President Obama: No more "enhanced interrogation" techniques, no more Guantanamo Bay. Your view?
7:53 AM May 21, 2009
I'm watching President Obama from our news set as he speaks right now from the National Archives Museum. He is talking about why he has ordered the end to so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques" like water-boarding and why he has ordered the closing of the Guantanamo Bay prison camp. Are these long overdue decisions that will ultimately make us safer or politically-motivated decisions that will make us less safe?
President Obama says in his speech that the decisions to allow torture and to open a prison camp that permits America to keep terror suspects behind bars indefinitely without trial were "hasty decisions" "motivated by a sincere desire to protect the American people." But he says they were not consistent with our values as Americans.
On the "enhanced interrogation" techniques, he says: "...they undermine the rule of law. They alienate us in the world. They serve as a recruitment tool for terrorists, and increase the will of our enemies to fight us, while decreasing the will of others to work with America. They risk the lives of our troops by making it less likely that others will surrender to them in battle, and more likely that Americans will be mistreated if they are captured."
What are your thoughts? We'll read some of your comments on our news at 1PM.
Posted by Frank Buckley | Permalink | Comments (52) | TrackBack (0)
I can not belieave you allow (KTLA) to cut away from the presidents speach, this is the second time I have seen this done. You are guilty of `Searching for news to entertain rather then inform. I refuse to watch agin when something importment is going on. I refuse to use KTLA.COM for streaming video this supports your lack of competence as a public service. I am going to file a complaint with the FCC no one may care but at least I will feel I am on moral high ground. I have watched you program for years I am 58 so I go back a long way. I am very concerned about the QUALITY of you News Program at least you are calling it a show at 9. If I am looking to be informed I change the channel. Which I have done now I am on CNN and I WAS recording your program which I also caneled. I am mad and disappointed in all of you. Tell me are you entertainers or news reporters am I confused and miss guided or are you I would love an answer
Posted by: CHUCK C | May 21, 2009 at 08:20 AM
It's really easy to have great hind sight and look like the savior of American policies years after 911. I wonder what actions would have been taken if the current administration was in place then. Mr. Obama needs to refrain from "bashing" the previous administration who beleived they acted in the countries best interest. I think he is angry about being rebuked on funding the dismanteling of Guantanamo.
Posted by: John | May 21, 2009 at 08:08 AM