Reply #30: Convicting these powerful men would send a message to the [View All]

[JDPriestly]

world, to all dictators and all who gain power over others through cruelty and the threat of cruelty, that the United States will, whenever possible, not just condemn such acts but hold those who commit them responsible. It is essential that we stand against torture and try those in our country who commit, order or condone it. If we don't we will be viewed as hypocritical when we wish to punish those who torture our citizens.

We are a powerful nation, and what we do sets an example for the rest of the world. When low-life hustlers in Beirut or Pakistan kidnap and torture journalists and diplomats and missionaries and others, we condemn it. We have every right to search for those who commit those cruel acts and to bring them to justice -- provided that we condemn those who commit those same acts in our name.