A local newpspaper published John Campbell's [R. Ca-48] answer to the question, "Do you think if [Mukasey] is confirmed as the next attorney general Congress should move swiftly to approve a law banning waterboarding, and would you vote for such a law? Would you be surprised to read that . . .
The Daily Pilot, a local paper published by the Los Angeles Times has a weekly feature entitled "That's Debatable." The feature poses a question and asks John Campbell [R,Ca-48] to answer.
Today's question was:
"Michael B. Mukasey, the nominee for attorney general, has been criticized for his views on interrogation techniques, specifically his comments on waterboarding. But Mukasey has said he would enforce a law banning waterboarding if Congress approved it. Do you think if he is confirmed as the next attorney general Congress should move swiftly to approve a law banning waterboarding, and would you vote for such a law?"
Of course Campbell did not answer the question whether he would vote to ban waterboarding, but his dancing in a buffalo heard answer is even more revealing:
"Waterboarding is a psychological interrogation technique that does not inflict physical pain or permanent damage.
Nonetheless, it is reserved only for the worst terrorists who have information that could save dozens, hundreds or thousands of American lives.
I do not think it is an excessive response to the threats that we face in the world today.
John Campbell
Congressman
(R-Newport Beach)" (emphasis added)
I doubt that Campbell would vote to ban a "psychological interrogation technique" he sees as so important and that does not inflict pain nor risk of death.
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The Whitehouse must have issued a memo of talking points because the ever offensive Dana Rohrabacher responding to the same questoin answsered:
"Waterboarding in and of itself is not torture. It may create a sense of panic, but it’s not physically harmful.
Obviously if its practiced on an innocent person, then those responsible should be held accountable for the mistake.
However, the waterboarding of a terrorist to protect thousands of innocent Americans who would otherwise be killed if information to prevent an attack wasn’t obtained, should be applauded.
We should be grateful we’re able to get this information from terrorists in order to protect our families.
Dana Rohrabacher
Congressman
(R-Huntington Beach)"
Mr. Campbell, Mr. Rohrabacher, how long has it been since someone tried to drown you?
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