TORTURE IS TAKING PLACE on American soil. More regularly than we realize, torture occurs close to the seat of power. Torture takes place in the White House, often several times a week. We see it in front of our eyes, but don’t acknowledge it for what it is. A cruel group gathers in front of the victim. He knows what is coming and only slightly shows his fear.
THEY STAB HIM with their steely pens, but they just can’t kill the beast. Scottie McLellan stands before the media. They whip him relentlessly with questions on US policy. He gives only the name. The rank soon follows. Scott will not give in [White House transcript]
SCOTTIE SOLDIERS ON Our most important responsibility is to protect the American people. We are engaged in a global war against Islamic radicals who are intent on spreading a hateful ideology, and intent on killing innocent men, women and children. . . . We are also going to do so in a way that adheres to our laws and to our values. We have made that very clear. The President directed everybody within this government that we do not engage in torture. We will not torture. He made that very clear. . . . Helen, we will continue to work with the Congress on the issue that you brought up. The way you characterize it, that we're asking for exemption from torture, is just flat-out false, because there are laws that are on the books that prohibit the use of torture. And we adhere to those laws. . . . We're asking to do what is necessary to protect the American people in a way that is consistent with our laws and our treaty obligations. And that's what we -- . . . David, let's talk about people that you're talking about who have been brought to justice and captured. You're talking about people like Khalid Shaykh Muhammad; people like Abu Zubaydah. . . There are already laws and rules that are on the books, and we follow those laws and rules. What we need to make sure is that we are able to carry out the war on terrorism as effectively as possible, not only -- . . . . What I'm telling you right now -- not only to protect Americans from an attack, but to prevent an attack from happening in the first place. And, you bet, when we capture terrorist leaders, we are going to seek to find out information that will protect -- that prevent attacks from happening in the first place. But we have an obligation to do so. Our military knows this; all people within the United States government know this. We have an obligation to do so in a way that is consistent with our laws and values.
Now, the people that you are bringing up -- you're talking about in the context, and I think it's important for the American people to know, are people like Khalid Shaykh Muhammad, Abu Zubaydah, Ramzi Binalshibh -- these are -- these are dangerous killers. . . . Well, obviously, you have a different view from the American people. I think the American people understand the importance of doing everything within our power and within our laws to protect the American people. . . .
SCOTT BRAVELY GIVES name and rank only. We do not engage in torture. That is left to the media. The rank results waft for all to smell.
MORE POKES AND PRODS
LITTLE SCOTT McCARTHY [Froomkin] After NBC's David Gregory jumped in — again, asking McClellan to explain why the White House feels an exemption [for torture] is necessary — McClellan accused his interlocutors of being, essentially, anti-American.
COULD YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION? [Joe Gandelman/The Moderate Voice] Questioning the motives of the press in general or going after reporters individually doesn't help foster a feeling in reporters that they're being dealt with in good faith. In fact, it's part of their job to raise questions and keep raising them until there is an answer that isn't lawyerly or part of that great American tradition of spin where someone's mouth gives an answer which even an alien newly-arrived from Jupiter knows is evasive but somehow you're supposed to accept it as truth because their mouth moved and they said words.
THE HERETIK KNOWS Scott is brave but . . . somebody stick a fork in him, he’s done.
Damn it!
Torture? You really want to know about torture? You can't handle the torture!
We just endured a GOP election campaign that was Rovian from the first day to the last in New Jersey. You think you know torture? He was even here himself. Yes, he was here. The Rove was here last spring, hooded and caped and wearing his leather. Oh yes, we know torture here in New Jersey, just as they learned it in Virginia, but we may have stopped it. We hope so anyway, for the good of us all.
Posted by: DBK | November 10, 2005 at 10:14 AM
Scotty must never be done ... as I have repeatedly said, it's the best cringe TV anywhere. Think Progress would go virtually dark if Scotty goes. He must be preserved ... for later.
Posted by: blogenfreude | November 10, 2005 at 10:33 AM
Watching Scotty makes me cringe as much as Ricky Gervais did in "The Office." And he gets testier by the day. Must be hot up there under those klieg lights.
speaking of cringing....
Posted by: watertiger | November 10, 2005 at 10:46 AM
We don't need no stinking fork....doesn't he come prepared with a little plastic thing that pops out when throroughly done?
Thought I heard a poppin' sound up at the podium the other day.
Posted by: jillian | November 10, 2005 at 01:49 PM
Name, rank, and serial killer...
Posted by: zencomix | November 10, 2005 at 02:44 PM
I just don't know what I would do if Rove came anywhere near me.
Posted by: Night Bird | November 10, 2005 at 03:50 PM
I just don't know what I would do if Rove came anywhere near me.
One word: Mace.
You know, one of those big medieval thingys ...
Posted by: blogenfreude | November 10, 2005 at 04:18 PM