To the left is a supposed picture from Abu Ghraib, where a form of “stress torture” is being implemented. I know that this is an area that different conservatives find themselves on different sides. The things that were done in Abu Ghraib were disgusting and crossed the line between “advanced interrogation” and “indisputable torture”. There is a difference between approving water boarding (which I am fully in favor of, and even had it done to myself, you can see the video online at my site) and making prisoners pile on top of each other, naked. Those that participated in Abu Ghraib were prosecuted and sentenced accordingly, however, and there is no reason that I can see why the ACLU would want those pictures to become a part of the public domain for any other reason than to further smear the overall good name of the military.
I understand what the ACLU does. At times they fight important battles because one person or another’s civil rights have been violated, however far too often for my comfort do they find themselves fighting against freedom of religion or fighting battles like the release of the torture photos for really no apparent reason. With that said, I always give credit where credit is due, and the Obama administration (more specifically Defense Secretary Robert Gates) have blocked the release of these photos through new powers granted by Congress. Gates (as well as many other Americans, including myself) think that these photos being released will only inflame ant-American Islamic extremists even more so. As I said above, the acts were unjustifiable, however those responsible were served their justice, and the release of the photos makes no sense.
To me, I think of it like this: Let’s say that a person is practicing child pronography. He has a collection of photos that indicate extremely illegal and horrible acts, and he is caught and punished and thrown in jail. Would the ACLU try to make those photos public? I think not. Of course I already know what’s going to be said, and yes, there is a difference between naked children and torture abuses, but still, the analogy has some credence, does it not?
Needless to say, I’m happy that the Obama administration recognizes this as unnecessary, and I hope that they also talk Holder into not trying the GITMO detainees in New York, but that’s a whole nother can of worms and a different post that I think I’ll let Kevin tackle, mostly because he probably knows more about that than I do.
Cross posted at www.ktracy.com and linked at www.mattersofopinion.net
