Tuesday, May 5

Malpractice, crime, partisanship, and honor


Ambers:
Ostensibly, Yoo, an attorney for the Office of Legal Counsel and Bybee, that section's chief, were tasked by Attorney General John Ashcroft with determining whether so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques" violated U.S. law and treaty obligations. But a draft report, prepared by the Justice Department's Office of Professional Review, suggests that, at the direction of the White House, the OLC worked to justify a policy that had already been determined and did not begin their inquiry from a neutral position.
Andrew thinks it may lead to the motherload, and I agree justice demands it.

However, the public perception that Democrats would be seeking political retribution stands in the way. Perhaps that is the motive of some on the left, but certainly not independents like myself or Andrew's. In reality, it is the partisan self-interest of Republicans like John McCain that pushes the notion torture investigations are political retribution.

This Republican self-interest is understandable, but nonetheless wrong. Though it can be a wrenchingly difficult thing to do, honorable citizens place justice before party—just as they would place it before family.

1 comment:

  1. it really brings the whole debate over "COUNTRY FIRST!!!" (!!) into stark relief doesn't it.

    you want to know what i consider the most patriotic american possible? the man who, in spite of all his vested interests and political ambition, recognizes an assault an assault on the foundering principles of our country and vigorously pursues the wrongdoers, no matter where the trail leads him. it is the man who truly does put principle, the rule of law and our constitution above Party and self-interest. that's who i define as a hero.

    who do i think is a prototypical political hack (who, i daresay, is arguably less than patriotic)? the opposite of what i said above.

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