Cheney regarding Spain's torture probe: "I just think that’s abhorrent"

[sabra]

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/07/1926056.aspx

<snip>

Hennen reminded Cheney of Obama’s recent statements that waterboarding and other practices were unnecessary and “we could have gotten this information in other ways, in ways that were consistent with our values, in ways that were consistent with who we are.”

Cheney responded, “Well, I don’t believe that’s true. That assumes that we didn’t try other ways, and in fact we did. We resorted, for example, to waterboarding, which is the source of much of the controversy…with only three individuals. In those cases, it was only after we’d gone through all the other steps of the process. The way the whole program was set up was very careful, to use other methods and only to resort to something like the enhanced techniques in those special circumstances.”

Cheney also aired disturbed feelings about the calls for the prosecutions of Bush administration officials over torture.

“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” he said. “And talk about putting a wet blanket on anybody in government’s willingness to be bold in their recommendations and so forth. Just forget that.”

He warned that such action would have future consequences.

“Anybody who sees that kind of thing happen is going to pull their head in, and they’ll be reluctant to take responsibility for anything," he said, adding, "I hear this talk that there is going to be some kind of foreign prosecution of our guys, I just think that’s abhorrent, and I think they ought to do everything they can to fight that.”

[Lars39]

1. He's treading water as hard as he can, isn't he.

[Lerkfish]

2. since he never makes public statements unless backed against a wall, yes.

[AndyA]

3. Dick: We think what you did as VP is abhorrent.

You pretty much define being a traitor to the United States, too.

You violated your oath of office and the Constitution by lying to the American people while in office. You facilitated the initiation of two wars that were not in the best interest of the American people, but were done to help your cronies in the business world.

Your office was involved in the exposure of a covert CIA agent during a time of war. This was done for political reasons.

You didn't even serve your country when your time came up...you asked for and received five deferments, so you never did serve your country. In fact, what you've done all along is a disservice to your country.

You should be tried and jailed for your crimes against the people. And if justice is served, you will.

Until then, shut the fuck up because no one believes anything you say, and the sound of your voice and the appearance of your ugly face on television is disturbing and offensive to most Americans.

[gratuitous]

4. Hard to take this statement seriously

What, truly, could a man find abhorrent who shot a friend in the face, then instead of seeking medical attention went for a sumptuous dinner, drinks and slept the night away before finally grudgingly calling in medical personnel? I don't think Dick Cheney would know "abhorrent" if it bit him on the nutsack.

[yellowcanine]

5. Well yes, Dick, we do want to put a wet blanket on recommendations to break U.S. and International

law. Yes indeed.

[Vickers]

6. Yes, prosecuting people for committing torture is SOOO abhorrent.

:eyes:

[salguine]

7. i think Dick Cheney's continued existence is abhorrent.

[UTUSN]

8. Hey, dick!1 I'll PAY for a wonderful vacation trip to Spain just for YOU!1 n/t

[Initech]

9. Translation: he is scared of what a *REAL* torture investigation will bring up.

:nuke: