Quote:
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Originally Posted by pgardn
Panetta actually sided with the old CIA guys
on most of this stuff that has just come to light.
He apparently was of the opinion that the articles
detailing a bunch of stuff about "intelligence" gathering
was not at all helpful and not necessary.
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I think the only time he took that position was when he was doing his best to cover up Slick Will's BJ. Actually here's his point of view in his own words though it sounds like it could have been written by Brian,
We have preached these values to the world. We have made clear that there are certain lines Americans will not cross because we respect the dignity of every human being. That pledge was written into the oath of office given to every president, "to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution." It's what is supposed to make our leaders different from every tyrant, dictator, or despot. We are sworn to govern by the rule of law, not by brute force.
We cannot simply suspend these beliefs in the name of national security. Those who support torture may believe that we can abuse captives in certain select circumstances and still be true to our values. But that is a false compromise. We either believe in the dignity of the individual, the rule of law, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment, or we don't. There is no middle ground.
We cannot and we must not use torture under any circumstances. We are better than that.
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/...on_torture.php