I remain disgusted by Obama's refusal to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. He is obsessed with doing what is politically convenient, not what is right and/or just. However, I was pleasantly surprised to read this Associated Press headline:
Obama to issue blanket pardons for soldiers convicted in Abu Ghraib prison scandal
On this score, Obama is acting with some degree of consistency. If the CIA is exempt from charges, then this had to happen. I applaud the President for this courageous move.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Obama to issue blanket pardons for soldiers convicted in Abu Ghraib prison scandal
Associated Press - April 21, 2009 3:03 AM ET
WASHINGTON (AP) - American military personnel convicted of charges relating to the Abu Ghraib prison scandal will be issued blanket pardons, President Barack Obama will announce today. The White House, on the heels of announcing the intent not to prosecute CIA officials for their role in tough terror interrogations, will seek to turn the page on another sordid chapter in recent history.
Prepared remarks indicate that the decision to issue blanket pardons is directly related to the exemption afforded to the CIA.
"This action will align policy with rhetoric," said a senior White House official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue.
"This is a time for reflection, not retribution," Obama said earlier this week.
"We have been through a dark and painful chapter in our history. But at a time of great challenges and disturbing disunity, nothing will be gained by spending our time and energy laying blame for the past."
Specialist Charles Graner, convicted on a wide array of charges including conspiracy, cruelty, and obstruction of justice was sentenced to 10 years in prison on January 15th, 2005. Staff Sergeant Ivan Frederick, convicted on charges including conspiracy, maltreatment of detainees, and assault was sentenced to 8 years in prison in October 2005.
Lynndie England, whose depiction in photographs with naked Iraqi detainees made her an iconic figure of the scandal, was convicted of maltreating detainees and committing indecent acts. Her civilian lawyer, Roy T. Hardy, praised the Obama administration in a telephone interview this morning.
"This goes a long way to righting the ship," he said.
"You can't erase the shame and suffering that was inflicted on these kids for doing far less than what the CIA was given permission to do. But this is a step towards justice."
England was sentenced to three years in prison of which she served 1 and a half years. She was paroled in March of 2008.
At least ten other soldiers were convicted of various charges relating to the incidents.
President Obama is scheduled to give a press conference making the announcement in the East Room late this afternoon.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
**CORRECTION**
April 22, 2009 - 12:00 AM ET
False alarm. For the time being, the Obama administration is content to let Spc. Graner and Staff Sgt. Frederick rot in jail for another six and four years respectively. Apologies for any inconvenience caused by the release of this premature reportage.