thoughts on a truth commission
Briefly, I think it’s fair that a lot of different opinions are being floated by various anti-torture types regarding prosecutions, truth commissions, etc….
Here’s my take: the result of whatever happens next should be to ensure that A) this sort of systematic, policy-approved implementation of torture never happens again, and B) that we illuminate America and the world as to just exactly what happened, why, when, and by whom at gitmo but also at the secret CIA prisons, in Iraq, Afghanistan etc.
Now, a special prosecutor if we wanted to go forward with the object of “going after” someone in particular, but we’re not really quite sure yet who all that might be – or really even the extent of the problem. Politically, too, it’s dicey at best. A truth commission takes – if not a neutral stance – then at least a platform that is less obviously aimed at pursuing individuals, but rather the larger story.
Then, of course, once the truth is out there and the dust has settled, maybe a prosecution will be in order, maybe not. The truth, to me, is more important than prosecution, but not only that – I think that if anything is likely to lead to real, substantive measures at prosecution, the truth commission is the best first step. It is also the only way to really go about this without it coming across as just political revenge.
I agree with you — a real truth commission could define what happened and give us a principled report to go by in determining how to make changes so that we have clearer guidelines in the future.Report
E.D. – Clear, concise, correct.
My quibble with a (explicative deleted) Truth Commission is that the machinery already exists that is needed to discover the truth. Congressional investigation. DOJ investigation, and if necessary, charges.
But if some sort of third-world-cop-out TC is the only way for cowards in the legislative and executive branches to pass the buck I’m willing to settle.
(So very dull when we agree, but hey, I agree.)Report
I’m not opposed to a truth commission in the way you outline it, but I am opposed to the type of truth commission we’re likely to see.
Do you doubt that a Washington truth commission will be anything but a get out of jail free card for anybody and everybody?Report
Oh, I thought we were talking about an ideal, rational world. I lost my mind for a minute.Report
EDK,
I find it interesting that Senator Leahy has called for Judge Bybee to resign, while at the same time, and within five days, invited Bybee by letter to testify about the memos that Bybee, Yoo and Bradford crafted – with a shot across the bow (at least to me) that the Senate Judiciary wants answers.
Is this a hint that Bybee either leave or risk impeachment perhaps, in exchange for information? Truth? We shall see.
I find the following passages from Leahy’s letter, especially juicy:
If only Special Prosecutor Fitzgerald had been able to make public his findings from Grand Jury testimony about the Bush administration dealings, or that the laws governing appointment of an independent prosecutor had not been allowed to expire.
My inner cynic thinks Bybee will be hanged, and the rest will just scatter.Report
Yeah, caltha. Look for scapegoats on crosses. Small fries in big chains.Report
EDK,
Well, the scapegoats on crosses have this to say. It certainly does seem to be developing into quite the search for the truth…doesn’t it…Report