Obama Plans Probe Of Bush Torture Whether Or Not Officials Are Pardoned

WASHINGTON -- With growing talk in Washington that President Bush may be considering an unprecedented "blanket pardon" for people involved in his administration's brutal interrogation policies, advisors to Barack Obama are pressing ahead with plans for a nonpartisan commission to investigate alleged abuses under Bush.

The Obama plan, first revealed by Salon in August, would emphasize fact-finding investigation over prosecution. It is gaining currency in Washington as Obama advisors begin to coordinate with Democrats in Congress on the proposal. The plan would not rule out future prosecutions, but would delay a decision on that matter until all essential facts can be unearthed. Between the time necessary for the investigative process and the daunting array of policy problems Obama will face upon taking office, any decision on prosecutions probably would not come until a second Obama presidential term, should there be one.

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Comments

[klevenstein]

For me, torture is a singularly important issue, and I have been gratified on the several occasions that Obama has raised it, because he has (so far) been unequivocal in his statements of opposition to torture.

I'll be looking for some actions that will demonstrate Obama's presumed sincerity on this issue. For me, this is the issue that can have no political excuse, no possibility of compromise.

This is my personal view, and I recognize that some might not find it such an absolute as I do. It's primarily an emotionally-based position, but there are obviously many straightforward paths to a rejection of torture also.

[SurrealPumpkin]

Query: Can one member of a conspiracy pardon other members of the same conspiracy? And expect it to survive a legal challenge?

[LuvUSA]

funny i just posted a comment that didnt get posted. no off color words just my true feelings and disagreeing with most of the bloggers here....hmm fairness doctrine my ...foot lets see if this one goes up.

[pointyheadprodigy]

You are not alone, I think they must throw them away when the pizza arrives or something.

[SurrealPumpkin]

Political Reality: if Obama waits for his second term to start investigations he is likely not to have a second term. The People are very angry.

[1differentdrummer]

Great picture, Bush receding into the distance.

[hangdogit]

America will soon be in a post-junta situation, similar to what Chile and Argentina found themselves in after the fall of dictatorships there. As such, Congress should act as a kind of Grand Jury to get all the facts out (except those about legitimate national-security secrets). Then the perps should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Justice and history demand nothing less.

[lobear00]

Obama be smart and rehire all the "Fired US Attorneys. Investigations need to start with Members of Congress, All people hired by Bush, Employee's of the Justice Department, Employee's of the Interior Department, all three branches of government has been corrupted by this administration. And lets not forget the Department of Defense. and the u s media. Crimes have been committed up and down the ladder of this nation from people within "Our " Government.

[Kels78]

In addition to US attorneys, please get Luis Moreno-Ocampo involved.

[hollybork]

President Elect Obama - bring in Vincent Bugliosi to direct the investigation. He has already researched this and he is an impeccable criminal attorney and advocate.

[hnealehcn]

Excellent idea.

[faith]

I agree. In fact, it is very proper that Obama proceed with the investigation and Bugliosi would be great to direct the investigation. I hope that Patrick Fitzgerald is able to be involved and not obligated to recuse himself in any way. But whether or not Bush pardons his entire administration, I think the facts should be brought to light before the American people either way.

[Bombalot]

The best gift I could hope for from the next administration is justice. Obama pledged it and I believe he will do whatever he can to deliver. Until Bush and his entire cabinet are tried for their crimes, we won't resume our place in the world. Ideally, subpoenas will be issued quickly and we will all be able to sit back and watch the bastards squirm for years to come. Now that would be a bonus gift that keeps on giving.

[chopenhopper]

I have spoken lately with several international friends--both in and out of this country. The topic has been "How Does America Restore Its Place In the World?"--and not just as a super power, but in the eyes of other people on the planet.

The overwhelming response has been "Well you've made agood start with the election."

But they all go on to say:

"But if you really want people to believe that you guys believe in what you say you believe, then you have to come to grips on how you will deal with the war criminals in the current administration."

It is fact. they are war criminals. Try them. Convict them.

If Bush pardons all--haul them up in front of international courts--UN courts--or how about a military tribunal--we all know those don't have to succumb to the laws of any land.

[Crim]

Again, more media speculation. Everyone take a deep breath, this hasn't happened yet. I'd like to see the scandals of the last eight years come to light just as much as the next guy, but I'll believe it when I see it.

So many crimes, so little time.

[zenaby56]

And to the Huffington Post, I'd love to read more stories abotu these kinds of thigns and way less abotu Palin and anything she might want to tlak about. She says nothing.

This topic about Bush and interrogation pardons is so critical to stay in the public eye. for far to long under the Bush Administration, there were so many things happening in our country and you would catch a brief, I mean brief, piece about them and then never to be heard of again. Let's keep the matters of importance to our country in the for front.

[zenaby56]

There should be limits to Bush's ability to pardon people who he himself sent to engage in illegal activities. It seems kind of screwed up to say the least.

I would love to see Obama take this to task. He does, however, have a huge pile of mess to clean up from Bush/Cheney and the Republican rubber stamp.

Maybe, just maybe, we will get things back on track in this Nation and restore honor and integrity to our government!!!!

[TheQuestion]

I wonder if some constitutional ammendment is not in order. A president should not be able to pardon himself.

[mikethespike]

Fitzgerald for AG!