On May 1st I posted my thoughts on some of the initial reports of the Iraqi Prisoner abuse story. At that time pictures had not been released and there were faint stories of what sounded like harassment and some roughing up of Iraqi citizens by American military personnel. I don't think at this point it is necessary for me to link to any of the many stories you can find online about this new scandal. My first feelings two weeks ago have only intensified. I feel at a loss to understand how anyone can think that violating the rights of an occupied people will make things easier for the military stationed there or for the larger goal of building stability. I have no illusions about what humans are capable of or of what this country can allow or condone in our history. But how do we show we are different from the dictator we replaced if we use the same methods he did to control the population? When do we begin to practice what we preach, when do the so called Christians who are worried about the FCC and our culture, when do they show their disgust for such abuses?
If anyone should resign from the Bush administration, it should be Colin Powell. As the senior diplomat and as a former military man, he should be outraged at what has been allowed to happen. And allowed is the key word. It wasn't just a few "bad apples", it was allowed, condoned, encouraged and more than likely ordered all the way from the President. Yah I said it. He allows Ashcroft and Rumsfeld to detain prisoners from Afghanistan for over 2 years with no due process. Shit if we are going to execute them, even in a kangaroo court, lets do it and at least keep up some kind of appearance of due process. Show some concern of your image.
In politics and diplomacy, image is important. Substance is too. But image makes a big difference. Sprite couldn't be more wrong.
The current image of the US is not good and that affects us and will affect us for a long time to come.