I know that, politically, he wants to avoid trouble by not investigating or prosecuting American "war crimes", but you can't just gloss over the fact that they were committed by persons at the highest level of our government. Kudos to him for releasing the memos (sickening stuff), but Nuremberg taught us that you can't escape blame by "following orders" (in this case, guidelines). I predict that the legislature will get to the left of BO on this issue, and proceed with investigations on their own.


mikey

I was thinking somwhat along the same lines. The "Nuremberg defense" was hollow then, and it's hollow now. However, since the lower level people that may have been following orders based on skewed legal opinion did not commit crimes to the level that the Nazis did, I can better understand Obama's position. BUT, holding them more accountable might make them more willing to testify about the order givers if that should be needed. The ultimate blame lands squarely on Bush and Darth Cheney and their collective lackies. I'd like to see them held accountable, but I ain't holding my breath.
Bush and his legal team used the classic lawyer strategy of "This is where I need to be so find me some legal justification, opinion or precedent to make my case".Spin, spin, spin you arrogant bastards!!!

Maybe he needs to be able to say the people demanded it, and is waiting for us to go out and make him do it, a la FDR, as recounted on http://www.paxamericana.net in January:

Harry Belafonte recalled in an interview with Tavis Smiley recently a story he was told by Eleanor Roosevelt. She related a public event when her husband, FDR, introduced Randolph and asked him, Belafonte recalled, "what he thought of the nation, what he thought of the plight of the Negro people and what did he think ... where the nation was headed." Continuing the story, Belafonte recounted what FDR replied upon hearing Randolph's remarks: "You know, Mr. Randolph, I've heard everything you've said tonight, and I couldn't agree with you more. I agree with everything that you've said, including my capacity to be able to right many of these wrongs and to use my power and the bully pulpit. ... But I would ask one thing of you, Mr. Randolph, and that is go out and make me do it."

This story was retold by Obama at a campaign fundraiser in Montclair, N.J., more than a year ago. It was in response to a person asking Obama about finding a just solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. After recounting the Randolph story, Obama said he was just one person, that he couldn't do it alone. Obama's final answer: "Make me do it."

...

As Obama begins his first week as president, some might caution that it's only fair to wait and see what he might do. But the peace group Code Pink is not waiting. Along the inaugural parade route, they were handing out thousands of pink ribbons, encouraging people to join them in holding President Obama to his campaign peace promises: End the war in Iraq; shut down Guantanamo; reject the Military Commissions Act; stop torture; work to eliminate nuclear weapons; hold direct, unconditional talks with Iran; and abide by Senate-approved international treaties.

Just follow Obama's own advice: Make him do it.

So far he's doing what he promised to do while campaigning: end the practice of torture, allow our "prisoners of war" due process under the U.S. constitution, join the rest of the world in acknowledging global warming.......right now he's engaging in talks with the likes of Chavez and Ortega, and shows every intention of dealing with Cuba......things are happening so fast, he's taking full advantage of the opportunity of the moment, surfing the perfect wave and utterly unafraid to push our status quo envelope to its challenging limit......overall I believe him to be extremely honest, intelligent, thoughtful and competent. Now I want him to direct the Navy to show their stuff and "educate" those responsible that piracy will not be tolerated......and that coming from Captain Jack Sparrow's biggest fan!!!

Go after the torturers yes, (top down please) but the pirates too?

Darn. Cross part time pirate job off my list of prospects if I get layed off.

Arg. Sadly, they seem to be the only ones hiring just now.

Yeah Doug, 'tis a mighty pity. Where has all the swashbuckling romance gone? But the corporate pirates and the last 8 years of political pirates have spoiled it for everybody. What the world needs is a good old Robin Hood-type pirate sailing the seven seas, not these adolescents with RPG's serving Somali warlords.......

I had a vision of mohammed waterboarding jesus and I was filled with rage and wanted kill!

I had a vision of jesus waterboarding mohammed and I felt safe and warm.

I had a vision of mohammed waterboarding jesus and I felt safe and warm.

I had a vision of jesus waterboarding mohammed and I was filled with rage and wanted kill!

Dedicated to Dick Cheney, The Great Protectorate

yet another vision

I saw the extended Bush family all down on their knees and praying to god almighty that the al qaeda successfully attack the Western World in the immediate future?

Disturbing visions PSB.....I think what is most disturbing is that after 8 years of "getting to know" the man, it is not beyond the realm. I'm positive uncle Dick is praying for such a thing......

i have said it before...if not religion, what other qualifier would it be?

but religion is biggy

What makes you think he ain't PLANNING it? I mean he IS a Dick afterall.............

You make a good point Larry.....for Dick, praying and planning are probably the same thing.

Can't you get in trouble for envisioning Mohammed?

and Condolezza seemed like such a nice girl?