If Holder would just appoint an Independent Counsel to investigate torture, everyone would be served

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

Number 1 - It's Holder's duty to investigate criminal acts, despite what Obama would prefer or not prefer. It's just about imperative at this point, since you have the former VP going out and not only justifying past criminal acts, but promoting their future use. The country will be tied up in this asinine "debate" about the efficaciousness of torture unless some are finally investigated, prosecuted and punished.

Number 2 - It will satisfy the idiotic partisan hacks who are screaming to investigate each other.

Number 3 - It will allow the Congress to move on and so the business of the people.

AG Holder - DO YOUR JOB!!!!!!

[MannyGoldstein]

1. Holder Himself Signed Off On Outsourced Torture Under Clinton

He admitted to it a couple of weeks ago.

I don't think he's real eager to start any sort of torture investigation.

[polichick]

3. Oh great - no wonder the president is so reluctant to move on this.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

4. The toebone is connected to the shinbone, the shinbone is connected

to the kneebone, the kneebone is connected to the thighbone . . . . . .

It's my understanding that Congress also has the authority to ask for an Independent Counsel. They should be smart enough to do that at this point. They know how stupid they all look with their cross accusations.

I don't care where the investigation leads. I really don't. If somehow Pelosi and even Clinton himself get caught up in it, well, too bad. Don't torture people. I thinks there's enough plausible deniability that the renditions that Clinton approved would slide under the limbo bar. I'm not saying they should, I'm just saying I think they would.

[zipplewrath]

6. Prosecutions prevent torture

Absolutely. Find and punish them all. Chips fall where they may, all that. I'm dubious there will be enough evidence to convict people from the Clinton era but I'm more than will to "risk" it. In the end, that's what stops this crap. The people involved knowing there is a good chance they'll get convicted.

I wrote to the president last night on the whitehouse.gov/contact website. Yeah, I know, wasted electrons. But that was the jist of what I said. I'm glad the president has stopped torture on his watch. But the only way we'll stop it for good is if we prosecute some folks.

[polichick]

2. I agree - it's ridiculous to allow that sick blowhard to undermine the president.

[OHdem10]

5. Will not happen. Obama has said "NO PROSECUTION."--

You cannot have a special prosecutor do an investigation knowing
there are no consequences.

Do you really believe those Spineless Dems on the Hill will vote
to override Obama???????

[polichick]

8. Why is he taking this stand - seems to go against his oath of office.

[Demeter]

7. There You Go Being Logical Again

There is no honesty or courage on the Hill or in the House. It should happen, but the odds are vanishingly small.

[TheMachineWins]

9. OK, let's go through the excuses 1 more time

"It's only been 100 days", "It's only been 4 months", "Let's focus on the economy", "How old R U?", "You're full of hateful retribution and blind rage", "You're on my list", 'It takes time", "Learn how to read", "You want your pony now?", "I'm so offended", "let's move forward", "Just doing their jobs".

[tridim]

10. I should buy stock in crow meat.

Because all of you are going to need a heaping helping soon.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

12. Do you think there will be some movement on the prosecution of torture front?

I hope you are correct. And, I think you are a lawyer, right? (I might have you confused with someone else)

Since you responded to the OP, I answered. I am not sure what "all of you" who will need to eat crow soon you are referring to.

[tridim]

13. It's just that everyone on this thread seems to be giving up before we even begin the fight

It's annoying and anti-productive.

I'm not a lawyer, but I do listen to what's going on in a non-macro sort of way. At this point I would be shocked if prosecutions don't happen, but I know they're not going to happen in a week. This is probably the most complex and serious investigation in US history, we need to get it right on the first try. That will take time.

Giving up (and essentially giving in) is not an option IMO.

[rateyes]

11. A FUCKING MEN! nt