I've had a few interesting conversations this past weekends with friends and family about the situation in Iraq. Naturally, I come from a far more liberal/progressive frame of mind from just about all of them. Still it is fascinating how many folks are of the opinion that what happened to the Iraqi prisoners was justified, because of 9/11 and the attacks on American troops (and civilian contractors).

On the surface I can understand the old 'eye for an eye' mindset, but we are afterall supposed to be over there to show 'those people' what democracy and America are all about. Stooping to 'their level' doesn't really seem like type of thing that will do anyone any good.

Okay, cards on the table. I really wouldn't have a problem with the usual loud music, 24-hour bright lights sort of thing. "Keeping the prisoner off balance" stuff that just about every nation does to some extent to POWs. On the other hand, physical abuse to the point of death, humiliation and ridicule don't appear to me to serve any purpose other than making those individuals hate their jailers. You can bet that once these people are released, assisting the 'coalition' is not going to be high on their 'to do' list.

Even without the photographs we've seen so far (and even Rumsfeld says that there is worse to be seen) I can't understand why every American isn't horrified and demanding that this entire administration step down. Not going to happen, but can you imagine what the GOP and the media would have done had this occurred under Clinton?