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I think we should be a little more amazed that this report is available at all---an through internal channels at that. While we're all bashing the CIA for what

I think we should be a little more amazed that this report is available at all---an through internal channels at that. While we're all bashing the CIA for what they've done (and are right to do so), we should also appreciate that this is also at some level an instance of government working "properly": one branch of government audited another branch, found that there had been misconduct, and was able to publish a report showing what had been done wrong. This is not the end of the road---we still need to fix the problems and prevent them from happening again---but publicly acknowledging the problems is a massive first step. Before we all jump on the bandwagon to paint the USA as the next major authoritarian regime, ask yourselves the question: would this report ever get published in North Korea, China, or the former USSR? Frankly, I can't imagine it. This report proves that the USA might not be better than any of those countries with regard to these events... but at least it appears that the USA has the guts to acknowledge publicly its mistakes.

lhc- 12y ago
Well, that's assuming that the people who did this actually consider these mistakes (they don't) and that they will be held even a little bit accountable (which looks unlikely). As it is, it's as much bragging as it is auditing: nothing bad will come to those who committed these heinous acts, and it will provide no discouragement for those who come after and have to make the decision about whether or not to torture.
shit_parade 12y ago
a steam valve to relieve pressure keeps the great death machine running smoothly.
javajosh 12y ago
This is a really good point, and shouldn't be lost in the outrage. Of course, the outrage shouldn't be lost either, but you're right: some of our morality is salvaged by the publication of this report.
baconner 12y ago
Its something yes, but considering no one will be charged at all for well documented and extremely grave crimes well... Its hard to take solace in being a little better than a full on totalitarian regime.
moo 12y ago
It is called hypocrisy. These debates are not real, they are planned and can be shut off like a spigot.

lhc- 12y ago

Well, that's assuming that the people who did this actually consider these mistakes (they don't) and that they will be held even a little bit accountable (which looks unlikely). As it is, it's as much bragging as it is auditing: nothing bad will come to those who committed these heinous acts, and it will provide no discouragement for those who come after and have to make the decision about whether or not to torture.

shit_parade 12y ago

a steam valve to relieve pressure keeps the great death machine running smoothly.

javajosh 12y ago

This is a really good point, and shouldn't be lost in the outrage. Of course, the outrage shouldn't be lost either, but you're right: some of our morality is salvaged by the publication of this report.

baconner 12y ago

Its something yes, but considering no one will be charged at all for well documented and extremely grave crimes well... Its hard to take solace in being a little better than a full on totalitarian regime.

moo 12y ago

It is called hypocrisy. These debates are not real, they are planned and can be shut off like a spigot.