10:50 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

Sam, if “the techniques as described in the memos are clearly not torture,” then why was a Japanese soldier tried and convicted at Nuremberg waterboarding an American prisoner?  Why did the Cambodians bother to waterboard prisoners at the camp at Tuol Sleng if it was so innocuous?  Why did John McCain (who has some experience on the subject) say that Rudy Giuliani’s failure to call it torture reflected his own inexperience?  Perhaps he just has a Left-Wing difference of opinion.

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By rfidler, April 22 at 10:47 am #

freedom loving american:
I am mightily impressed by your intellectual depth! You condemn torture then prescribe torture for the malefactors. Ok, class- spot the contradiction.

Sam Francis and dep182:
Thank you.

Slapping! Bugs in dark rooms! Barking dogs! Women’s underwear over the face! Verbal insults! Disrespect for the Qu’ran! Standing blindfolded on a box while women (gross!) insult you! Naked scrums!

OH! THE HORROR!!

All you whiners have is waterboarding. Admit it. You want torture, check the beheading tapes, or the stonings of women during soccer halftimes. Now THAT’S torture!

This whole torture obsession is just a proxy for your sense of powerlessness.

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By garth, April 22 at 9:45 am #

I don’t get it.  First, Obama says no one should be held accountable.  Michael Isakoff on C-SPAN says, “Say, what?  That’s not his decision to make.”  Obama then says that those who wrote the legal gymnastics memos should be held accountable but the investigation should stop at the doors of the WH and the CIA.
Maybe, Obama, the supposed Constitutional scholar, didn’t hear the first time.  Someone should lean over and tell him, “Sir, it’s not your decision to make.  Who gets investigated and who doesn’t.  The sovereignty of the President or the President as King, does not work here.”
But if they persist in letting this one go, then I suggest we have a period of “looking forward” for all crimes.  Suspend all laws for a test period, save one, and that is everyone must carry a loaded weapon at all times, same caliber with the same number of bullets.  Why not give everyone a chance at lawlessness?  Sure violence would spike, but then I bet it would fall dramatically in the aftermath and would level off.
One question:  Why do all sentences from liberals and progressives about what Obama will do always begin with the word, “Hopefully…”
One final note.  Obama can’t go near the CIA because that is the Bush Crime Family’s bailiwick, and, therefore, it’s off gounds.  We have to look overseas for justice.

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By Lawrence Oswald, April 22 at 7:14 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

All the uproar over torture is a convenient diversion from the bigger issue, convenient for the members of the Bush administration. The much more important question is the assault on the Constitution.

At the very core of our American experiment with representative democracy is the idea of CHECKS AND BALANCES. Never should any person or group be allowed to make decisions without others being able to review and reverse those decisions. Signing statements, Executive Privilege, phone taps, renditions, the Patriot Act, FISA, covert actions, black ops, secret budgets, Cheneyism all must not happen. Torture is terrible but it is minor compared to these bigger abuses.

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By DWIGHTBAKER, April 22 at 7:07 am #

CONGRESS——SENATE——ADMINISTRATION—-JUSTICE   WAKE UP 2-2


Their connectivity to others around the world that have a different strategy about the way we should go——I think it is NOT as a sovereign solvent nation with our own self interest at the core of all we do——if their plans are implemented that will simply lead us to change not but for more of the same.  And to bypass that end game some things that you could do in the way things go for us——- would be:

Richard N. Haass (1991, 2003, 2004[11]), president, Council on Foreign Relations
Christian Herter[12] (1961, 1963, 1964, 1966), former Secretary of State
Sam Nunn (1996, 1997[4]), former US Senator
Kathleen Sebelius[15], Kansas governor and nominee for the the Health and Human Services secretary post
Timothy Geithner[16], Treasury Secretary
Lawrence Summers[17], Director of the National Economic Council
Paul Volcker[18], Chair of the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board

1.  The best measure as our President Commander and Chief to do now so that you would have many more ideas put on the table to think about would be——To hold one if not more Strategic Planning and Development Stimulus Summits—- with or without any of your staff and cabinet members or close confidants in the loop now——then arrange for many other good Americans that are noteworthy with credentials in scholarship and proven track records in name honor and recognition to attend and allow them to have your ear for at least three consecutive days that you might hear many others opinions and suggestion why and how to move forward then that might bring another perspective of what needs to be done now.

2.  Each passing day in America is filled with insidious, hideous and tenuous stuff as was the days when the BUSH BUNCH GANG was in power doing their THANGS.  And because of that—- things must change now you know that wholeheartedly, so please don’t wait——to make the Strategic Planning and Development Stimulus Summit one of the matters most important on your agenda.

3.  Now my suspicions are like many—- if a Strategic Planning and Development Stimulus Summit or one of like kind——- is not done soon by you——then your men might with their faulted and failed plans prevail.


The Bilderberg Group agendas are very clear they are out to protect the accumulation of wealth held by the old line and some new Barons [or benefactors of the spoils of war] to do what is best for them in exclusionary measures no matter what is best for the people affected. Because in their grand scheme of doing things all their goals are about exclusion for all reasons.

One thing for sure all of us agree you have guts to want the job of being our President to lead us out of the espionage and sabotage done by some corrupting our Nation that has been going on for a long time.  And one thing you can count on us for doing——is watching your back day and night, best as we can. 

What ever you need us to do just tell us.  Give us BIG JOBS to do——there is a lot of folks that will work for free to help us get back on our feet——WHY—- They like me love this our home America——- think about holding a SUMMIT with the many others that have a good heartbeat from the grass roots of the American folks right now.

As in all good things——change comes little by little and we should not rush any longer to put out fires that might be needed to burn down the old failed ways of doing business as usual——- that has us in the fix we are in.

Best regards

Dwight Baker Co Founder of the Bondservants of Christ Jesus Ministries, in the DR CONGO
Chairman of the Voices of We the Peoples Advocates or WTPA grass roots actions
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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By DWIGHTBAKER, April 22 at 7:05 am #

AMY GOODMAN OUR TIRELESS CHAMP SHE WORKS MORE IN ONE DAY
THAT MOST DO IN A YEAR

CONGRESS——SENATE——ADMINISTRATION—-JUSTICE   WAKE UP 1-2

Monday, April 20, 2009
To the Honorable President Barack Obama
Of the Untied States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

OPEN LETTER—- To whom it must concern

Mr. President,

I am but one voice in America today that has your interest at heart. My words are fashioned best as I can. So what I propose or say is never meant to bring any one or any thing into being called intent to deride or chide. 

Thanks for all the good work you are doing, and in keeping with your status as our President.  We have prayed that you would not back down or cower to anyone.
Many of WE THE PEOPLE are proud to be Americans and we are NOT inane of political science and the actions needed to protect and insure our equity in justice. And because of that we respect your work and for those high and lofty goals to be the centerpiece of your Administration.


With you as our solicitous vanguard we do have HOPE once more. In you taking the lead with your strong and strident voice and will in words and deeds to overcome all the many things, people and matters facing our solvency and sovereignty in our rich and abundant America.

One of the most vocal matters that is discussed daily in the televised media and printed News has been –—- when and where is the real CHANGE going to come from as promised. 

Many good a moral folks and I too have been your devoted staunch and strong allies for each step you have taken. And seems now a new chilly wind from a bad direction has begun to blow.  In my perception that is because many of your very close cabinet appointees and confidants have a proven track record that is not very good and that comes from their affiliations with groups and societies that have un-sound and un-reasonable long-term goals that have severe lacks of care and concern for our rights to life in our rich and abundant America that we have clung to in our communities and Constitution.

The following list was furnished by WIKI about those active today in your administration that has been apart of the Bilderberg Group.

Mr. President we elected you to set the stage for change and with those listed on your staff now—- how can you do that?

Obviously you have your work cut out for you to reform our government to integrity… and genuinely caring and working with the highest good of all in mind. You have a tall task you have taken on and we salute you and back you anyway we can.

YOU MUST: to insure your length of your Presidency and insure our safety increase the size of the Justice department five fold now.

YOU MUST: retreat and put in order what you will not compromise on. If not you and we will be labeled as an enabler of the BEAST that is out to cheat, lie, steal and kill our great and abundant America, and if anyone knows that better than you—tell me who?

YOU MUST CLEAN HOUSE NOW YOUR CABINET IS CORRUPT AND THAT MAKES YOU CORRUPT TOO: start with the following then keep working toward getting rid of the 5 to 7 thousand of the BUSH BUNCH that are hanger on out to beset our agendas for doing right not wrong.


YOU MUST FORGET ABOUT YOUR STAR STATUS for it is naught compared to the consequences that lays around the bend if all is falls apart and planed by the BILDERBERGERS AND NEO-CONS you wanted the people in America to vote for you to replace.

YOU MUST CAPTURE THE THOUGHT THEN HAVE THE WILL TO IMPLEMENT that a man is judged by his words first then his deeds that follow.

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By grant, April 22 at 6:52 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

OMG, this is much ado about nothing compared to the truly high priority we are facing today. You must be mad as hatter to dwell on this issue at this time. My God, the nation is bankrupt, the jobs are being eliminated, the national debt and the annual budget is beyond belief and the Fed is feverishly churning out fresh currency, thus, destroying the dollar and inviting hyper inflation like the Weimar Republic and you fret over this waterboard to - to what? Smokescreen and obfuscate the critical issues. Hell, do another polar bear story, or update the old snail darter story. Waterboarding? Waterboarding? OMG!

Another distraction from the manipulative mainstream media, that is what it looks like to ordinary people!

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By freedom loving american, April 22 at 3:05 am #

Amy was outstanding, like she always is.

Water boarding has always been torture, it was torture in the 1st century it was torture in the 6th century it was torture in the 13 century it was torture in the 20 century.  Only since these crazy American hating, liberty hating, freedom hating, wingnuts stole our country in the last 5 elections has it not been considered torture. 

These gutless, inhumane, spineless, worthless, subhuman’s, who’s only concern is to steal all the money the hard working citizens pay to the government. The bush cabal should all be tried and hung like the worthless filth they are. Any gutless inhumane bureaucrat that tortured another human should be executed beside their leaders. 

However, this is somewhat sticky since we routinely torture and in many cases murder our own citizens.

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By dep182, April 22 at 12:40 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

i think we lost sight of 9/11 to give a crap what happen to these scumbags they are killing us.  maybe we should give them milk and cookies or smother them with kindness . you should look up the U.S. contractor kidnapped and beheaded video.  they use a large knife to remove his head it takes a long time. muffled screams moans and gargling he has a hard time cutting through bone in his neck . the torturers should be giving medals and more terrorist

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By Sam Francis, April 21 at 11:09 pm #

Just an utterly absurd commentary, on so many levels.

1.  The techniques as described in the memos are clearly not torture.  These techniques must be reviewed in the circumstances in which they are used.  We weren’t dealing with political dissidents.  They were people that were connected to   the deaths of thousands of Americans.

2.  You are using supporting statements from the International Red Cross and the ACLU?  You must kidding.

3.  So at the end of the day, what you really object to is that Obama appears reluctant to prosecute people who have A DIFFERENT OPINION than you do.  Well that just about sums up the Left-Wing in this country, doesn’t it?

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By politicky, April 21 at 10:45 pm #

I sure hope DiFi doesn’t cave on this one.

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By Reverb, April 21 at 10:33 pm #

Noticed that Dennis Blair, Dir. of National Intelligence, issued a statement about the torture memos - read this excerpt:

<—->
As a young Navy officer during the Vietnam years, I experienced public scorn for those of us who served in the Armed Forces during an unpopular war. Challenging and debating the wisdom and policies linked to wars and warfighting is important and legitimate; however disrespect for
those who serve honorably within legal guidelines is not. I remember well the pain of those of us who served our country even when the policies we were carrying out were unpopular or could be second-guessed.
We in the Intelligence Community should not be subjected to similar pain.

<—->

Hard to feel for the pain of the “Intelligence Community” in light of these memos.

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