Senate debates truth commission to explore alleged Bush Adminisrition crimes

March 5, 12:00 PMPolitical Issues ExaminerJudah Freed

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Clck here to view the video at Democracy Now website

The U.S. Senate is debating whether to establish a "truth commission" to investigage allegations of criminal wrongdowing by members of the administratation of former president George W. Bush. For those who care about elected officials being ruled by the law, regardless of their politicla bias, this Senate debate is welcome.

My view is that indictments are due against George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfield, at minimumn.

Indictments also are merited against other Bush administration officials involved in deceiving the American people into supporting the invasion of Iraq, illegally spying on American citizens without warrants, illegally searching the homes and businesses of Americans without warrants, plus illegaly detaining and torturing all those dubiously labelled as "enemy combatants."

Backing the idea of a truth commission is Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), who has boldly spoken out about alleged Bush policies and practices that he contends violated the First and Fourth Amendments. In a recent Senate hearing, Leahy asked, "How can anyone suggest such policies do not deserve a thorough and objective review?"

Those opposed to such a truth commission say it could lead to foreign nations filing charges against U.S. offiials.

Well. I don't have any real problem with that. The U.S. in the past filed drug charged against Central American leader Daniel Noriega. Itally charged CIA officers who allegedly kidnapped an Egyptian cleric from the streets of Milan. The International Criminal Court has filed charges against Sudan leaders for the genocide in Darfur.

Any international or national judicial body filing criminal charges against U.S. officials must have legal standing and clear jurisdiction, of course, yet my belief is that crimes are crimes, and crimes against humanity are crimes against everyone on our planet.

My belief, further, is that holding past leaders criminally accountable for criminal acts is the very best way to prevent more criminal acts by current and future leaders.

For a good exploration of the topic, please click on the image above from Democracy Now on March 5. After the news summary is an extended segment about recently released Justice Department memos and the proposed truth commission.

Please read my earlier column: Will Attorney General Eric Holder prosecute Bush and Cheney?

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• Will Attorney General Eric Holder prosecute Bush and Cheney?
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