The Torture Photos
I have mixed emotions about the President deciding to fight the release of the torture photos. On one hand, I don’t need to see the evidence of a crime I already know was committed. These pictures have to be at the very least deeply disturbing and nightmarish. But on the other hand, perhaps the country does need to see them to make it understand the horrid acts that have been done in our name.
As to the question about would the release of these photos put our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq in more danger, I say maybe it’s best to err on the side of their safety if there is any doubt.
As to the question about would the release of these photos put our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq in more danger, I say maybe it’s best to err on the side of their safety if there is any doubt.
posted by pissed off patricia at 1:53 AM
10 Comments:
The first couple of photos were more than enough evidence of what was taking place in our names. Not releasing the additional photos is the correct decision. Releasing them would just be rubbing salt into the wound and there is no additional shame to be gained from seeing more of our national disgrace.
I couldn't agree more. While the pundits on Air America seem to be having a field day trying to compare this decision to Bush/Cheney's secretive cabal, I think they are wrong.
If even one soldier were to be endangered/killed by these photos being made public (and according to what I've heard, there's nothing in them as bad or worse than Abu Graib) - then they need to stay out of the NYTimes.
I don't think the torture apologists really know what it is they're talking about. Perhaps if they saw all the photos, they could get a better idea of just what they are cheering forward. There's just too many people now who are swallowing the "ticking time bomb" nonsense along with the "It works!" fallacy. I think a little reality should intrude into their fantasies.
Release the photos: Inflame the already inflamed America-hating radical muslims that want blood.
Don't release the photos: Inflame (crybaby) radical liberals that want blood.
I agree with Obama on this one. It's too simple an answer to a very complex situation.... that he inherited.
The whole idea of keeping our soldiers "safe" by withholding these photos is laughable. Safe? They're not at the prom, after all. People are already trying to kill them, and they already know what's been done to prisoners. They're probably being told WORSE things than actually happened. When the truth is not allowed to come out, people are free to create their own versions of it and always will. The maniacs in charge will tell them lies about why we need to be obliterated the same way the maniacs in charge here led the battle cry in 2003. Do we put actual facts at the forefront of the dialogue, or continue to clutter it with infinite inventions? I'm afraid that this is another case of the soldiers being used as a shield by people who would rather waive some responsibility.
Cheney is running all over the networks pushing the idea that releasing the photos will endanger our soldiers. That seals the deal, as far as I'm concerned. Whose agenda is Cheney pushing? The troops? Really?
And, lots of folks [the ACLU among them] think that Obama's attempt to keep them under wraps will fail. It said that when these photos come to light, “the outrage will focus not only on the Bush administration but on the Obama administration’s complicity in covering them up.”
For some reason, I trust the ACLU more than I do Cheney.
I agree with Targa. It's a no win situation and he's making the correct decision.
Put them out there. We need the catharsis.
I'm really pissed off too. Can't wait for a special prosecutor. But everyday the cry gets louder and more and more people at the lower level are emboldened to come forward and talk about what they know. This becomes actionable information. It's a public record. I hope it sickens us all enough that WE WILL DEMAND JUSTICE AND FULL DISCLOSURE.
On that note, I planned on slipping in here to grab your http thingy and run home to put you on the feed. But I read and now I'm all pissed off again. I will go home and do the work to keep your posts rising to the top of the feed where it will grab my attention. I'm pretty simple like that.
IMHO it is WE who need to view these photos. maybe not you and me, who are already clamoring for a full investigation, but those who swallow the lie that it was like "fraternity hazing." (which does also sometimes cause death)
how can the national debate be about the "effectiveness" of a criminal act?
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