Torture: Made in the USA

The rule of law is a central foundation of American democracy and liberty. If that principle is violated, the auspicious American message to the world means nothing. Since his election six years ago, President Obama has worked tirelessly to obliterate the odious practices perpetrated in America’s name by George Bush’s “war on terror” and to restore his country’s reputation.

The release of a report investigating torture perpetrated during the Bush administration is a step that will initially open new wounds. While much is already known about CIA interrogation methods, details about them openly published in an official Senate document is certain to trigger new anger and anti-American protests in areas of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. That’s partly why the report’s release was delayed for two years.

The report is now public thanks only to Obama and the few remaining weeks of Democratic control of the Senate. Bush has already expressed his opinion of the revelations and taken the side of the torturers. Nothing else so clearly demonstrates the differences between George W. Bush and Barack Obama.