Did Obama Just Officially Give Bush & Co a Pass on Gitmo Torture?

[MannyGoldstein]

The thing I found most interesting about Obama's statements yesterday was that he entirely blamed the low-level folks for the torture on the pictures that he's seeking to hide, and claims that everyone who was involved was dealt with - that it's old business that's been taken care of.

"Understand, these photos are associated with closed investigations of the alleged abuse of detainees in our ongoing war effort."

And I want to emphasize that these photos that were requested in this case are not particularly sensational, especially when compared to the painful images that we remember from Abu Ghraib, but they do represent conduct that did not conform with the Army Manual. That's precisely why they were investigated -- and, I might add, investigated long before I took office -- and, where appropriate, sanctions have been applied.

In other words, this is not a situation in which the Pentagon has concealed or sought to justify inappropriate action. Rather, it has gone through the appropriate and regular processes. And the individuals who were involved have been identified, and appropriate actions have been taken.

It's therefore my belief that the publication of these photos would not add any additional benefit to our understanding of what was carried out in the past by a small number of individuals. In fact, the most direct consequence of releasing them, I believe, would be to further inflame anti-American opinion and to put our troops in greater danger."

As many on DU know, I've been pretty sure for some time that Obama was going to avoid his Constitutional duty to prosecute war crimes. This seems like just another big stride down that path.

[billyoc]

1. We need a picture thread, STAT!

:hi:

[Bluerthanblue]

2. he's speaking about 44 photos out of several thousand

that exist.

These photos have already been used to prosecute individuals. I think he's speaking of this specifice group of photos some of which have been leaked- showing abuses that are similar to the Abu Garib torture pictures.

The memos contain plenty of info that can be used to prosecute. It isn't Obama's place to prosecute the war crimes. Haven't we been over that enought times on here already?

[sui generis]

3. move along nothing to see here

the photos aren't especially sensational.

Okay, Obama. So you're saying if they were sensational you'd release them? I smell a three day old dead rat -

the B.S. isn't even self-consistent. The point isn't to mollify or pacify detractors - it's to fess up to what happened.

By not fessing up, our Democratic leadership is just as guilty of sweeping crap under the carpet. "Trust us, we know what's best for you silly little plebes."

[Hepburn]

5. I found that interesting....

...they are NOT sensational...but they should not be released because they would endanger the troops.

Something does not add up in the position which Obama has taken on this.

JMHO

[Eric J in MN]

4. There is no law saying that interrogations by the CIA have to follow the Army Field Manual.

It's misleading to say that the interrogations didn't follow the Army Field Manual, so the issue is over.

We need a new law requiring CIA interrogations to follow the Army Field Manual.

[EFerrari]

8. You're right. The field manual is a red herring, politician speak.

Torture is against the law in the United States and was already when Cheney decided to do it.

Cheney has not been brought account and for Obama to say what he said is irresponsible as well as inaccurate.

[Clio the Leo]

6. You know, when you have your mind made up about something...

.... things generally proceed in the manner you're expecting them to.

Weird how that happens, isnt' it?

[MannyGoldstein]

12. Can You Be More Specific? nt

[ShortnFiery]

7. Yes, and I'm disgusted with Obama's support of "a few bad apples" defense. nt

[EndElectoral]

9. Dammit, c'mon Obama

[KansDem]

10. What does he mean by "And the individuals who were involved have been identified...

...and appropriate actions have been taken."

What are "appropriate actions?"

[slay]

11. Yes, yes he did

I am very disappointed in Obama right now. :(

[Vidar]

13. It looks that way.