The CIA "interrogators" who the president has immunized from prosecution risked nothing. But the operating theory is: unless those agents also have assurances in writing from the likes of John Yoo and Jay Bybee -- or in public vows from the President -- then, when they really believe the US is under attack, they'll be worrying more about avoiding litigation and jail time than saving the country. Such brave patriots.
Of course, these agents were most worried that if someone asked why they interrogated and tortured these people, the evidence would be scant. But tellingly, they've been illegally hiding and destroying videotape and other evidence rather than preserving it.
There's such a profound difference between the torture agents who Yoo, Bybee and Obama are protecting, versus actual heroes of the Iraq war - like veterans Lieutenant Ehren Watada and Kevin Benderman (see below).
True heroes don't check their morality with their civilian clothes, destroy evidence, or evade litigation - and never need a permission slip from a moral pygmy like John Yoo to justify what they've done. They faced arrest, jail time, court martial, dishonorable discharge without pension, demotion -- even possible execution for desertion -- rather than hurt innocent people in an immoral war.
and dozens more.
It will be a real change when the White House crafts documents and the President vows to protect the real heroes.