Free Republic

Circumcision is an open-and-shut First Amendment right (”free exercise”) for observant Jews. “Free exercise” does not protect the right to conduct human sacrifices (or even to deny life-saving treatment to minor children of Christian Scientists), but supposed harm from infant circumcision is conjectural “junk science.”

Some would claim that if the First Amendment protects infant circumcision, it should also protect female genital mutilation (sometimes misleadingly euphemized as “female circumcision”). In answer:
(1) Female genital mutilation causes a lifetime of significant medical harm.
(a) but I wouldn’t object to a reduced procedure that left a small harmless scar.
(2) Female genital mutilation is a folk tradition in some cultures, rather than a requirement of a recognized religion like Islam.

In the wake of last weekend's spectacular security breach, Congress should shut down the prosecution of CIA officer Jose Rodriguez.

Rodriguez ordered the destruction of videotapes of harsh interrogation of two al-Qa'ida leaders. He foresaw that White House lawyers had no clue how to block the release of al-Qa'ida recruiting videos that would serve as the death warrant for anyone, even those innocent, who appeared in them. As the "Globe" article notes, the relevant information for any legitimate purposes was transcribed before the tapes were destroyed.

The *extended* harsh interrogation of the two al-Qa'ida leaders reflects poorly on the senior officials responsible, who perhaps should be prosecuted. Nevertheless, mass murder of noncombatant civilians is a worse crime than harsh handling of the guilty. Torture that leaves permanent damage can never be excused, but temporary "pressure" on criminals that saves innocent lives sometimes can be.

Willingness to stand up for one's subordinates (aka "honor") is an indispensable quality of a combat leader. Some claim Mr. Rodriguez should be indicted for "obstruction of justice." The correct charge is "obstruction of treason."

Congress should commend Mr. Rodriguez for his foresight and moral courage, extinguish his legal worries, and reimburse his legal expenses. --Hugo S. Cunningham