Obama Flip-Flops (On "Torture" Photos)

The Columbian ^ | May 14, 2001 | Editorial Staff

[DakotaRed]

In our view May 14: Obama Flip-Flops

By trying to hide truth about prisoner abuse, president abuses public's right to know

Thursday, May 14 | 1:00 a.m.

Much of President Barack Obama's success in last year's election was based on his promise to foster open government, transparency and accountability. Now he has reversed that course as he tries to block the release of hundreds of photos showing prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan being abused.

How many more times will Obama reverse or abandon positions that he articulated in his campaign for the presidency?

His reasons for changing his mind in this case are shallow, even naíve: The results of releasing the photos, Obama said on Wednesday, would "be to further inflame anti-American opinion and to put our troops in greater danger."

snip

We're fighting for more openness. Let's show it despite the possible negative consequences.

Emphasis added

[DakotaRed]

Our Troops on the ground say releasing these old photos will cost American lives on the battlefield. Our Generals say releasing these old photos will cost American lives on the battlefield. Obama listened and agreed and what does the Columbian say?

"His reasons for changing his mind in this case are shallow."

Does any one at the Columbian ever think before writing? Saving American lives in war is "shallow?"

I am probably one the staunchest opposers to the Obama administration in Clark County and I can see and admit he made the correct decision on this one.

[cripplecreek]

Oh I don’t know if he’s flip flopped. I’m actually kind of concerened that the photos are going to “leak out” in the near future.

[MNDude]

I heard one of the pictures is of Pelosi putting an electric drill into a young Taliban’s kneecap.

[Piquaboy]

Maybe someone made him an offer he could not refuse.

[muawiyah]

If saving American lives is not a satisfactory reason for action then why do the taxpayers waste money providing police protection for "The Columbian".

Best thing to be done here is to simply EXCLUDE that paper and their employees, owners, managers, board members, and reporters all public services.

[piytar]

“admit he made the correct decision on this one”

It is the right decision, but the reason behind it is purely self-serving: Either (1) he knows Americans will see the photos of “abuse” and say, “you call THAT torture?!” or (2) he knows that releasing the photos will create an exposure to backlash when more American troops are killed as a result. Note, he does NOT care about the truth, saving soldiers’ lives, etc. — he just care about the political implications...

[muawiyah]

Yes, yes, and then she licked off the blood and began drilling through his breastbone.

It was horrible, and his screams were just unbelievable.

She did other things too.

[DakotaRed]

I know that our local paper is a liberal rag, but to openly refer to saving the lives of our Troops is “shallow and naive” goes well beyond the usual liberal nonsense.

Little wonder they are in bankruptcy proceedings too.

[DakotaRed]

I too question his motives, but more important to me is the Columbian referring to the reason given, to be saving American lives, as “shallow and naive.”

[Spok]

The ‘Bama would rather protect our troops and national security than provide more fodder for the MSM to continue its hate campaign against GWB (as if they needed it)? This is earth shaking and may cost the ‘Bama some of his most rabid supporters.

[<1/1,000,000th%]

Much of President Barack Obama's success in last year's election was based on his promise to foster open government, transparency and accountability. Now he has reversed that course as he tries to block the release of hundreds of photos showing prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan being abused.

Now???

He flip-flopped his way through his whole campaign. The only promise he kept was to take our money.

[Chuzzlewit]

agreed... I am not sure what his motives were, whether it was to minimize the blow back against him... or concern for the troops, or concern for Pelosi. At any rate, it’s a good thing that the photos will not be released. I’m happy about this one.

[piytar]

Point taken...

[Riodacat]

Damn you Obama, for umm, errr,,,, doing the right thing..

[wny]

besides, that’s not the reason he changed his mind. he couldn’t care less about the troops or American lives. They’re all propos to him. He changed his mind due to politices. Pure and simple.

[EQAndyBuzz]

I don’t think the torture photos were bad. Probably more of panties on the head and building naked pyramids.

The problem was the torture photos coming out today and combined with Pelosi’s statements people will ask, “is that it?”

[Para-Ord.45]

WRONG WRONG,ALL WRONG !

1.The Messiah is traveling to Egypt and doesn`t want to get lynched by the mob if he releases the pics.

2. He cna pretend to be for the troops all the while knowing the USSC will either not take the case or agree to release them. A win-win.

[mass55th]

He hasn’t flip-flopped. He’s just creating the appearance that he’s against their release. Instead he’ll wait until the court forces his hands. Rush said all he has to do is issue an Executive Order to keep them from being released. If Gregg Craig of his Justice Dept. issues a half-assed brief that sends a signal to the judge that they don’t care how he rules on it, the judge will order the photos to be released. Obama is just putting on an act for political reasons. Better to make it look like you’re against it, and put the decision in someone else’s hands.