(no subject)
You know that your emotions are still very near the surface when the article in the paper on torture makes you cry like a little girl on the BART train. Not that it wouldn't have been emotional anyway, but I'm usually much better at being stoic - and after the beginning of this week, that has become harder to do.
I have never worn my heart on my sleeve. I've always had it right under the surface. Almost out there where you could see it, but you had to know me a little to know that. It's a protective mechanism that kicked in at a very young age. It helps keep me somewhat detached, able to think pretty clearly most of the time and rational choices have been my avenue on most occasions. I can play devils advocate at the drop of a hat because my emotions, regardless of where they fall, can be kept at bay long enough to sympathize with either side. I have them - and once they're out so is that rational sympathy - but until that is breached, I can be pretty neutral and see both sides of an argument.
This week that is harder.
And on this subject, it is impossible.
I know that people wanted this kept quiet. I know why too and I'll even concede that releasing these memos may not be good for U.S. security or our forces overseas. I don't want anyone else to be tortured or killed, us or them. I know there is no surprising news here that we didn't already know either, so releasing it is not a risk - if people had been paying attention instead of ordering freedom fries there would be no shock at all. I'm still glad that he did. I also understand (though do not agree with) the promise that the perpetrators will not stand trial for the inhumane treatment they doled out. After all, you don't want them coming after you.
So in the pursuit of equality and freedom, I propose a compromise.
Don't prosecute them. Instead, keep them in a little box with an insect that is "stinging". Make them kneel in a position that is uncomfortable. Slam them into the roll-up wall over and over again. Give them the distinct impression that they are drowning. Keep them awake for up to 11 days - but no longer, of course. Oh - and make sure they have no legal recourse or familial contact for at least 7 years.
Let's see how Yoo feels after that, since he leads the pack. I wonder how professorial he could be at the end of that tenure.
Fuck the Bozos. There is no justification for cruelty
I have never worn my heart on my sleeve. I've always had it right under the surface. Almost out there where you could see it, but you had to know me a little to know that. It's a protective mechanism that kicked in at a very young age. It helps keep me somewhat detached, able to think pretty clearly most of the time and rational choices have been my avenue on most occasions. I can play devils advocate at the drop of a hat because my emotions, regardless of where they fall, can be kept at bay long enough to sympathize with either side. I have them - and once they're out so is that rational sympathy - but until that is breached, I can be pretty neutral and see both sides of an argument.
This week that is harder.
And on this subject, it is impossible.
I know that people wanted this kept quiet. I know why too and I'll even concede that releasing these memos may not be good for U.S. security or our forces overseas. I don't want anyone else to be tortured or killed, us or them. I know there is no surprising news here that we didn't already know either, so releasing it is not a risk - if people had been paying attention instead of ordering freedom fries there would be no shock at all. I'm still glad that he did. I also understand (though do not agree with) the promise that the perpetrators will not stand trial for the inhumane treatment they doled out. After all, you don't want them coming after you.
So in the pursuit of equality and freedom, I propose a compromise.
Don't prosecute them. Instead, keep them in a little box with an insect that is "stinging". Make them kneel in a position that is uncomfortable. Slam them into the roll-up wall over and over again. Give them the distinct impression that they are drowning. Keep them awake for up to 11 days - but no longer, of course. Oh - and make sure they have no legal recourse or familial contact for at least 7 years.
Let's see how Yoo feels after that, since he leads the pack. I wonder how professorial he could be at the end of that tenure.
Fuck the Bozos. There is no justification for cruelty