LIVE THREAD: Rumsfeld Testifies Regarding Treatment of Iraqi Prisoners

http://freerepublic.com ^ | May 7, 2004

[Howlin]

Link to C-SPAN

http://inside.c-spanarchives.org:8080/cspan/schedule.csp

I'm sure all the networks will be showing this.

[kacres]

I thought I was going to have a heart attack during McCain's questioning. I tried to get through to his office to let him know how what a jerk he was, and the lines are jammed, but switch board operator said she was watching, amd alot of calls comming in about how people are complaining.

[LS]

The more I see of McLame, the more he disgusts me. The very few times this guy is right do not outweigh the vast number of times he's a FREAKIN' IDIOT.

[proud American in Canada]

"I don't mind if we kill them as combatants or medicate them to obtain INTEL, but it is inexcusable to rape them. There should be apologies and they should be compensated."

I'm with you.

I know many here will disagree with me but I would like to say that I am proud of the American government today, for holding this quick hearing, and of the Bush administration, for its reaction to what happened.

American society is unbelievably open; people up here comment on it, in favorable terms. They point to the 9/11 commission, and this inquiry, comparing it with how the Canadian government invariably covers up scandals. There are several royal commissions investigating one scandal after another but they are not open to the public and they never seem to get around to making their findings public.

If I recall correctly, the Royal Commission that was investigating hazing by the Canadian Air regiment in Somalia was disbanded.

Here's a link to an explanation of the Somalia incident:

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTM0010376

I find it amazing--and hopeful--that this hearing is being broadcast on Al Jazeera!

And as for the apology and the reparations--I'm sorry, but I'm proud of the Bush administration for owing up to mistakes, taking steps to correct it, and yes, attempting to make amends for depraved acts committed against prisoners.

The fact that barbarism happened in the past and still happens, sure, it could give us a reason or even an excuse to get down to their level, but the fact that our country is trying to raise the bar gives me hope for the future of humanity.

[Mo1]

Rummy told him his fact were inacurate

[Peach]

Rumsfeld: The idea that you would have regulations that would condone this kind of behavior is simply unbelievable.

[eastsider]

Give the perps a fair trial and a fast public hanging. They are disgrace to the uniform, the flag, and the human race.

Bump!

[adam_az]

"does he have a golf ball in his mouth?"

No, no... Those are Hillary's balls in his mouth.

[r9etb]

I can tell--even from the rear--that Hillary had her hair freshly "coiffed" for her T.V. appearance today...she knows the world will be watching and weighing her "performance" for future prospects...

LOL!!! I had exactly the same thought....

[ken5050]

"rusty nail" no doubt...a pitcher of them..

[cyncooper]

Rummy taking Teddy DOOOOOOOOOWNTOWN!

Yes he did. He pointed out this was all known. For heaven's sake--CNN was there! said Rummy.

Pat Roberts asks if this was condoned: No, says Rumsfeld.

[StriperSniper]

Yes, he already has. :)

[Dales]

"It's not wrong to mistreat our enemies."

Disagree.

It is not wrong to kill our enemies in battle. It is wrong to mistreat our enemies when they are our captives.

Bin Laden has talked about how he wants to teach us the laws of the jungle. You want to be just like him.

[TankerKC]

...if only Rummy could say that...

I think many folks will catch the irony of his question.

[cake_crumb]

The drunken creep. Asking if there were regulations for abuse...DUH!

[bonfire]

"This is a remarkable scene. It is analagous to the conflict of the ages: Good verses Evil"

You can almost see the horns and halos if you squint your eyes.

[Flipyaforreal]

Really good question. I, myself, cannot wait, this has been sickening so far.

[BlessedByLiberty]

For him the symbol of America is the bridge in Chappaquiddick.

[highlandbreeze]

Well, how many friggin' committees does it take before they are satisfied!

Good Lord, at what expense.

[Wayne07]

Was Kennedy so angry he was shaking, or was he just hung over?

[AFPhys]

NO One in the Military Chain of Command believes this behavior is acceptable, and over and over and over again it has been demonstrated that it is counterproductive, and the troops are educated that it is not to be engaged in.

Unfortunately, there are some Americans who are not so well educated, and even amongst those who are, "in the heat of battle", improper behavior such as this is engaged in. That is why the military has internal procedures for investigation and punishment of this type of thing.

Please ignore those on this board who think this is a useful thing for the military to do to prisoners. They really are ignorant about what the military condones.