Truth and Reconciliation is the only chance for Hope and Change

[Newsjock]

Source: San Francisco Bay Guardian

Like most Americans, I've been fascinated by the news of Osama bin Laden's death, although my reaction has been a strange mix of relief (at the fact that this monster is gone) and revulsion (that murdering our enemies has become so widely accepted). And after processing it for a couple days, I think that we as a country need to go back to the point where things went so horribly wrong and to try to figure out whether there's a better path that we might take.

I realize that President Obama has demonstrated no appetite for such an undertaking, which could be done through a Truth and Reconciliation Commission like the ones used so effectively in South Africa, Chile, Argentina, Columbia, Peru, East Timor, and other countries looking to heal themselves after deep political strife that led to gross human rights abuses, and to engage with the world about the best way forward.

... And at this point, I'd sacrifice my sense of vengeance to change course as a country. As much as I'd like to see Rice, Yoo, Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfield hauled into the Haig and tried for what they've done – which would perhaps give me the same sense of satisfaction that many feel now over the death of bin Laden – I would rather give them all complete immunity from prosecution to let them testify truthfully about what's happened in these last 10 years so that we can begin to atone for it and move on.

If Obama could bring that about, he'd go down in history as a truly great man. Instead, he'll probably just choose to ride this current wave into a safe reelection campaign, nothing will change, and hope will die.

Read more: http://www.sfbg.com/politics/2011/05/03/truth-and-reconciliation-only-chance-hope-and-change

[izquierdista]

1. December 12th, 2000?

Those most in need of learning the truth and reconciling the outcomes still think that was a good day. In fact, they are still listening to Hannity and Limbaugh to get their daily dose of 'truth' served up to their liking.

The Truth is that the USA does not need to account for half the world's military spending, but you will never convince them of it.

The Truth is that lack of affordable medical care is a bigger threat to them than any foreign terrorist, but you will never convince them of it.

The Truth is that inequality of wealth will adversely impact them more far more than the tax on their future lottery winnings, but you will never convince them of it.

The only way that people learn truths is through education, and this year the Repubs are taking a power chisel to that, with considerable help from Democrats.