Marital Infidelity and the Torture Issue (yeah, weird comparison, but hear me out)

[dem629]

A few years ago, I used to hang out with a guy named Tony who was a fun guy to be around -- he knew a lot about a lot of subjects, knew how to make some good grub and was generally an easy fellow to be around.

As I got to know him a little better, it turned out that Tony liked to frequent strip clubs and use escort services. The strip clubs weren't a big deal to me, but the escort service was too much. Not only because I tend to prefer to stay on the right side of the law, but also because, well, Tony's wife was surely not aware of this. And, oh yeah, Tony happened to be married to one of my cousins.

One Friday afternoon, a few weeks after the aforementioned revelation took place, Tony showed up at my place of work, asking me what I had planned for the night. I said I had no plans, and he asked if I would be interested in going to a strip club and then afterward, we could "get a couple of girls, my treat."

Now, why would he offer to pay for a girl for me? There's only one reason: He knew I wasn't interested in having sex with hookers, but the offer to pay just might, in his mind, be more enticing to me. But why would he care so much that I have a few hours with a hooker? There's only one reason for that: To compromise me.

Had I taken him up on his offer, I would be far less likely to tell my cousin, his wife, about his dalliances.

I have read that people who are engaging in acts they know are wrong or illegal often do this to close associates who know of their actions. It's a hush-tactic.

I tell this story to illustrate precisely why the Bush Administration officials discussed their torture policy with Democrats on the Hill. The Bush officials were not looking for consultation; they were not seeking approval; they were not adhering to any principle of full-disclosure. They were, quite simply, approaching those who would be likely to hold investigative powers, and compromising them with the intention to block future potential inquiries into criminal behavior related to torture policy. It's the "Hey, you knew about it and went along with it" defense.

Guess what? Unfortunately, it very well may have worked.

(P.S. A little while later, I found out that Tony is a ditto-head neocon.)

[JVS]

1. It's a sad world we live in where the offer of providing prostitutes for a friend is regarded

with suspicion. I miss those kinder, gentler days of yore.

[dem629]

6. LOL. I guess that's one way to read the post. :)

[ljm2002]

2. I think your analysis is spot-on...

...in both cases.

[Mme. Defarge]

3. Excellent analogy - n/t

[OHDEM]

4. You're right on both counts.

Good points!

[FiveGoodMen]

5. I think you're right.