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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPresident’s Statement on CIA Torture Report
Throughout our history, the United States of America has done more than any other nation to stand up for freedom, democracy, and the inherent dignity and human rights of people around the world. As Americans, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to our fellow citizens who serve to keep us safe, among them the dedicated men and women of our intelligence community, including the Central Intelligence Agency. Since the horrific attacks of 9/11, these public servants have worked tirelessly to devastate core al Qaeda, deliver justice to Osama bin Laden, disrupt terrorist operations and thwart terrorist attacks. Solemn rows of stars on the Memorial Wall at the CIA honor those who have given their lives to protect ours. Our intelligence professionals are patriots, and we are safer because of their heroic service and sacrifices.
In the years after 9/11, with legitimate fears of further attacks and with the responsibility to prevent more catastrophic loss of life, the previous administration faced agonizing choices about how to pursue al Qaeda and prevent additional terrorist attacks against our country. As I have said before, our nation did many things right in those difficult years. At the same time, some of the actions that were taken were contrary to our values. That is why I unequivocally banned torture when I took office, because one of our most effective tools in fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe is staying true to our ideals at home and abroad.
Todays report by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence details one element of our nations response to 9/11the CIAs detention and interrogation program, which I formally ended on one of my first days in office. The report documents a troubling program involving enhanced interrogation techniques on terrorism suspects in secret facilities outside the United States, and it reinforces my long-held view that these harsh methods were not only inconsistent with our values as nation, they did not serve our broader counterterrorism efforts or our national security interests. Moreover, these techniques did significant damage to Americas standing in the world and made it harder to pursue our interests with allies and partners. That is why I will continue to use my authority as President to make sure we never resort to those methods again.
As Commander in Chief, I have no greater responsibility than the safety and security of the American people. We will therefore continue to be relentless in our fight against al Qaeda, its affiliates and other violent extremists. We will rely on all elements of our national power, including the power and example of our founding ideals. That is why I have consistently supported the declassification of todays report. No nation is perfect. But one of the strengths that makes America exceptional is our willingness to openly confront our past, face our imperfections, make changes and do better. Rather than another reason to refight old arguments, I hope that todays report can help us leave these techniques where they belongin the past. Today is also a reminder that upholding the values we profess doesnt make us weaker, it makes us stronger and that the United States of America will remain the greatest force for freedom and human dignity that the world has ever known.
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/12/09/presidents-statement-on-cia-torture-report/
steve2470
(37,457 posts)Matariki
(18,775 posts)CALL IT WHAT IT IS.
This is really pissing me off.
spanone
(135,823 posts)Scuba
(53,475 posts)Flo Mingo
(492 posts)"I have no greater responsibility than the safety and security of the American people. When, in fact, the greater responsibility is to protect and defend the Constitution.
Please proceed, Mr. President.
grasswire
(50,130 posts)Bandit
(21,475 posts)Why in the Hell won't the Republicans use these methods again? Obama has done absolutely nothing to prevent a Republican President and or Congress from doing the very exact same thing over again. The ONLY way to insure it doesn't happen again is by holding those accountable that designed and carried out the torture of people not even as yet charged with any crime.
KingCharlemagne
(7,908 posts)are signatories).
No biggie! Guess I simply need to stop being so friggin' sanctimonious. The Constitution and treaties are just god-damned pieces of paper.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)Not a hint of justice. There is no there there.
LordGlenconner
(1,348 posts)What's next, criticizing him because he farted?
gvstn
(2,805 posts)nichomachus
(12,754 posts)I figured I would no long have to change the channel when the POTUS appeared on the TV -- boy, was I wrong.
Maedhros
(10,007 posts)Prosecute those responsible.
pansypoo53219
(20,972 posts)polichick
(37,152 posts)derby378
(30,252 posts)I see no mention of criminal charges in there.
LordGlenconner
(1,348 posts)But probably not for folks who get off on being angry at every thing he says or does.
SamKnause
(13,091 posts)The U.S. does not correct it's mistakes.
They lie and hide their mistakes.
The U.S. has a two tier justice system.
Patriots do NOT torture.
PROSECUTE those who ordered the torture and those who carried out the torture.
I guess this is one of those times we need to look forwards not backwards ????
What a joke; The United States of America will remain the greatest force for freedom and human dignity that the world has ever known.
I don't think the government of the United States knows the definition of freedom or human dignity !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Liberal Veteran
(22,239 posts)I'd like nothing more than to see this and many other abuses and outright crimes prosecuted, but an open declaration of war between the executive branch and the intelligence agencies is a frightening thing to contemplate without huge popular support on the side of the executive branch. The republicans are already circling the wagons in the legislative branch on the side of the intelligence agencies. The judicial branch is hit or miss. The populace itself is more than bit complacent.
That puts President Obama in a very interesting position and one I don't envy him, because no matter what he does, it will be considered "too much" or "not enough".