Much has already been said on prosecution of members of the Bush administration for torture and other war crimes. This has been framed as a political issue by some on both sides of the political spectrum, but it is far too deep for that...
Much has also been written on the subject of a moral stain. It has been spoken of since the times of myth, when character was drawn in epic terms. It was literally described by Shakespeare. It is a thing, if not confronted, that can destroy the soul of a person, or in this case a country.
What does it say about a society that allows torturers to walk free? We did not participate in the torture, true. It was not done with our knowledge or complicity. But it was approved by those in authority in OUR Government. By Americans. Can we pretend it never happened? And the persons who did authorize it are now characterizing their activity as a mere political stance. Can we accept that it is okay, from a certain point of view? A price of doing business in this world?
I say no! NO! AND AGAIN, NO!!! It was and is a CRIME. It remains unacknowledged (as a crime) and unpunished. But not forever. And not by everyone. A Spanish Court has already begun an inquiry, even if we will not.
I know that no one expects the Spanish Inquisition - nevertheless... (please forgive me)
I don't know the best way to handle this issue politically. I agree with Johnathan Turley in his masterful analysis given on the Rachel Maddow Show. A "truth commission" to find the facts would be an open and shut case. The facts are there. The Bush administration admits torture. It is a bold and flagrant stance, but not unexpected from these people.
The best thing for Obama to do is get out of the way and let it happen. If it is thought that he cannot personally demand a special prosecutor, he is probably right. That is the thing the right wing would love, to focus all their effort in a political battle intended to muddle the issue.
So, to paraphrase FDR, "I agree that we should do it. So, make me do it." Obama needs the political room to appoint a special prosecutor. He needs to be forced to do it. That is the next step. It will happen, it is just a matter of time.
This is not going away....