JC does it again, God bless this man!
http://www.conyersblog.us/default.htmWhy I asked for a Special Counsel to Examine the Torture and Prison Abuse Scandals
New Election Reform Op-ed published
Those of you who regularly read Raw Story know that on Friday, 50 House colleagues and I wrote to Attorney General Gonzales asking him to appoint a special counsel to investigate prisoner abuse and torture in Iraq, Guantanamo and Afghanistan. The story has also been picked up by Voice of America, and of course Buzzflash, and web publications based in Germany, France, Canada, and Italy, but unfortunately -- though not surprisingly -- has not been covered by the so-called “mainstream media” in our own country as of yet.
I initiated this letter a few weeks ago, when it became clear that the entire abuse scandal which began with the release of the horrific abuse photos at Abu Ghraib, had played itself out through a variety of white wash reports and investigations, and the prosecution of a few low ranking soldiers. If ever there were a clear cut case of criminal wrongdoing, conflicts of interest, and the need for independent public review this was it. Citizens of America and the world were calling out for accountability, yet neither the Bush Administration nor the GOP Congress had undertaken a single credible and independent investigation. It took me several weeks to gather the signatures, and by the time I did, it became more clear than ever that independent review was needed in the wake of the most recent allegations against U.S. military personnel concerning possible desecration of the Koran.
Many people ask me why I pursue these inquiries, when the Administration is unlikely to accept them. I have several responses.
– First, there is a chance, however remote, that they will do the right thing. Although Mr Aschcroft did not see fit to appoint a single special counsel during his tenure, including clear cut conflicts involving Enron, Haliburton and Westar, there is always the chance that Mr. Gonzales will actually fairly apply the law (as Ms. Reno did quite frequently under President Clinton).
– Second, even if they refuse, there is at least an element of accountability. When I see abuses, I can choose to either shrug my shoulders and regret that Gore or Kerry was not elected (at least not officially), or I can call the Administration to task so that their failure to undertake an investigation or respond to an inquiry constitutes yet another element of their abuse of power. While the Administration frequently does ignore the requests of a single congressman, it is significantly more difficult to ignore the requests of 50 or 80 congressional representatives.
– Third, by publicizing the wrongdoing, it helps educate the public, who in turn can provide me and the media with additional information that can help further congressional and public understanding. Simply by reading responses to these posts I have been apprized of much critical information that has helped further my understanding, and in turn has led to further inquiries.
Finally, on an unrelated note, I have not given up on voting reform. TomPaine.com -
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3658294 - has my most recent editorial concerning the shame of our nation's continuing failure to ensure that every vote counts.
Blogged by JC on 05.14.05 @ 10:23 PM ET
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