Thursday, December 18, 2008

CHENEY ADMITS TO TORTURE, CONDONES WATERBORDING

In an ABC interview, US V.P. Dick Cheney admitted to "getting the process cleared" or authorizing the use of water boarding on prisoners of war. While invoking 9/11 yet again, (which has become the get out of jail free card, and the "do anything you want and get away with it" pass), Cheney was adamant in insisting it was the right thing to do, despite the fact that it is against U.S. and International law.

If Cheney is allowed to admit on television his disregard for the law, without fear of prosecution, it will set a dangerous tone for future administrations to wantonly disregard law, human rights, and liberty, and flaunt their ability to avoid legitimate prosecution for their crimes. Furthermore, administrations will find it increasingly easy to use torture tactics on all people, American citizens included, when they deem necessary.

The blatant disregard for law, ethics and morality in this Conservative Christian administration is appalling. I have voted for this administration twice, I have been duped, I have held the measuring stick to them and they have fallen far short. I am thankful the term is almost finished.

If the President of the United States as well as the Vice President, SecDef, SecState, the Attorney General for God's sake, can violate the letter as well as the spirit of so many laws, why would I expect anyone to respect the legal system in my country, obey the law, and even give a damn that we have laws?

It is a question worth asking, and delving into. I believe we need to hold our elected officials, appointed politicians such as some judges, law enforcement personnel, accountable for their actions and make it extraordinarily painful if they violate the public trust.

Just some thoughts on a snowy Wednesday morning in Vancouver.
Peace-
Mike

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