POTUS re: release of torture photos
May 14, 2009 by mattie14May 14, 2009
barry’s prepared comments concerning his reversal on the release of the torture photos. He never says the word torture. He refers to it as conduct that didn’t conform with the Army manual.
How much did Dick Cheney have to do with it? It being past 100 days? The Generals? Nancy Pelosi? Or simple reality? The kind of reality he will eventually arrive at with Guantanamo Bay.
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Now, let me also say a few words about an issue that I know you asked Robert Gibbs about quite a bit today, and that’s my decision to argue against the release of additional detainee photos. Understand, these photos are associated with closed investigations of the alleged abuse of detainees in our ongoing war effort.
Operative words: war effort. Something folks seem to forget.
And I want to emphasize that these photos that were requested in this case are not particularly sensational, especially when compared to the painful images that we remember from Abu Ghraib, but they do represent conduct that did not conform with the Army Manual. That’s precisely why they were investigated — and, I might add, investigated long before I took office – and, where appropriate, sanctions have been applied.
That caveat is attached to every decision he makes. How long before it no longer applies.
In other words, this is not a situation in which the Pentagon has concealed or sought to justify inappropriate action. Rather, it has gone through the appropriate and regular processes. And the individuals who were involved have been identified, and appropriate actions have been taken.
Meaning everything that is going to be done has been done. The photos, if released, will change nothing.
It’s therefore my belief that the publication of these photos would not add any additional benefit to our understanding of what was carried out in the past by a small number of individuals. In fact, the most direct consequence of releasing them, I believe, would be to further inflame anti-American opinion and to put our troops in greater danger.
Honestly – why does that even need to be said out loud?
Moreover, I fear the publication of these photos may only have a chilling effect on future investigations of detainee abuse. And obviously the thing that is most important in my mind is making sure that we are abiding by the Army Manual and that we are swiftly investigating any instances in which individuals have not acted appropriately, and that they are appropriately sanctioned. That’s my aim and I do not believe that the release of these photos at this time would further that goal.
Those deeds are done. The photos are not going to change that. Any and all future instances will be dealt with start to finish.
Now, let me be clear: I am concerned about how the release of these photos would be — would impact on the safety of our troops. I have made it very clear to all who are within the chain of command, however, of the United States Armed Forces that the abuse of detainees in our custody is prohibited and will not be tolerated. I have repeated that since I’ve been in office, Secretary Gates understands that, Admiral Mullen understands that, and that has been communicated across the chain of command.
Any abuse of detainees is unacceptable. It is against our values. It endangers our security. It will not be tolerated.
All right. Thank you very much, everybody.
Did not take any questions.
For the first time ever I actually agree with barry. Believing he did it out of personal conviction is another matter.
ACLU’s Amrit Singh’s justification for release of photos
To the ACLU re: release of torture photos
POTUS re: release of torture photos
ACLU’s Amrit Singh, Anderson Cooper, Kevin Madden re: photo release
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