Former President Bush Says “Damn Right” He Supported Waterboarding
Comments (5)
President Bush (Photo Creative Commons)
Bush’s memoir, “Decision Points,” reveals that he answered “damn right,” when he was asked by CIA Director George Tenet whether or not the United States should waterboard Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.
His justification was that, “the choice between security and values was real.”
The use of waterboarding under the Bush administration ignited a fierce debate on the use of torture, and whether the United States violated the Geneva Conventions in using the technique.
Bush recorded an interview with Matt Lauer to air Monday evening and another with Oprah to air on Tuesday in which he is to discuss the contents of his book.
In a portion of his interview with Oprah that has leaked to the press, Bush asserts that he is “through with politics.”
Comments
Now that George W. Bush has confessed in his recent memoir that he approved the use of the torture known as water-boarding, the path has been made clear to charge him for war crimes in the International Court.
I cannot see who would oppose such charges being laid.
Those who think he is innocent, would welcome the chance for complete and public vindication as much as those who think he is guilty would welcome a conviction. Only those who think he is guilty, and yet approve of his crimes would be opposed to it.
Who will admit to that?
Interesting quote - "the choice between security and values was real." When any of us are threatened our choices narrow. But how many of us have the might of the American military at our disposal? Also, the choice is a false choice. Compromising values will always compromise security. It is easier to rationalize that it was a real choice rather than to realize my values include the ability to torture others.
he should be jailed
The proper way to address this man is Former President Bush.
The proper way to address this man is Former President Bush.