General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPROOF: Without ANY Question Our Government KNEW Torture Was ILLEGAL & They Tortured Anyway
Published December 9, 2014 | By bmaz
CryingJusticeOkay, here are the critical working documents:
The SSCI Torture Report
http://www.intelligence.senate.gov/study2014/sscistudy1.pdf
The Minority Response to SSCI Torture Report
http://www.intelligence.senate.gov/study2014/sscistudy3.pdf
Dianne Feinsteins Statement
https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.documentcloud.org/documents/1376736/release-final.pdf
But, without any question, my best early takeaway key is that the United States Government, knew, [font color=red]they bloody well knew,[/font] at the highest levels, that what was join on in their citizens name, legally constituted torture, that it was strictly illegal. They knew even a necessity self defense claim was likely no protection at all. All of the dissembling, coverup, legally insane memos by John Yoo, Jay Bybee et. al, and all the whitewashing in the world cannot now supersede the fact that the United States Government, knowing fully the immorality, and domestic and international illegality, proceeded to install an intentional and affirmative regime of torture.
Here, from page 33 of the Report, is the language establishing the above:
They knew. And our government tortured anyway. Because they were crapping in their pants and afraid instead of protecting and defending the ethos of our country and its Founders.
https://www.emptywheel.net/2014/12/09/ssci-torture-report-key-knew-it-was-torture-knew-it-was-illegal/
Erich Bloodaxe BSN
(14,733 posts)rather than the Nation. And this is it. Because in the zeal to protect the citizenry, the Founders knew that there would come people after them who would break any law, abandon any principle in the name of 'safety' and 'security'.
(Oath of the President: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.)
Protect and Defend the Constitution. Not the citizens, not the country.
jwirr
(39,215 posts)did to it. I realize that is not what it meant then but it sure does now.
Solly Mack
(90,740 posts)Every single person who claims they didn't know is a liar.
Every single person that claimed or still claims they didn't know waterboarding is torture is a liar.
jwirr
(39,215 posts)the Geneva Convention Laws that our nation and others agreed on after WWII. We not only tortured but we started illegal wars that are still going on. The entire oil industry starting with the Bush administration are guilty of war crimes and international thievery.
Unfortunately they will never pay for it because we for some crazy reason do not do it and no other countries are strong enough to challenge them.
Man from Pickens
(1,713 posts)that no matter what crimes they committed, even if the full extent of those crimes were revealed in all their glory, not a one of them would be put on trial or go to jail as a result
Torturing for the US shadow government: less dangerous than playing a "Scream" character on Hollywood Boulevard.