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No Moving Forward If Serious Crimes by Government Ignored  Why are so many so easily dismissing the seeking of justice? Could it be that important issues such as treatment of detainees and even the invasion of Iraq were merely used by some to achieve political power for their party? And that once a politician from the political party they supported got that office, many of those clamoring on these issues will now just drop them? That’s the way it appears. The commentary on Obama’s executive orders is abundant, with many expressing hopefulness that this signals a positive move forward. It is the correct thing to do, but yet doesn’t instill hope in me. Obama is a man who I believe grandstands, using rhetoric (and perhaps even his current actions) to continue the enthusiasm for his election. On a number of issues I have seen him try to play both sides which makes him untrustworthy to me even on an issue such as this on which I agree with his words. Nevertheless the actions recently taken are the right moves, but only if they are followed up with correct, just, and timely actions. Only time will tell. But in these past few days what has been most disgusting is to see so many of those who rightly condemned Bush and his gang for illegal war, torture, abuse, violations of privacy/communications of the American people, and other evils now turning their head away from seeking from justice. Numerous comments on political articles show a huge number of people who sought the closing of Guantanamo, who opposed torture, and who rightly identified numerous wrongdoings of Bush and his administration, now have no interest in demanding justice. They claim they want to move “forward” and not be caught up in the “past.” I cannot begin to understand how one could identify such crimes for what they are and be willing to drop the cause simply because there is a new president. That is, unless many of those used real issues simply as a political strategy. Where probable cause and evidence exists that such serious crimes have been committed, it should be used in prosecuting those responsible. No exceptions. But instead, in April, Obama stated, “I would not want my first term consumed by what was perceived on the part of the Republicans as a partisan witch hunt, because I think we’ve got too many problems to solve.” How could anyone who truly placed human rights as a priority, care more about what an opposing political party thinks rather than pursuit of justice? He even went further, with more examples of his trying to please everyone rhetoric in saying he rejected impeachment , as it should “be reserved for exceptional circumstances.” And in the same answer, he says he’d support an investigation to determine if are there were possibilities “of genuine crimes as opposed to really bad policies.” He wanted it both ways on the campaign trail, giving answers meant to please everyone, and giving himself the “out” of being able to evaluate his predecessor’s administration as simply engaging in “bad policies” should he decide not to take action. Biden has been no different in answering questions as to whether the administration would advocate prosecution of high level Bush administration officials, as when he was asked on This Week with host George Stephanopoulos, he replied giving lip service to it being a decision of the Justice Dept., but reiterating the same message as Obama saying, they are “focusing on the future.” “I think we should be looking forward, not backwards.” What is backwards about demanding justice for criminals? Which, too, leads me to again view Obama as duplicitous - saying the right words with token actions, but instilling no confidence in me that he will fulfill the hopes of those who seek justice on behalf of those who have lost their lives and been persecuted by the U.S. government. It seems Obama, like many of those who supported him and who claimed to care about human rights abuses, can dispense with the true cause of justice now that they won the election. I can think of nothing more deplorable than using human rights issues to further one’s political agenda, and until and if Obama seeks justice for the crimes committed I doubt his sincerity. Consistency on these issues is the only thing that can build trust. This nation must not allow allow the Executive Branch and its officials and its government “intelligence” agencies to blatantly disregard the rule of law. The law is not (or shall I say should not) be relative to who violated it. Yet many are now willing to drop those issues they once claimed to be so important. Perhaps it is because they themselves or someone they cared about didn’t suffer. Have you ever heard of a murder victim’s family saying they didn’t want to see prosecution of the perpetrator (though they may differ on what they think the sentencing should be, almost all, if not all, seek prosecution.) I’ve never heard a family member of someone who has been murdered say, “I’d rather just move forward and put it in the past.” No. They always seek prosecution and justice. And, this seeking of justice, would be the natural demand of anyone who truly empathizes with the immoral and illegal suffering this government has inflicted and the laws it has broken. It’s not enough to “identify” the purported perpetrator of a crime, it is imperative that the crime and its perpetrators be brought to justice. As it is with individuals, so it must be with our nation and those who gave such orders. In matters of humanity, of life and death, you cannot remain impartial. An investigation is warranted, truth must be determined as to who is responsible, and prosecution of those who violated the law. Although the evil inflicted cannot be undone, it demands that it be exposed to all the world and that those responsible be held accountable. For Obama that would be hard since it looks like he’s afraid of being accused of a “partisan witch hunt.” He cares more what people think and say than for justice, which makes him no different than the worst of politicians - always caring about public perception and political expediency instead of what is right. Again, time will tell what Obama and his Attorney general actually value. But there will be no moving forward for this nation if such serious crimes are ignored.
 Christine Smith is a freelance writer and political activist from Colorado. She has written numerous articles for state, national and international publications (newspapers, magazines, online publications) covering a wide range of topics: the arts, technology, business, politics, health, environment, social justice, human spirituality, and profile interviews with high achievers. Articles by Christine Smith at MWC News http://mwcnews.net/ChristineSmith |
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