[quote=poorgradstudent]We need to set policies in place to make sure it never happens again, and move on. Prosecuting the previous administration or those who were just following orders would only muck the country down in more partisan bickering while there are bigger issues at hand (Economy, Iraq, Afghanistan, Health Care).[/quote]
“We were just following orders” was the same argument made by the Nazi’s in Nuremberg (aka “The Nuremberg Defense”), and it did not hold up in a court of law.
As for “moving on,” when a person commits a crime — be it murder, theft, whatever — do you consider it “retribution” or “petty politics” when the lawbreaker is tried for those crimes? No, it is considered enforcing the rule of law. In a nation that is supposedly “a nation of laws” I don’t see how we can just say, “well, that was in the past, it’s cool man, we’re looking forward now. Just pretend it never happened.”
If law breakers are not held accountable for their actions, what incentive does it give others to follow the law? None. It sets a dangerous precedent.
I am quite disappointed with the Obama administration on this issue.
