Impeach Bybee
Let me go on record as completely agreeing with the New York Times on this one.
At least Mr. Obama is not following Mr. Bush’s example of showy trials for the small fry — like Lynndie England of Abu Ghraib notoriety. But he has an obligation to pursue what is clear evidence of a government policy sanctioning the torture and abuse of prisoners — in violation of international law and the Constitution.
That investigation should start with the lawyers who wrote these sickening memos, including John Yoo, who now teaches law in California; Steven Bradbury, who was job-hunting when we last heard; and Mr. Bybee, who holds the lifetime seat on the federal appeals court that Mr. Bush rewarded him with.
These memos make it clear that Mr. Bybee is unfit for a job that requires legal judgment and a respect for the Constitution. Congress should impeach him. And if the administration will not conduct a thorough investigation of these issues, then Congress has a constitutional duty to hold the executive branch accountable. If that means putting Donald Rumsfeld and Alberto Gonzales on the stand, even Dick Cheney, we are sure Americans can handle it.
After eight years without transparency or accountability, Mr. Obama promised the American people both. His decision to release these memos was another sign of his commitment to transparency. We are waiting to see an equal commitment to accountability.
The fact that John Bybee has a lifetime appointment to an incredibly influential federal bench is sickening. Impeachment proceedings might not pass the Senate, but make Senators go on record as to whether they’re willing to support someone with that level of legal negligence and contempt for the constitution interpreting our laws. That’s information I’d sure like to know.
I’d also recommend that disbarment proceedings be pushed for. At the very least, it will compel him to testify and defend himself.