Torture as policy is unacceptable. #Feinstein

Torture as Policy is unacceptable.  

#Feinstein 

  America is a representative democracy and at root in this little dispute between the Central Intelligence Agency and the Senate Intelligence committee is civilian control. With respect for John Brennan and the need for an effective intelligence agency, substantial liberty in its operations overseas and abroad, there is no question that it needs democratic oversight, that the senate committee on intelligence is the safeguard for the populace and that the CIA's efforts at deception, at subterfuge and even espionage on the Senate Committee overseeing it are so beyond anything that is acceptable or healthy for our Republic that I cannot ethically avoid comment. I have an immense amount of respect for the hard work and tremendous risk that our CIA agents expose themselves to on a daily basis, but the efforts of the Senate and decisions of the Senate Intelligence committee are their own independent decisions that they should be free to make without fear of reprisal, intimidation or obstruction as their vital role of oversight requires.

   The CIA is employed by tax payers, it works for the Senate that the American people have hired to represent them, and Senator Feinstein, along with her colleagues have done the job their constituents have asked of them. The insubordination of the CIA cannot be tolerated. A review of tactics and a concerted effort to verify not only their effectiveness, as a matter of acquiring actionable intelligence, but also in the achievement of our broader mission, requires an inclusive discussion and clear light as to what happened and whether or not such tactics were of optimal effectiveness in garnering actionable intelligence and also to the achievement of American goals in the Middle East and abroad. I contend that any short term intelligence gains were far out weighed by the damage to America's reputation, when there were other ways that could have abstracted the intelligence that would have appeared less callous, vicious and evil. America needs to come clean about what the Bush Administration did during its reign, and the public has a right to know about these atrocious deeds as it considers its next set of leaders.

   In a recent poll, 69% of Americans think “water-boarding is a form of torture.” 58% of those Americans polled said they did not agree that water-boarding should be used “to get information from suspected terrorists.” Based on the increased amounts of insurgent behavior after the Abu Ghraib photos I would contend that these activities cost tax payers no less than 500 billions dollars, placed American soldiers, warriors and personnel overseas in not only greater risk but inevitably cost lives, while increasing their risk of exposure to such tactics by our enemies. They undermined Americas reputation abroad and created unquantifiable damage to our national interest by fostering recruitment by terrorist organizations and mistrust by good people everywhere. These actions also hurt domestic support for our efforts abroad, as the public felt mislead and coerced into participation in actions so clearly inhumane, in violation of all basic notions of human rights and against the laws of warfare.

   This is not to distract from the actions of our enemy, the brutal tactics of both Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and the regimes that America and our allies defeated in Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan, but a recognition that America need not become our enemy to defeat him. America needs to separate itself by setting the example of resolute and virtuous leadership. America was formed to be democratic and prosperous, principled and just. The deprived and systematic barbarity of these programs are no longer hidden and cannot be concealed. Efforts to shape public opinion in support of such tactics have failed. Torture is wrong in all circumstances. America cannot prosecute tyranny abroad if it is unwilling to hold our own selves to a higher bar of morality. The Bush Administration oversaw and encouraged the deliberate administration of heinous crimes against humanity. These tactics are inexcusable moving forward and the attorney generals and other federal prosecutors should strongly consider pursuing criminal penalties for such atrocities so that these actions do not become precedent actions for future regimes. The precedent we need look to is the prosecutions of “Eichmann” at the Hague following World War II and his actions to facilitate the transit of Jews to concentration camps by train. Duty and obedience were not accepted as a defense, even when “Eichmann” did not hold a deadly hand in the third reich's systematic campaigns of genocide. As a country, we cannot indulge the sadism of a few, at the expense of many. Such crimes against humanity cannot go unpunished, our flag was not raised as a shield of immunity and excuse for the darkest measures of depravity. America needs to work to align its realities with its ideals if it hopes to win its war against terror and retain its position as global leader.

A few points more points. 

  By thoroughly investigating such crimes against humanity, America can begin to provide the appropriate psychological supervision to these participants, and with some show of remorse and clarity as to who was ordering what, prison sentences can be avoided as long as these individuals are not deemed incompatible threats to Public Safety.  The CIA needs to reorient itself away from its obsession with big data and high-tech.  While there is obviously a need for some forms of high-tech surveillance I would contend that a return to classic human intelligence, as exemplified by MI6 during World War II is preferred direction and better buy for the American Taxpayers.  CIA needs to know all of our enemy's codes, weapons systems, the psychology of their decision makers, embedded assets in enemy command and in sensitive locations while turning their Generals, their populaces, their ministers on America and the democracy, market liberalization and common law notions of justice she advances.  America can seek partnerships with all of the nations in the world to expand peace, liberty and prosperity.  By training agents to be responsible decision makers and providing them the financial assets necessary to build operational cells throughout the world, our security can be advanced and the intelligence our military command needs, acquired.  If you are going to use any type of torture, it better be because you have collaborated stories that an individual has nuclear weapons in the country and the clock is ticking.  Otherwise, keep with the better interrogation techniques or place some cash on the table. 

   America should signal to Al-Qaeda and their affiliates that those groups that show restraint to avoid civilian casualties, that engage in uniformed battle and follow traditional rules of warfare, including avoiding executions of prisoners, as witnessed with the handling of nuns in taken Christian towns in Syria, will be engaged according to the rules of law by the United States of America with our support in seeking further penalties against Bashar Al-Assad in the Permanent Court of Arbitration along with the United Nations International Criminal Court.   

   America should coordinate with Afghanistan should coordinate with Pakistan to squeeze the Taliban on two fronts in anticipation of the fast approaching cessations of hostilities and Taliban white flagged surrender and formal ceremony ending hostilities and training for the fire department in exchange for their weapons.  

   In the shorter term, the increasingly developed intelligence entities within the armed forces can be effective, but this can allow for drift from the Commander and Chief's ability to oversee and coordinate activities.  Some presidents may rather none the less trust their military command to the dirty work, but the recent revelations surrounding the NSA and Barack Obama's apparent blindness on the matter and now the CIA's spying on Senators violates vital rules for civilian control, a matter that is a clear necessity and obvious constitutional mandate.  Still clear parameters of action and the freed hands of regional commanders around the globe to effectively win small wars can prevent the need to fight large ones. While it may be a popular belief in some circles, political action cannot be simply a distraction so that Government officials can act.  America, as a Republic, is a representative democracy and as a matter of law, those individuals elected are at the center of Command, governance and decision making.  This means competent Sheriffs and electing presidents with more command experience, either as governors or generals, or when former Senators are elected president, finding a General he or she trusts to keep in close contact and relation.  If we are not receiving orders, we need to listen to their words and find ways to administer to them either by way of governmental departments, or by way of market participation.  The citizens can choose their preferred provider.