The Man Behind the Hood

[pooperman]

Torture at Abu Ghraib: The full sworn testimony of Ali Shalal
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=20070219&articleId=4865

Comments

[zdover]

I'm not personally responsible for that shit.

[pooperman]

Then there is no hope for us. Yay!

[unnamed525]

How am I personally and separately accountable for something I 1) didn't do and 2) didn't know was happening until long afterwards and 3) couldn't have stopped?

I agree that the US has lost this war, but the only way for us to regain some type of credibility is to hold those actually responsible for it responsible. Unfortunately, I find that highly unlikely to happen, even with a switch in administrations.

[pooperman]

Because if you were there, you wouldn't have stopped it. You would have done what you were told to do, and probably would have liked it until later when you reflected on what you had done.

Until you admit that (and I know you probably won't), until you can exhibit some sympathy--not only for the tortured, but the torturers--there will be no healing.

This is not an easy lesson. I won't be offended if you don't agree with me at the moment. Just try to think about it.

[unnamed525]

I actually pity military personnel because they're brainwashed to follow orders, regardless of the ethicalness or legality of those orders.

[pooperman]

Pity is a start, but it's not sympathy.

Following orders is easy, requires almost no brainwashing. To be ethical and brave and heroic takes more training than to do what you are told without question.

[xorus]

So.. um.. is everything okay?

I mean, 4 months.

[pooperman]

Yeah--everything's fine. I've been too busy at work to keep up with LJ is all.