Thursday, December 01, 2005
Like a Broken Rape Whistle
Donald Rumsfield inadvertantly explains why torture keeps on happening:
When UPI's Pam Hess asked about torture by Iraqi authorities, Rumsfeld replied that "obviously, the United States does not have a responsibility" other than to voice disapproval.
But Pace had a different view. "It is the absolute responsibility of every U.S. service member, if they see inhumane treatment being conducted, to intervene, to stop it," the general said.
Rumsfeld interjected: "I don't think you mean they have an obligation to physically stop it; it's to report it."
But Pace meant what he said. "If they are physically present when inhumane treatment is taking place, sir, they have an obligation to try to stop it," he said, firmly.
"Well, if you see a man with electrodes clamped to his genitals, then just complain to your superiors. I'm sure that will stop it."
I'm also curious about the fact that Rumsfield says the US "does not have a responsibility" other than to cry foul when people are being treated inhumanely. And yet, that's one of the main reasons we went into Iraq, isn't it? I mean, aside from the twenty-six other reasons that the Administration has given us.
When UPI's Pam Hess asked about torture by Iraqi authorities, Rumsfeld replied that "obviously, the United States does not have a responsibility" other than to voice disapproval.
But Pace had a different view. "It is the absolute responsibility of every U.S. service member, if they see inhumane treatment being conducted, to intervene, to stop it," the general said.
Rumsfeld interjected: "I don't think you mean they have an obligation to physically stop it; it's to report it."
But Pace meant what he said. "If they are physically present when inhumane treatment is taking place, sir, they have an obligation to try to stop it," he said, firmly.
"Well, if you see a man with electrodes clamped to his genitals, then just complain to your superiors. I'm sure that will stop it."
I'm also curious about the fact that Rumsfield says the US "does not have a responsibility" other than to cry foul when people are being treated inhumanely. And yet, that's one of the main reasons we went into Iraq, isn't it? I mean, aside from the twenty-six other reasons that the Administration has given us.
