Capitol Hill Blue Forums Political Issues The Obama Administration Do we need more torture photos?

I think I am leaning toward NWP's response. We have seen photos, and look where we are. Still arguing about whether or not there was torture. I don't know that releasing any more photos will get us any farther.

EmmaG

Privilege of the victor, no?:-)
Yours reflectively,
Issodhos

these reflect my thoughts.
What will it take for(more) Americans to be more outraged?

(my bolds)

Sez you!

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I have an idea that will save our social security and medicare benefits that are reported to be in trouble. Make these torture pictures available like entertainment...and Americans go for it in a heartbeat.

The government will post the pictures of these acts of torture on the Internet...and people who really, really want to see them...they will log on a special site...and with a credit card or debit card pay...ohhhhh, lets say $5.00 to see the torture pictures. My guess that in a matter of a few days our governments concerns over not having enough income to recharge SS and MC...will be over.

I personally detest the use of torture. Now that that's out...

The American people know that torture has been committed. They also know that torture is against the law. But we have a substantial population who don't really care if its against the law and support the use of torture...and another population group who don't care one way or another.

History has recorded all sorts of shocking acts by our government, elected officials, and military that relates to unlawful acts that should have been worthy of prosecution. And despite the public-at-large either witnessing via the media or having knowledge of such acts, history also records that the public did absolutely nothing to demand justice or consequences that would fairly impose some action that would be equal to the crime(s).

As Far As Imposing Some Shock Factor....

WHAT TYPE OF ACTS BY OUR GOVERNMENT WOULD IT TAKE TO REALLY STIR THE CITIZENS TO MAKE A NATION-WIDE DEMAND that would genuinely make the government fearful of an unprecedented act of protest and/or even violence by the people in order to ensure justice would be served?

Millions of Americans saw terrorist cut the heads off of Americans via Internet...and some television outlets. Yes, there was outrage beyond words. But out of those millions of people who saw these executions...even if the terrorist had been captured and brought to trial in America...only 12 people needed to see those inhumane acts. I saw them and wished like hell I hadn't.

One doesn't have to jump off of a 10 story building to understand what one might experience in the process...and the consquences.

One doesn't have to stick his or her hand over an open flame of a stove to perceive how painful and damaging it would be.

People know what the hell is going on...they've known for years. It doesn't take pictures to know that a whole bunch of illegal interrogations have taken place over the past 6 plus years.

If there was a declaration by the government, lets say by a federal prosector who stated that the pictures released to the public would be the only way to prosecute those responsible, then I might agree with the public release. But IMHO I doubt that's not to likely gonna be the case.

I think there's plenty of evidence to bring to trial all of those in the Bush admin (and military personnel). But there must be due process for all who can evidentially be charged with crimes related to torture.

These pictures and tapes will become exhibits of evidence used to try the case...if the government will take the actions necessary to try the accused.

We just need 12 people to see those pictures in a trial.

I do, however, believe that there needs to be a gathering by the 3 branches of government at the Capitol just like a State of the Union Speech and every available picture shown to all...even if it takes a week.

Then all who witnessed those pictures would have to sign a sworn affidavit that states they saw the pictures and then they must make a declaration as to whether or not they believe what they saw, in his or her opinion, was torture.

The affidavits would then be posted on the Internet for all citizens to review. Each citizen would have to deal with those respective individuals at their next elections. But then again, looking at the percentages of who believes torture is okay...even an elected officical could be praised by their constituents for supporting torture.

A public display of these pictures and tapes would be a hell of a way to teach kids about torture. Parents won't even talk to their kids about sex...and how babies are made. Gezzz, how can we expect parents to rationally discuss torture pictures with them?

What you said.

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I'm going to be horribly simplistic. One of Obama's stated concerns is that release of the pictures will put soldiers in greater harm. (Like being electrocuted in showers and being deprived of water don't?) There's one easy way to take them out of danger, and since that's apparently off the table, basing a decision on concern for the soldiers is, IMHO, a cop-out.

Right you are, Humph. Can't be threatened if they aren't in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Here's what I would say to the President. "Sir, if you believe that America and the world should not see the pictures then remove the need to see the pictures by immediately appointing a special prosecutor to investigate all facets and concerns regarding the unlawful treatment of ALL the men, women and children who were captured in Iraq or Afghanistan or rendered from other nations. Pledge your complete, full and total cooperation in making certain that justice is done and there will be no need to see any more pictures."

Unfortunately, Obama will do neither.

President Obama, Rep. Pelosi and Sen. Reid, and others who have the power to do otherwise, have decided - long ago, apparently - that everyone above the rank of E-F*cked will walk away from torture and murders committed at the direction of the United States government. No more pictures, no full investigation, no open government, no trials. Business as usual.

My take: I tend to agree with those who think that the decision to withhold the photos was taken so the photos wouldn't crap all over Obama's upcoming speech in Cairo, the goal of which reportedly is to reassure Muslims we're not at war with them. (Never mind that we're occupying 2 Muslim countries, imprisoning hundreds, and killing Muslim civilians, women and children...)

I think there was a failure to anticipate how much this would action would be perceived as a torture-enabling cover-up.

Oooo, great perspecive, Hekate. You might have nailed it on both counts.