Torture Inc.

Staying Current on the Torture Scandals

I have been terribly remiss in not covering news on Abu Ghraib, Gitmo Bay, and related detainee mistreatment information. Whether it's the Schmidt report, the use of Abu Ghraib techniques in  Gitmo Bay first, or the allegation that Gen. Miller lied to Congress by saying he didn't brief Rumsfeld or his top deputies on his tour of Abu Ghraib - I've been silent. I'll post on these and more in time, but for now, please head over to Andrew Sullivan's site, Daily Dish, to stay up to speed. It's too important to ignore, despite my own silence.

Former Bush Physician Speaks Out Against Detainee Mistreatment

Think those concerned about detainee mistreatment are partisan players intent on using the issue to damage Bush or that it's inherently a criticism of our troops? Read this excerpt of an op-ed on the issue by a former personal physician to President Bush:

Today, however, it seems as though our government and the military have slipped into Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness." The widespread reports of torture and ill-treatment -- frequently based on military and government documents -- defy the claim that this abusive behavior is limited to a few noncommissioned officers at Abu Ghraib or isolated incidents at Guantanamo Bay. When it comes to torture, the military's traditional leadership and discipline have been severely compromised up and down the chain of command. Why? I fear it is because the military has bowed to errant civilian leadership.

Now go read the rest. And consider whether this is an issue we can afford to politicize or ignore. I believe it is a stain on our nation and an injury to our national character. I still don't understand others who don't.