Monday, February 9, 2009

Truth Hurts, Senator Leahy: Let The Prosecutions Begin

From the AP via FindLaw, this story (http://news.lp.findlaw.com/ap_stories/a/w/1152/02-09-2009/20090209092005_38.html) about a possible Truth Commission proposed by Senator Leahy which would prevent prosecutions of former Bush officials for abuses of power:

The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee is proposing a "truth commission" to investigate abuses of detainees, and politically inspired hirings and firings at the Justice Department during the Bush administration.

Sen. Patrick Leahy said Monday the commission's primary goal would be to learn the truth rather than prosecute former officials.

* * * *

The Vermont Democrat said rather than seeking prosecutions, the government needs to conduct "a fair minded pursuit of what actually happened."

I couldn't be more opposed to this idea. Look at the millions of incarcerated prisoners in this country, and tell me that someone who breaks into a store at night to feed his or her family is more blameworthy than a professional who violated the rights of his or her fellow citizens by spying, reckless or unfounded prosecutions, or destruction of the DOJ's nonpartisan mandate to do justice.

Don't be afraid of prosecuting white-collar criminals, Senator Leahy. They do as much damage as any other law-breaker.

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