The problem is that the allegations never went away, America's reputation has suffered irreparable harm, and instances of waterboarding - a certified, verified torture technique - have been confirmed by U.S. agents. This is a legal question, not a simple passing news story.
If indeed officials have broken the law, they must be investigated and tried in a court of law. The United States, being a nation of laws and not men, has no exception for criminals who hold government titles. That is the very definition of the rule of law: men, no matter how powerful or high-ranking, can never supersede the laws to which all citizens must submit. Nixon's adage that if the President does it, it is not illegal, has long been shunned and discredited. Now is not the time to give it credence.
Human Rights Watch, one of the most reputable, far-reaching, and well-published non-profits in the world is now calling on the Obama administration to investigate top Bush administration officials for suspected torture and mistreatment of detainees. They have now published a new report entitled Getting Away with Torture, which was recently reported upon by BBC World News.
While it would be unfair at this time to condemn as guilty top Bush administration officials, the allegations have been put forth and substantiated. What is more, former officials have admitted ad nauseum to U.S. forces' use of waterboarding on foreign detainees. Still, no action has been taken to rectify the situation, which is precisely why the country now needs to investigate officials and try them before a court of law, should investigations yield strong enough evidence. Until that time, the public will not have the truth, those harmed will go without vindication, and justice will not be served. America's name will remain tarnished.
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