Response to Darlene Hooley

“By now, you’ve probably seen the reports about the abuses that have occurred in Iraqi prisons. Like most Americans, I am deeply troubled by these charges. Members of Congress like me who voted against going to war in Iraq as well as members who voted in favor of the war stand united in expressing our moral outrage… The best way for the United States to reaffirm our commitment to human rights and to regain credibility at home, in Iraq and with other nations, will be to fully and openly investigate these allegations with every avenue and resource available.” –Congresswoman Hooley, Oregon

Let’s get one thing straight–these were not “abuses,” these were acts of TORTURE under the definitions written by the United States and 80 other countries in the mid-70’s.

If we are going to talk “openly” as you state in your letter, let’s also talk HONESTLY: We, The United States, committed acts of torture against Iraqi citizens and prisoners.

I am relieved that you are as morally outraged as I am.