Torture is a heinous war crime that should transcend political infighting. In a bid to absolve their cronies of any blame, Republicans have tainted the debate by suggesting that some Democrats might also be implicated, so we definitely don't want to start prosecutions!

Recent reports have indicated that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was briefed by the CIA on the torture techniques being considered by the Bush administration in September 2002. Pelosi maintains that she did not know if the techniques were being used, but she was told that the techniques were legal and could be used. Waterboarding, of course, was used before September 2002. Abu Zubaydah had been tortured 83 times in August. The CIA says that Pelosi was told that waterboarding had already been performed, which would seem to contradict Pelosi's assertions about her ignorance on the matter.

The Republicans are seizing on these apparent inconsistencies to stall any possible investigations and prosecutions. Rep. Peter King (R-NY) called Pelosi "an accomplice" and "an enabler," further saying that she would need to testify about about what she knew in the case of any investigation. Even if the claims of the CIA are correct, which is highly uncertain, Rep. King must be out of his damn mind to think that Pelosi was an enabler. Those who drafted and executed these policies belonged (largely) to the executive branch. Pelosi could not have stopped these techniques even if she had wanted to.

But since we're dabbling in lurid hypotheticals....even IF Pelosi knew everything, she should have to testify and explain why she didn't speak out. We're in agreement there, Rep. King. If this whole affair is not about politics, stop using political games to delay a search for the truth, or a good approximation of it at the very least. To make sure that this entire process is smooth and apolitical, a special prosecutor should be appointed with the task of finding out what happened, an idea to which the White House has shown discomfort (unfortunately). As far as I and a whole lot of other people can tell, appointing a special prosecutor is the only way to reach a judgment free from political bickering. Get on it people....