White House: We ‘Definitely Want To Consider’ Using Waterboarding Again
White House: We ‘Definitely Want To Consider’ Using Waterboarding Again
In congressional testimony yesterday, CIA director Michael Hayden confirmed that his agency used waterboarding on three al Qaeda suspects. In 2006, Hayden banned the use of waterboarding in CIA interrogations. The Pentagon also banned its employees from using it, and the FBI said its investigators do not use coercive tactics in interviewing terror suspects.
But in today’s gaggle, White House said that it may approve the use of waterboarding again “depend[ing] upon circumstances”:
“It will depend upon circumstances,” spokesman Tony Fratto said, adding “the belief that an attack might be imminent, that could be a circumstance that you would definitely want to consider.”
Later, in a press briefing, Fratto tried to distance himself from these remarks, claiming that he only was talking about “the process” of approving waterboarding. “I’m not speculating,” he declared. Watch it:
Fratto said this morning that if used again, waterboarding would “need the president’s approval,” and the White House would notify “appropriate members of Congress.”
Last week, Attorney General Michael Mukasey repeatedly refused to declare the practice illegal. Yesterday, Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell and CIA Director Michael Hayden “left open the option of reinstating it.”
Despite its hedging, the White House made clear today it very well may commit illegal torture again.
UPDATE: Jack Balkin has more.
Transcript:
QUESTION: Earlier, you suggested that it would not be ruled out for possible use in the future.
FRATTO: Again, I think I’d refer you to the testimony yesterday where the intelligence chiefs didn’t rule anything out.
What I did talk about was the process whereby the administration would consider any enhanced interrogation techniques.
And that process includes the director of the Central Intelligence Agency bringing the proposal to the attorney general, where a review would be conducted to determine if the plan would be legal and effective. At that point, the proposal would go to the president. The president would listen to the determinations of his advisers and make a decision.
If he made a decision to authorize a specific interrogation technique, part of that process also involves going to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees and the chairmen and ranking members of the Judiciary Committees and to inform them that a change in the program has taken place.
QUESTION: But the fact that the process exists suggests that it could be used again? You’re not ruling it out.
FRATTO: I’m not speculating at all on what circumstances in the future would cause the director of the CIA to make a proposal in that way. That’s something for Director Hayden to address.
What we do know is that they’re taking — they take the interrogation program very seriously. They understand that it must be done with safeguards and under the rule of law.
Every interrogation technique used in this program was brought to the Department of Justice, and the Department of Justice made a determination as to its lawfulness. And that allowed the Central Intelligence Agency to move forward with their program.
Any change would follow the process that I just outlined.
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Doesn't that imply that, previously, the President authorized the use of torture???
February 6th, 2008 at 2:41 pmI approve of waterboarding IF we start with Bush, Cheney, Rice, Perino, and this tool, Fratto. We can revisit our decision to do this again after all of them have shared their experiences and thoughts on the topic.
Gosh, if only....
February 6th, 2008 at 2:42 pmFratto said this morning that if used again, waterboarding would “need the president’s approval†and would notify “appropriate members of Congress.â€
Bush had to approve it the first time it happened. That means that Bush approved torture so his "we do not torture" is just another lie.
Do these people really think that we are that stupid? Do they really think we don't know that Waterboarding is torture and therefore against the law. Do they really think we don't know that the Bush Crime Family broke this law, along with the numerous laws they have broken?
They are crazy and desperate. It's scary what desperate people will do. That's why I am very worried about what might happen in the remaining months of the Bush Crime Family's rein of terror.
February 6th, 2008 at 2:44 pm#3 "Do these people really think that we are that stupid?"
Yes, they do.
And many Americans are that stupid. 51% were that stupid in 2004, but at least only 30% are that stupid now.
February 6th, 2008 at 2:48 pmDo these people really think that we are that stupid? Do they really think we don’t know that Waterboarding is torture and therefore against the law. Do they really think we don’t know that the Bush Crime Family broke this law, along with the numerous laws they have broken?
Comment by bilbobaggins
I agree with #4. they are playing patriot to the weak minded. We did this because we had to....not because we wanted to. They want to use these weak minded slobs along with a lot of flag waving to ge tacit approval of an illegal action.......
February 6th, 2008 at 2:51 pmIt clearly implies that the chymp is an admitted criminal, and will commit further crimes at will.
February 6th, 2008 at 2:52 pmNo, they are not desparate. They do not think that we are stupid. There are sufficient Republicans in congress to prevent a successful impeachment trial. They learned their lessons from past scandals. They will openly lie in your face and dare you to do something about it. They have taken the measure of the Democratic majority and found them weak and unwilling to push the issues.
February 6th, 2008 at 2:52 pmWhite House: We ‘Definitely Want To Consider’ Using Waterboarding Again ...Since It Was So Much Fun the First Time...
February 6th, 2008 at 2:54 pmIn other words, the Administration has admitted it has used waterboarding already, which is an admission to committing War Crimes. And not one Democratic leader will step up and demand justice or use the Constitutional remedies for such "high crimes and misdemeanors".
I wish one of the candidates, Hill or Obama would have the guts or fortitude to speak out, but they are too busy playing the "dirty tricks" games to one up on each other to care about real issues.
I am sorely disappointed in the Democrats who are our only hope to counter the Republicrooks.
February 6th, 2008 at 2:58 pmi think i gotta go with jmohr on this one...
i used to be in bilbo's camp, but anymore, it's just too flagrant...
it could very well be both, though...
February 6th, 2008 at 2:58 pmThe White House position, very simply, is:
If we waterboard, it isn't torture. Now stop asking questions.
February 6th, 2008 at 2:58 pmHAGUE TRIALS '09 - And just fking how do they determine if an attack is imminent? By torturing someone to get the answer they want?
Setup - Bush War Criminal #1 - "We need someone to say that an attack is imminent."
War Criminal #2 - "Well, we will just torture someone till they say that an attack is imminent."
War Criminal #1 - "Yes, that certainly has worked in the past to get false information for our needs."
War Criminal #2 - "Yeah, and who would be the wiser, let's just pick someone off the street to save time."
War Criminal #1 - "Just make sure he has a Arabic sounding name and has dark skin."
War Criminal #2 - "Gotcha, should I tape it for Cheney again, he loves this stuff."
War Criminal #1 - "You betcha, make one for GW too, they just love this stuff."
Buck Fush
February 6th, 2008 at 3:01 pmThese guys can't leave well enough alone jeesh. What a stupid statement.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:01 pm"We ‘Definitely Want To Consider’ Using Waterboarding Again"
Of course you do... as if you've ever stopped.
As a Vet I am sickened and outraged at what this administration has committed in our name...
February 6th, 2008 at 3:02 pmResponse to:
They are crazy and desperate. It’s scary what desperate people will do. That’s why I am very worried about what might happen in the remaining months of the Bush Crime Family’s rein of terror.
Comment by bilbobaggins — February 6, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
Every totalitarian regeime started with a leader willing to stretch his/her power and authority doing things that just looked crazy and that were obviously beyond the pale of the law. However, it was not desperation. It was boldness. Bush does not care about this country or democracy. That is actually his strength. You can force many issues to the edge of a debilitating and costly dispute knowing that those who really care will have to backdown. This has been the Bush tactic at every turn whether the issue be small or large. Even on those rare occasions where he seems to reverse course, as here; he merely backs up and tries again. Yes, we only did it three times, it was not torture though (you just do not understand), the attorney general said it was legal and we will reserve the right to do it again.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:05 pmThey have taken the measure of the Democratic majority and found them weak and unwilling to push the issues.
Comment by JMOHR — February 6, 2008 @ 2:52 pm
Yeah, my point exactly. The Democratic Leadership are sheeple. They are unwilling ( not unable ) to even try to do the Right Thing.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:07 pmI find that personally disgusting...
So, there is a new sign at the borders and at the airports:
Welcome to the Police States of America!
A government that will detain, torture, spy, trespass, and collect all biometric data upon its own citizens is a government to be feared.
Torture is primitive brutality. It serves no useful end. It is a WAR CRIME.
IMPEACH, dammit! IMPEACH, IMPEACH, IMPEACH!!!
February 6th, 2008 at 3:08 pmSo, waterboarding is A-OK and needs approval from the Draft Dodger-in-chief according to Tony Frodo. Unbelievable comment from "The Gang That Can't Shoot Straight" Administration.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:09 pmWhich step is "sanctioned use of torture" on the road to fascism?
February 6th, 2008 at 3:21 pmWaterboarding was used on Navy Seals as a part of their training. It is very effective and physically harmless. I hope that they use any means necessary to get the information that will help save americans. If you like mass american deaths please continue to oppose torture.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:22 pmHey, when Bush is arrested for TREASON in 2009, let's use it on HIM!!
If he DIES, then we'll know it WAS torture, and all will be well.
And we'll NEVER have to waterboard him AGAIN.
SWEET!!
February 6th, 2008 at 3:23 pmWhat is it about illegal that Bush&Co don't understand?
February 6th, 2008 at 3:25 pmThey have knowingly committed a crime and would do so again, given the opportunity -- all this despite expert opinion that torture is ineffective, puts our own people in greater danger and --- IT IS ILLEGAL!!! It is against the Geneva Convention and the Army Field Manual.
If you like mass american deaths please continue to oppose torture.
Comment by chriswyse — February 6, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
If you like the death of the United States of America, please continue to support torture.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:25 pmIf you like mass village deaths due to rampant witchcraft and satan worship please continue to oppose torture.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:26 pmFratto said this morning that if used again, waterboarding would “need the president’s approval†and would notify “appropriate members of Congress.â€
Just like they did last time, right? Come on, when is enough enough? Really, when? And will one or more of the purportedly "conservative" Americans lurking around here, please explain to me how you will reconcile this twisted logic when, dare I say it, a Democrat is the CiC. You still going to be for waterboarding on the flimsiest of evidence; wholesale wiretapping / collecting of all telephone and internet traffic; systemic human rights abuses; and, my personal favorite, the USofA, that beakon on the hill, holding a bunch of people who did nothing more than be in the wrong place, at the wrong time in communist Cuba. What y'all gonna do?
February 6th, 2008 at 3:27 pmAll their political lives, our representatives in the House and Senate have learned to compromise and negotiate to "get things done".
But this administration is a different animal.
It doesn't compromise, doesn't negotiate, just demands capitulation on every facet of every issue.
Faced with this dilemma, the congresscritters just wander aimlessly about the halls, fearful of some imaginary backlash that would threaten their seat in the game should they attempt to fight back.
Pathetic.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:27 pmWe have three Democrats left for the presidential election and John McCain is the most progressive (liberal) and also the most against torture. John McCain is the true democrat in this election. All you nuts are guaranteed a Democrat in the White House. I'm glad I don't live live in a large city and I hope I don't get hit by any fallout.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:28 pmMeanwhile in Normandy, tens of thousands of veterans turn over in their graves in disgust.
-GSD
February 6th, 2008 at 3:28 pmI hope you wear depends to bed chrissy.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pmThis statement comes from an administration that could not be bothered to do even the smallest thing when they were presented with the August 2001 PDB that actually said an attack was imminent.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pm"If you like mass american deaths please continue to oppose torture." Comment by chriswyse — February 6, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
so, to defeat the "enemy" you advocate becoming the enemy. nuff said. if we want senseless statements to stop being made based on emotoin and knee jerk reactions, can we torture you?
February 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pmAnd our status in the world just took another nosedive.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pmThat term "enhanced interrogation technique" is so Bush administration.
If you punch someone during an argument does that constitute an "enhanced persuasion technique"?
February 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pmPlease don't bait the poor troll. I'm sorry I stooped to it. Leave him alone. He gets off on the attention.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:30 pmWhy did Al Qaeda wait to attack America until Bush was president? They must have sensed his weakness.
-GSD
February 6th, 2008 at 3:30 pmWe have three Democrats left for the presidential election and John McCain is the most progressive (liberal) and also the most against torture. John McCain is the true democrat in this election. All you nuts are guaranteed a Democrat in the White House. I’m glad I don’t live live in a large city and I hope I don’t get hit by any fallout.
Comment by chriswyse — February 6, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
McSenile is another Bush TRAITOR.
8 years ago, I would have voted for him, thinking he WAS a "moderate".
Now he calls for ENDLESS WARS against ENEMIES NOT YET NAMED.
And if there IS "fallout", I hope you DO get hit by the "fallout".
And EVERYONE in your family.
REAL Americans will CELEBRATE your EVIL demise, unamerikkan scum that you ARE...
USA! USA!
February 6th, 2008 at 3:32 pmUSA! USA!
USA! USA!
USA! USA!
McCain is no liberal, nor is he a progressive. Having been the victim of torture, he pretty much knows it when he sees it, unlike your current cadre of draft-dodgers and flight school AWOLers, he endured it. But, he'd rather bomb someone into 'submission' (for those short term goals) rather than discuss / negotiate resolution of differences. Iraq for 10,000 years? I think not. Iran next? Why?
February 6th, 2008 at 3:32 pmI’m glad I don’t live live in a large city and I hope I don’t get hit by any fallout.
Comment by chriswyse — February 6, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Nobody's falling for your fearmongering. Give it up.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:33 pmI'm just curious what the reason is for the sudden turnaround in the Administration's tactics. For years they've been silent on the use of waterboarding for "national security reasons." Now the CIA is able to admit that they waterboarded three people. So does that mean the "national security reason" is no longer out there? It's suddenly okay for the rest of the world to know that we torture? I really don't understand.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:37 pmI’m glad I don’t live live in a large city
Comment by chriswyse — February 6, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Yeah, you live in a trailer out in the desert with the other wackos, I bet. Or maybe in a white supremacist compound in Idaho.
Man alive, what a bedwetter.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:38 pmIf you like mass american deaths please continue to oppose torture.
Comment by chriswyse
Another boring troll. At least MA was entertaining.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:40 pmI’m just curious what the reason is for the sudden turnaround in the Administration’s tactics.
Comment by toasterhead — February 6, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
It's simple. They have realized they can no longer cover it up, and that they have exposed themselves to criminal penalties, so they are desperately trying to normalize the behavior by speaking nonchalantly about it. "Yeah, waterboarded, been there done that, no big deal. Nothing to see here. Move along now."
February 6th, 2008 at 3:40 pmOh, thanks chriswyse. As someone living in a major American city, you're compassionate conservatism moves me mightily. I guess your hoping that tens or hundreds of thousands of your fellow americans are killed tragically in a spectacular fireball undetected (yet once again) by our fearless leader. if it happens before November, all the better, no?
Then you and yours can go back to taking the easy way out by:
1. relying on other nations (particularly those fond of torture, er, enhanced interrogation techniques) for critical "intelligence";
2. shredding the US constitution, specifically, the right to habeas and the 4th, 5th, 6th and 14th amendments; and
3. operating illegal prisons in foreign countries, including communist Cuba.
Your not an American; you're its enemy. And I, for one, despise you and everything you stand for (if you actually stand for anything). Coward. Wimp. Traitor. Torture on, Christian Soldier. Torture on. Chris(un)wyse
February 6th, 2008 at 3:41 pmHey, Fratboy, You Go First.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:41 pmtoaster, one possibility is the false false flag attack.
Under this scenario, they bake up a false flag attack, then thwart it using tortu, excuse me, enhanced persuasion techniques.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:42 pmThen they crow about how they stopped the false false flag attack as justification for more tor, damn, epts.
Another boring troll. At least MA was entertaining.
Comment by Juan C. — February 6, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
Freedom isn't free. Women in burkas. Terrists on the lawn. Amurka invaded. Nukular Iran.
There are only so many variations these cretins can come up with.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:42 pmTORTURE (i mean WATERBOARD) Bush and the PNAC WAR CRIMINALS in 2009, after they are arrested for TREASON against the USA.
If they DIE, we'll know it was torture.
And be rid of WAR CRIMINAL SCUM.
Win-Win!
February 6th, 2008 at 3:43 pmOh, not to mention the state of emergency that cancels November elections, don't forget to write from your cell in Wyoming...
February 6th, 2008 at 3:43 pm“Yeah, waterboarded, been there done that, no big deal. Nothing to see here. Move along now.â€
Comment by VerbalKint — February 6, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
And, of course, it's pure coincidence that this information was released on Super Tuesday, when the news headlines on every media outlet are being dominated by the primaries in more than 20 states.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:43 pm'Asked whether the White House's reasoning was that torture is illegal, the attorney general has certified that the interrogation practices are legal, therefore those practices are not torture, Fratto replied: "Sure."'
That's Bush admin logic for ya.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:45 pm... We are definetly considering War Crimes again!
February 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pmi think i gotta go with jmohr on this one…
i used to be in bilbo’s camp, but anymore, it’s just too flagrant…
it could very well be both, though…
Comment by katy
I, too agree with JMOHR. What I meant by "do they think we are stupid" was that they appear to believe that we will buy their use of torture because of the "ticking bomb" theory. I believe a large majority of Americans recognize that waterboarding is torture, that torture doesn't work, and that it is not worth the price we pay for condoning torture. I know if I was a parent with a kid in the military today, I would be scared spitless for them and mad as hell at the Bush Crime Family for what they have done to our moral authority on torture. We really can't object to an enemy torturing our kids when we are torturing their kids.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:50 pmFratto looks like he was boarded this morning.
chrissie says SEALS do it all the time, & it's harmless.
Was chrissie a SEAL?
You decide.
What we do know is that anyone that's been boarded thought they were going to die.
chrissie, I know Navy SEALS; you'll never be one.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:54 pmThis administration has undermined the status of the USA by its failing to obey the international agreements that have the binding force of law. GOP seems intent on destroying the USA.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:58 pmUsing torture is a sure sign of desperation. The information is unreliable and not admissible in a court of law. Foolish, illegal, non-productive endeavor.
February 6th, 2008 at 4:02 pmWaterboarding was used on Navy Seals as a part of their training. It is very effective and physically harmless. I hope that they use any means necessary to get the information that will help save americans. If you like mass american deaths please continue to oppose torture.
Comment by chriswyse — February 6, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
Anyone in special forces goes through SERE, not just SEALS. I went through it.
It is NOT harmless. Water fills the lungs. I personally developed bronchitis. One ranger I know ended up in the hospital for pnumonia.
Any real doctor will tell you the complications of waterboarding are exactly the same as drowning.
Get your facts straight
February 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pmSurrender to US forces was at one time a preferred option because even our enemies knew they would be treated in a fair and humane way. Now we are as bad as the old USSR in this regard and many enemy fighters would rather fight to the death than submit themselves to our "enhanced techniques", AKA torture.
February 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pmWayne, how was Hell week?
February 6th, 2008 at 4:13 pmFratto said this morning that if used again, waterboarding would “need the president’s approval,†and the White House would notify “appropriate members of Congress.â€
Ummm , no Frat-boy ; the president isn't allowed (legally) to subvert US law , no matter the cause or whatever provocation may be claimed.
These Chimpy administration members are totally idiotic ; he's a (shitty) president , not a monarch or even a deity (though you losers believe he's both)
February 6th, 2008 at 4:13 pmWould Jesus waterboard anyone? I'm glad there are no genuine Christians in the administration, otherwise they'd be hypocrites. Just like their favorite network (faux news), the administration contains only faux Christians.
I'm glad that's all straightened out.
February 6th, 2008 at 4:14 pmWaterboarding has a lot in common with the Salem witch hunts. These women were damned if they didn't drown and damned if they did drown. Waterboarding has the same effect. It's a catch 22. People will say and do anything to try to stay alive.
February 6th, 2008 at 4:15 pmWayne, how was Hell week?
Comment by Zimzone — February 6, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
it was Hell heh
February 6th, 2008 at 4:28 pmHell week will put you to the far edges of endurance. Many drop out at that point.
from the AP (via SFGate) today:
'The United Nations' torture investigator criticized the White House Wednesday for defending the use of waterboarding and urged the U.S. to give up its defense of "unjustifiable" interrogation methods.
snip
"This is absolutely unacceptable under international human rights law," Nowak said. "Time has come that the government will actually acknowledge that they did something wrong and not continue trying to justify what is unjustifiable."'
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/02/06/international/i121527S10.DTL
February 6th, 2008 at 4:32 pm"I know Navy SEALS; you’ll never be one"Comment by Zimzone
February 6th, 2008 at 4:46 pmZim, guys like crissy are nothing but cowards with no honor. They will never join the military because it's easier to stay under his bed pissing his pants.
One question,why do we need to torture,rendition,wiretap,ect? Bush/co had all the info he needed before 9-11 and chose to ignore it. I guess that Aug. PDB was just too vague. :(
February 6th, 2008 at 4:48 pmOne question,why do we need to torture,rendition,wiretap,ect? Bush/co had all the info he needed before 9-11 and chose to ignore it. I guess that Aug. PDB was just too vague. :(
Comment by specialist f — February 6, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
The worst thing is that if we torture, we do not have a leg to stand on if an enemy tortures our Soldiers. These people don't give a damn about our own troops.
February 6th, 2008 at 4:56 pmmaybe I should have said "One of the worst things". Torturing is pretty heinous by itself without the other complications it causes
February 6th, 2008 at 5:00 pmWhite House: We ‘Definitely Want To Consider’ Using Waterboarding Again
February 6th, 2008 at 5:03 pmThis IS the mentality that is bringing dems to the polls to vote in such huge masses.
I hope I don’t get hit by any fallout.
Comment by chriswyse — February 6, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Too late, your brain is already rotted away.
February 6th, 2008 at 5:40 pmThe worst thing is that if we torture, we do not have a leg to stand on if an enemy tortures our Soldiers. These people don’t give a damn about our own troops.
Comment by Wayne — February 6, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
And we will lose more soldiers in the field to guerilla warfare. Now that enemy combatants know that the U.S. engages in torture, rendition, and prisoner abuse, they'll be more likely to die fighting than surrender peacefully.
February 6th, 2008 at 5:43 pmWe ‘Definitely Want To Consider’ Using Waterboarding Again...
since we had such a good time the first time we used it.
February 6th, 2008 at 6:13 pmI have been waterboarded. It's NOT like drowning. its like having someone pour water on a rag on your face. you idiots just don get it do you? These muslims want to kill you and me and your kids and destroy everything you (and me and anyone else who thinks differently). I wish you would just get it. To hell with anyone who wants to kill me or my kids or my family. If it saves 1 (ONE!!) American, I say waterboard until the water is gone. Remeber - THEY WANT US DEAD
February 6th, 2008 at 6:20 pmoh yeah by the way - ask McCain about torture...he'll tell you what torture is
February 6th, 2008 at 6:21 pmComment by waterboarded — February 6, 2008 @ 6:20 pm
Which Muslims?
February 6th, 2008 at 6:32 pmWe have three Democrats left for the presidential election and John McCain is the most progressive (liberal)...
W O W !!!
new heights of meme-dom... luntz-speak...
rovian-twist extraordinaire...
and funny as hell...
February 6th, 2008 at 6:32 pmthe terrorist ones...you know...look - not all muslims are terrorists...but all terrorists are muslim. you do the math
February 6th, 2008 at 6:35 pmDefendant: Asano, Yukio
Docket Date: 53/ May 1 - 28, 1947, Yokohama, Japan
Charge: Violation of the Laws and Customs of War: 1. Did willfully and unlawfully mistreat and torture PWs. 2. Did unlawfully take and convert to his own use Red Cross packages and supplies intended for PWs.
Specifications:beating using hands, fists, club; kicking; water torture; burning using cigarettes; strapping on a stretcher head downward
Verdict: 15 years CHL
http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~warcrime/Japan/Yokohama/Reviews/Yokohama_Review_Asano.htm
I have been waterboarded. It’s NOT like drowning. its like having someone pour water on a rag on your face. you idiots just don get it do you? These muslims want to kill you and me and your kids and destroy everything you (and me and anyone else who thinks differently). I wish you would just get it. To hell with anyone who wants to kill me or my kids or my family. If it saves 1 (ONE!!) American, I say waterboard until the water is gone. Remeber - THEY WANT US DEAD
Comment by waterboarded — February 6, 2008 @ 6:20 pm
I doubt you were waterboarded, waterboarded. Now remember, since 1953, te USA is the enemy that invaded the Middle East. This "Blowback" has been going on for over 50 years. Conclusion: Get out of there, leave them alone, and develop in a major way alternative energy on the cheap.
Geesh, do you people every give up or look at yourselves. First drowning witches because they ate herbs, were midwives, danced naked, and ate ergot mold. Then it was blowing up American citizens in the name of King George. Then Union Busting and hunting "Commies". Now under your tent of hate comes Atheists, Muslims, Vegetarians, Quakers, Gays, Democrats, Liberals, Progressives, Lefties, Libertarians, Pot smokers, Mushroom eaters, environmentalists, Unions, and finally The Constitution.
You are traitors to the United States of America, and fortunately for you, have people in power on both sides of the aisle that are doing the same thing.
February 6th, 2008 at 6:41 pmtimmy mcveigh was a muslim?
i did not know that...
February 6th, 2008 at 6:43 pmAnother boring troll. At least MA was entertaining.
Comment by Juan C. @ 3:40 pm
*chuckle*
i will catch hell for this, but i always got a kick out of some of her stuff...
February 6th, 2008 at 6:45 pmvery clever at times...
other times, really nasty... and, unforunately, that outweighed the good...
79 - ok thats one.
February 6th, 2008 at 6:49 pmThe cowardly thugs of the Bush Crime Family are a terrorist organization. Prove me wrong.
February 6th, 2008 at 6:57 pmthe terrorist ones…you know…look - not all muslims are terrorists…but all terrorists are muslim. you do the math
Comment by waterboarded — February 6, 2008 @ 6:35 pm
Well least that clears the ETA. I knew they were nothing more than Freedom Fighters
February 6th, 2008 at 7:07 pmComment by waterboarded — February 6, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
Kahane Chai?
February 6th, 2008 at 7:10 pm"waterboarded," I see you pretend not to notice post #78, which documents the fact that we prosecuted members of the Japanese army for performing the waterboarding technique on our own soldiers. In one case, a former member of Japanese intelligence was executed in part for performing waterboarding on one of Jimmy Doolittle's men. A number of American officers, beginning in the Phillipine Insurrection and up to the War in Viet Nam have been courtmarshalled for waterboarding.
Why do you think this particular administration is above the law? Is the threat of terrorism greater than that of the axis during WWII or communists during the Cold War? If so, why?
February 6th, 2008 at 7:11 pmbut all terrorists are muslim. you do the math
Comment by waterboarded — February 6, 2008 @ 6:35 pm
FARC?
February 6th, 2008 at 7:14 pmOK, Mr. Toughguy, AKA, "waterboarded," has had quite a while to respond to the fact that we have prosecuted our own officers and members of the Japanese military for waterboarding and I guess he's got nothin' but tough talk. Figures.
February 6th, 2008 at 7:32 pmWe can only hope the perpetrators will eventually be tried and conviceted of war crimes, to include the chain of command and the CIC.
Perhaps their God can make a special circle in Hell where they can enjoy receiving water torture until Gabriel blows his horn.
February 6th, 2008 at 7:42 pmI've got a longish post up on this latest bovine scat to come out of the maladministration.
In one of the more egregious comments, Tony Fratto says that "any use of any enhanced interrogation technique depends on the circumstances: who is carrying out the interrogation" (and this isn't the first instance of the maladministration seeming to claim that "it's OK, cause we're doing it, and we don't do anything really wrong, you know...."
More at the link; check it out.
Cheers,
February 6th, 2008 at 7:56 pmMust close tags. Must close tags. Wich we had an edit function. Sorry, folks.
Cheers,
February 6th, 2008 at 7:57 pmRemeber - THEY WANT US DEAD
Comment by waterboarded — February 6, 2008 @ 6:20 pm
Not US, just SCUMBAGS Nazis like YOU.
Smart people.
February 6th, 2008 at 9:26 pm"You can force many issues to the edge of a debilitating and costly dispute knowing that those who really care will have to backdown."
Comment by JMOHR — February 6, 2008 @ 3:05 pm
Why do those that care have to back down?
February 6th, 2008 at 9:30 pm"IMPEACH, dammit! IMPEACH, IMPEACH, IMPEACH!!!"
Comment by hauksdottir — February 6, 2008 @ 3:08 pm
Just thought it beared repeting! ;)
February 6th, 2008 at 9:32 pmThe reason they are pushing this now is that Bush/Cheney know that they have a bunch of losers in the Congress that will go along with ANYTHING Bush wants to avoid "unpleasantness". The same reason that Bush is pushing for telecom immunity is the reason for this torture admission now: With telecom immunity, Bush knows the Dems will fall all over themselves to give him what he wants: permanent protection from legal jeopardy. Telecom immunity forever protects Bush/Cheney from legal jeopardy in that regard.
They smell sissy blood in the water (the Dems in Congress) so Bush is now pushing them further with torture. He KNOWS that the Dems will do ANYTHING to avoid holding the Administration to account for all the illegalities and in this case, since the Bushies have outright admitted to illegal torture, the Dems will do what Bush wants and give him immunity on that too. How? By immediately passing a law that specifically outlaws torture. How does this protect Bush and all the criminal torturers in the Administration? Simple. If Congress has to pass a law specifically declaring waterboarding to be illegal EVEN THOUGH IT IS ALREADY ILLEGAL, then they can and will argue that "It was in a grey area. See? Congress had to pass a law to make it clear! It obviously wasn't illegal BEFORE they passed a law making it illegal..." Ta-da! Free pass. AGAIN.
The Dems adamantly refuse to face their Constitutional responsibilities. They ignore or turn away from ALL the crimes Bush has clearly committed and will continue to do so now. I mean, really. Name a SINGLE "investigation" initiated by the Dems in Congress that has gone ANYWHERE. You can't do it. ALL the so-called investigations are languishing on purpose. No subpoenas are issued, only hollow threats of subpoenas. Calls to appear before Congress are serially ignored with NO consequences. The Dems don't care. Hell, if anyone actually showed up and testified, the Dems would be FORCED to take action...so they are HAPPY when they are all no-shows.
In fact, it would be better for Bush and Cheney if EVERYONE who has been asked to appear before Congress did so. Why? Because the Dems would immediately pass a slew of legislation that legalized or granted immunity to eveyone, including Bush and Cheney, for their crimes. That is what is happening with illegal domestic spying and it will happen now with torture. Just you wait. The Dems, instead of taking action based on a clearly illegal act (waterboarding always has been and always will be torture, and thus ILLEGAL) will give all the Bushies a get-out-of-jail-free card by quickly passing legislation outlawing waterboarding in particular.
You read it here first folks.
February 6th, 2008 at 10:12 pmPraedor, I agree. You have to add to this mix the fact that Democrats are complicit in the same crimes as the Bushies are. The common point between both Republicans and Democrats is AIPAC. Environmental Groups give to Demos, and Oil companies give to Repubs. They all have allegiance to another country. This is why Pelosi, Reid, and the rest will not upset the cart too much, and Kucinich and Ron Paul are relegated to the Bull Pen.
February 6th, 2008 at 11:03 pm.
SINCE WHEN IS TORTURE LEGAL?
"A rose by any other name(enhanced interrogation)
is a rose(TORTURE) just the same."
.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:56 am1 202 456-1111
February 7th, 2008 at 9:03 amCall the WHitehouse and TELL THE TRAITOR THAT HE IS A TRAITOR. RIGHT TO HIS FACE. THE PIECE OF SHIIT.
It was bad enough when they pissed on our legs and told us it was raining. Now they're pissing on our leg and telling us "Yeah, we're pissing on your leg; here, let me sell you an umbrella." What's more amazing than their brazen, in your face, attitude, is the fact that 33% of the population appears willing to buy the umbrella.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:41 amDo these people really think that we are that stupid? Do they really think we don’t know that Waterboarding is torture and therefore against the law. Do they really think we don’t know that the Bush Crime Family broke this law, along with the numerous laws they have broken?
They are crazy and desperate. It’s scary what desperate people will do. That’s why I am very worried acer lcbtp03003 battery,acer btp-550p battery about what might happen in the remaining months of the Bush Crime Family’s rein of terror.
October 15th, 2008 at 2:44 am