Torture debate creates rift in Republican party

Knight Ridder columnist and military correspondent Joseph Galloway writes in his August 3 piece that the debate over torture and abuse is dividing the Republican party in two. The Whitehouse refuses to move an inch on this issue, refusing to allow any Congressional oversight into detention of those it deems to be "terrorists." Certain members of Congress support this view. But enough Republicans, including highly respected conservatives (and decorated veterans and a former POW), have argued that the abuse/torture debate is not about who they are, but who Americans themselves are.

On the floor of the Senate, before everyone left on vacation, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., sounded the administration line: There is no need for this legislation because we are not dealing with prisoners of war but "terrorists."

John McCain [Rep, AZ] stood up and responded that the debate was not "about who they are. It's about who we are." We are Americans, the senator said, and we hold ourselves to a higher standard than those who slaughter the innocent in Iraq or Afghanistan, or in London or on 9/11 here at home. [...]

The administration has stonewalled, bobbed and weaved and hidden from the truth with the acquiescence, at least until now, of a Republican-controlled Congress that has failed to follow up even when there is evidence people have been lying right to their faces.

The senators - Warner, McCain and Graham - have taken the first step toward shedding some light in the darker corners of the dungeon. Don't be surprised if that light finds a lot of people who rank much higher than specialist 4 or staff sergeant cowering in the corners.