Editorial: Congress should prohibit cruelty, torture

[struggle4progress]

<snip>
• It is ludicrous on its face to argue, as the White House does, that prohibiting cruelty usurps presidential authority. Nothing in the Constitution or federal law gives the president such authority in the first place. <snip>

• Such treatment has been shown to have no practical value. Information coerced from prisoners through abuse or torture isn't very reliable. <snip>

• Such treatment provides a convenient excuse for cruelty inflicted by others and reduces chances that cruelty can be punished by the international community.

• Such treatment brings the United States international scorn and hatred that incite attacks against Americans and increase the threat from terrorism. <snip>

http://www.startribune.com/stories/1519/5539817.html

[wli]

1. yes, call Bushler's bluff

He can veto the defense spending bill all he wants. Heck, we should encourage him to, it would help balance the budget.