Well, well, well. In my last letter I suggested that congressional leaders be careful about opening a can of worms, by pursuing the possible prosecution of former administration personnel from using enhanced intelligence methods on terrorist captives. I wasn't expecting the chickens coming home to roost this soon.
It seems that Speaker Pelosi, in spite of her vehement denials, had been privy to at least two C.I.A. briefings relating to waterboarding and other techniques. When it became apparent that she had been a little less than truthful, she said that while these methods were discussed, she wasn't told that they were being employed. We now find this to be untruthful, also, so now she says she may have had a slight case of memory lapse. How often are we going to hear this alibi? Chris Dodd used it during the scandal involving A.I.G. Bonuses to their CEO's. Could Nancy be so naive to think that the procedure would be discussed if it were not going to be used? Now we learn that even Eric Holder, who is so anxious to prosecute, was also aware of the practice. Where was the outcry then? Not only from them, but also by the other 65 congressional leaders that attended those briefings? It thoroughly frightens me that a person of Pelosi's mentality is third in the line of succession to the Presidency. President Obama could have stopped the threat of prosecution, if he so desired, as he originally said, unless he has already lost control of his party.
I, personally, am thankful for President Bush for using these tactics to safeguard our homeland from additional terrorist attacks. These methods, certainly, were not fatal or painful, only scary. I suppose the definition of torture varies from person to person.
The other alibis often advanced by tax evaders Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Tim Geithner, Governor Richardson and Tom Daschle are honest mistakes. I realize that with all the sources of income, they may have conveniently forgotten some of them. After all, they only amounted to several thousands of dollars. At least Richardson and Daschle withdrew their names for consideration. Frank is complaining that he is being targeted by conservatives and independents. Only in Congress can the perpetrator become the victim.
I may not be as intelligent as they are, but I know where my income came from, and I paid all taxes due. In spite of this, they continue to be forgiven and appointed to high government positions. I guess crime does pay if you are in Congress. In my mind, this does not speak well of the Obama Administration.
Al Julliard
Effingham, IL
