“The diffusion of information and the arraignment of all abuses at the bar of public reason, I deem [one of] the essential principles of our government, and consequently [one of] those which ought to shape its administration.” –Thomas Jefferson: 1st Inaugural Address, 1801. ME 3:322
Thomas Jefferson On Politics & Government
Quotations from the Writings of Thomas Jefferson
By Robert S. Siegel
The news and commentary on President Obama’s release of the Torture Memos continues. Last night on Fox News’ Hannity, former Vice President Cheney called for the release of memos that he claims show how successful the interrogation process was.
MYODB supports release of all memos related to torture that can be reasonably made public without endangering national security. Our reasoning is that only with an informed electorate participating in vigorous nationwide discussion and debate can our country establish interrogation parameters for the future. News snippets and partisan hysterics that we will get without full disclosure will serve only to lessen our nation’s image among our own citizens and throughout the world.
If the memos Mr. Cheney refers to do indeed show success in that lives were saved, then we will have a debate on morals and necessity. If on the other hand the memos don’t clearly indicate success we can put torture interrogation aside permanently.
I have no illusion that full disclosure of all pertinent memos will completely avoid the partisan hysterics anymore than I believe that we can easily come to a definition of success. What I am absolutely certain of is that without full disclosure the only discussion we will have will be partisan and hysterical.
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Sunlight is the best disinfectant. (Except when it makes people sneeze.)
Careful Rob, that sunlight sneezing thing you mention could really over-excite the EPA.
Hey, I calls ‘em as I sees ‘em.