You know, when I read an article like this, an article that disccusses how the Bush administrations would like to exert control over the promotion process of JAG attorneys, I ask myself why the military is such a great supporter of Republicans.  Since the day President Bush walked into the White House he and his ilk have tried to exert greater and greater control over what are supposed to be independent branches of government.  The president and his ilk dragged us into war in Iraq and look at our military.  Why is there such support for Republicans?  Because Republicans are willing to pad the Defense Department budget?  Why?

Now, the president would like to exert control over the promotion process for JAG attorneys.  The only reason they would ever want to do something like, why any administration would want to do something like that, is to control this group, too silence dissent.  That is just bad for our country and bad for military justice in general.

The Justice Department is attempting to block both Congress and a Federal Judge from conducting an investigation into the allegations the CIA destroyed tapes of intense interrogation techniques.  Is anyone really surprised here.  As usual, the DOJ wants to have their cake and eat it, too.  Considering events of the last 7 year, does anyone really believe this administration’s Justice Department could conduct any investigation of itself?  Moreover, the fact the DOJ is fighting so hard to prevent an open investigation only makes it more suspicious. 

Let me be clear, I think our intelligence agencies should use whatever measures necessary within the law to help prevent another attack on our country.  However, I do not support torture; I do not support rendition.  This makes us no better than the evil sons of bitches we’re fighting.  When we use torture we stoop to the level of terrorists.  We will outlive and eventually defeat the likes of Osama bin Laden by being a beacon of freedom and democracy to the world, not by sending people to countries who have no problem hooking electrodes up to your balls, not by engaging in techniques even hardline Republicans find querstionable.

My only worry with this investigation is CIA agents who were only following orders will become scapegoats.  Congress was briefed on these techniques, they knew what was going on, and their silence was tacit approval.  Now, to come along and call foul isn’t right.  The people who should be held accountable are those who approved these techniques, those who say it’s legal, not the grunts.