Torture memos

I have incredibly mixed feelings about Obama's decision to limit prosecutions of those involved in torturing prisoners, though of course I thoroughly support his position that the policy makers, and not the implementers, should be the focus of our censure. However, the issue has given rise to a disturbing debate about how to "keep America safe." Many commentators, starting with Dick Cheney, have asserted that we are weakening our security by revealing what was done in the past. I was particularly repulsed by Peggy Noonan's remarks over the weekend, where she stated that "some things in life, you have to just keep walkin'." I'm more of the "sunlight is the best disinfectant" school - history has not been kind to cover-ups. Canadian columnist Heather Mallick says it well.

ADDENDUM 4/23/09

Russ Feingold has gone ballistic on this issue, including Ms Noonan's casual attitude.