Jack & Jill Politics

In my opinion, since the burden of restoring America’s credibility on the global front will now rest with him, I think he should set the example that the United States of America does not condone torture by going after the criminals in the Bush Cartel that authorized torture and violated all tenets of the Geneva Conventions, but, hey; I’m just another damned blogger with an opinion.  Apparently, according to the AP, there appears to be some debating of the matter:

WASHINGTON – Barack Obama‘s incoming administration is unlikely to bring criminal charges against government officials who authorized or engaged in harsh interrogations of suspected terrorists during the George W. Bush presidency. Obama, who has criticized the use of torture, is being urged by some constitutional scholars and human rights groups to investigate possible war crimes by the Bush administration.

Two Obama advisers said there’s little — if any — chance that the incoming president’s Justice Department will go after anyone involved in authorizing or carrying out interrogations that provoked worldwide outrage.

The advisers spoke on condition of anonymity because the plans are still tentative. A spokesman for Obama’s transition team did not respond to requests for comment Monday.

Additionally, the question of whether to prosecute may never become an issue if Bush issues pre-emptive pardons to protect those involved.

However, I am encouraged by this:

Obama has committed to reviewing interrogations on al-Qaida and other terror suspects. After he takes office in January, Obama is expected to create a panel modeled after the 9/11 Commission to study interrogations, including those using waterboarding and other tactics that critics call torture. The panel’s findings would be used to ensure that future interrogations are undisputedly legal.

“I have said repeatedly that America doesn’t torture, and I’m going to make sure that we don’t torture,” Obama said Sunday on CBS’ “60 Minutes.” “Those are part and parcel of an effort to regain America’s moral stature in the world.”

Even if Bush orders blanket pardons of everyone involved in this shyt (and don’t be fooled, Bush is going to pardon everybody and their pet dog from criminal prosecution), I’m wondering if Obama can cooperate in turning these SOBs over to the Hague for International prosecution, and if he does, what message does that send to the global community?  What message does he send to global leaders if he allows this shyt to slide?

This is an issue post, JJP readers.  As Rikyrah says in the Open Threads – the rules are the same, and all in all, I want to see that Obama does well as POTUS.  Discussions like this help that effort along.