NPR: Blog of the Nation: "NPR, Waterboarding and 'Torture,'" Talk of the Nation, July 2, 2009: "NPR's Ombudsman Alicia Shepard responds to complaints that the network doesn't call waterboarding 'torture' and has instead referred to the practice in language like, 'harsh interrogation techniques that include waterboarding, which many consider torture.'"
In which Neil Conan offers his Orwellian variant, "what others regard as torture." That both he and Alicia Shepard could argue that whether waterboarding is torture is a matter of political debate shows the depths to which we have sunk. Shame on you, NPR.
July 02, 2009
July 01, 2009
June 28, 2009
Helgerson's CIA torture report release delayed
"Release of 'Holy Grail' Torture Document to Be Delayed," by Jason Linkins, Huffington Post, June 26, 2009.
NPR's "Torturous Wording"
On the Media, June 26, 2009:
Last week, NPR Ombudsman Alicia Shepard caused a minor uproar after responding to angry emails from listeners over NPR's use of the phrase "enhanced interrogation techniques" to describe treatment of terrorism suspects under the Bush Administration. Shepard talks about NPR's policy and her own opinion on the use of the word "torture."
June 23, 2009
NPR and "torture"
"NPR's ombudsman: Why we bar the word 'torture'" - Glenn Greenwald - Salon.com, June 22, 2009.
Alicia Shepard's response to the many negative comments her column received, posted June 30, 2009.
Anyone who believes that NPR is a "liberal" media outlet -- and anyone who wants to understand the decay of American journalism -- should read this [June 21] column by NPR's Ombudsman, Alicia C. Shepard, as she explains and justifies why NPR bars the use of the word "torture" to describe what the Bush administration did. . . .
Alicia Shepard's response to the many negative comments her column received, posted June 30, 2009.
June 12, 2009
June 07, 2009
May 31, 2009
Moyers: See "Torturing Democracy"
truthout.org, Bill Moyers and Michael Winship: "Everyone Should See 'Torturing Democracy'"
Link to documentary: http://torturingdemocracy.org/
"We have re-created our enemy's methodologies in Guantanamo," Malcolm Nance, former head of the Navy's SERE training program, says in "Torturing Democracy." He adds, "It will hurt us for decades to come. Decades. Our people will all be subjected to these tactics, because we have authorized them for the world now. How it got to Guantanamo is a crime and somebody needs to figure out who did it, how they did it, who authorized them to do it ... Because our servicemen will suffer for years."
Link to documentary: http://torturingdemocracy.org/
May 29, 2009
DOJ OPR re Bybee and Yoo
"DOJ Report Reaches 'Damning' Conclusions for Bybee and Yoo," Jason Leopold, May 7, 2009:
An ethics report prepared by H. Marshall Jarrett, head of the Justice Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), reached “damning” conclusions about numerous cases of “misconduct” in the advice attorneys John Yoo and Jay Bybee provided the Bush administration, according to legal and Congressional sources familiar with the findings and news reports.
The report, which also may be critical of legal opinions authorizing domestic surveillance activities, recommends state bar associations conduct a review of Yoo and Bybee’s legal work to determine whether they should face disciplinary action, including disbarment. . . .
May 26, 2009
Brian Tierney and Will Bunch on WHYY
Radio Times, WHYY, May 26, 2009: "Hour 2: Brian Tierney, publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Daily News senior writer Will Bunch discuss the issues around hiring John Yoo as a commentator for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Listen to the mp3."
May 24, 2009
May 21, 2009
Rep. Murphy briefed by CIA in 2008 and 2009
"Murphy was briefed on enhanced interrogation," by Gary Weckselblatt, Intelligencer, May 20, 2009:
Eighth District Congressman Patrick Murphy has attended two CIA briefings at the center of a firestorm between the agency and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said she was lied to about waterboarding.
An unclassified chart released by the CIA and published in The New York Times describes 40 briefings for lawmakers over a period of several years on enhanced interrogation techniques. Murphy, a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, is listed among lawmakers in attendance on Jan. 16, 2008. The topics included "Videotape Destruction" and "Discussion of EITs, including waterboarding."
On March 12, less than two months after President Barack Obama signed orders that ended torture, Murphy was briefed with other members of the Intelligence Committee about "General references to EITs, interrogations and the end of the use of EITs by the CIA throughout," according to the CIA chart.
Murphy wouldn't address the issue that experts claim has taken the focus off Obama's domestic agenda.
In an e-mailed statement, his spokeswoman Kate Hansen stated, "Congressman Murphy has attended a number of intelligence briefings as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, but cannot disclose what is discussed in them as information presented within these briefings is strictly classified at the highest levels." . . .
Donna Brazile pro independent commission
"No time to hide," by Donna Brazile: ". . . Bring it on, Mr. Cheney. Let there be a national debate. You have much to answer for. Meanwhile, Mr. President, it’s time we create an independent commission to investigate these matters."
Will Bunch and Jon Stewart re Gitmo
". . . If you've thought America was on the brink of losing its mind, this may have been the week. . . ." Will Bunch, Attytood, Philadelphia Daily News, May 20, 2009.
Amy Goodman re Yoo/Inquirer
Truthdig.com, "Yoo’s Views Make Philly News," by Amy Goodman, May 19, 2009. ". . . There are many Philadelphians who can write and inspire debate that leads people to action. John Yoo has done enough harm."
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