Torture Logic

Today, President Bush stated very clearly that "We do not torture". As reported in the Associated Press by Deb Riechmann...

"President Bush on Monday defended U.S. interrogation practices and called the treatment of terrorism suspects lawful. "We do not torture," Bush declared in response to reports of secret CIA prisons overseas.

Bush supported an effort spearheaded by Vice President Dick Cheney to block or modify a proposed Senate-passed ban on torture.

"We're working with Congress to make sure that as we go forward, we make it possible, more possible, to do our job," Bush said. "There's an enemy that lurks and plots and plans and wants to hurt America again. And so, you bet we will aggressively pursue them. But we will do so under the law."

Cheney is seeking to persuade Congress to exempt the Central Intelligence Agency from the proposed torture ban if one is passed by both chambers."

We do not torture, yet the President publicly opposes a ban. If we don't torture, we have no need for its existence. Passing a ban on the practice shouldn't curb our style. But Bush seems to be saying, "Don't ban torture. The CIA may need to use it someday." Talk about your mixed messages. Even Bush looks confused...



In related news, am I the only one nervous about Jeb Bush reportedly getting in shape. Could the other White Bush be primping for a Presidential race? If so, I'd like to introduce you to my friends War, Famine, Pestilence and Death. They're here about the coming Apocalypse.