anotherlook

Waterboarding is a method of simulated drowning that involves strapping down a subject and pouring water into his nose and mouth.  As the person is gasping for breath, the water enters his lungs inducing panic.  This method of torture was used by Chinese Communists on American Soldiers during the Korean War and at the time the
United States denounced the Chinese for violating the Geneva Conventions and international law for practicing this method of torture. 

However, in recent years and under the leadership of George W. Bush, this method of torture was given the go ahead in extracting intelligence information from high-value al-Qaeda detainees.  Not only was it used on detainees, but it was tested on U.S. military personnel where government psychologist reported that it was 100 percent effective in breaking the will of U.S. military personnel according to documents released by the Senate Committee. 

These and other forms of torture such as forcing detainees to stand naked, subjecting them to growling dogs and depriving them of sleep were discussed by top members of the National Security Council and other senior administration officials who expressed strong concerns about the legality of the methods. 

 War is hell – any way you look at it, but to become like the people who we regard as going against the rules is unspeakable.  Should George W. Bush have his name added to the list of names being caught up in this United States scandal?  After all it was his power and authority that allowed this behavior. 

Meanwhile, in McAllen Texas, a grand jury has indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on charges related to the alleged abuse of prisoners in Willacy County’s federal detention centers.  Cheney is accused of a conflict of interest and at least misdemeanor assaults on detainees by working through the prison companies of the Vanguard Group, which holds interests in the private prison companies running the federal detention centers.  

Gonzales is accused of using his position while in office to stop an investigation into abuses at the federal detention centers.  While the indictments have not been seen by a judge, who may dismiss the charges, the indictment cites a money trail of Cheney’s ownership in prison-related enterprises. 

Jon Newman once spoke on accountability and said “American liberty is premised on the accountability of free men and women for what they have done, not for what they may do.”  It has been demonstrated what Bush was willing to do or at least willing to give orders to do should he not be held accountable for these deeds. 

Power, money, control, greed, revenge all bring out the ugly in people and lately, here in America, that ugly is rearing its head in scandal after scandal of the leaders we choose to lead us.  What is happening to America? 

Thought of the Day – “A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for injury.”  John Stuart Mill 

According to this thought, we are all responsible for the injustices perpetrated on those detainees, to some degree.  Is this the way you want to live your life? 

And that’s the way I see it!!