Getting Away with Murder

February 28, 2006 2:59 PM

Getting Away with MurderA new Human Rights First report [PDF] "provides the first comprehensive accounting" of the 98 cases of detainees who have died in US custody in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2002. "Thirty-four deaths were homicides under the U.S. military’s definition...Only 12 deaths have resulted in any kind of punishment." Most of the people behind the abuse have been promoted. The Washington Post concludes that, based on the report, US policy seems to be that torturing a foreign prisoner to death is excusable, but getting photographed doing it will get you in trouble.
posted by kirkaracha (16 comments total)

Culture of life etc.
posted by billysumday at 3:19 PM on February 28, 2006

And to think, I used to believe all that pap about America being "good" when I was in school. Sigh.
posted by teece at 3:21 PM on February 28, 2006

Damn.
posted by chunking express at 3:23 PM on February 28, 2006

Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
posted by fandango_matt at 3:25 PM on February 28, 2006

.
posted by stinkycheese at 3:33 PM on February 28, 2006

This is how stuff works with these people. The worse you are the more you're rewarded. I doubt anyone is surprised here.
posted by puke & cry at 3:37 PM on February 28, 2006 [1 favorite has favorites]

.
posted by EarBucket at 3:44 PM on February 28, 2006

So, this Human Rights First bunch, they a flunky of the democrats?
posted by mischief at 3:54 PM on February 28, 2006

America doesn't torture, but it pays out over a quarter million bucks to settle a complaint [NYT].
posted by bardic at 4:12 PM on February 28, 2006

Whale of Karma
(A Moral Lullaby)

Behave the way I want you,
or I will make you suffer!
Behave the way I want you to,
because I am so much tougher!

You're small and you don't know,
I'm doing this to help you grow!

Behave the way I want you,
or I will make you suffer!
Behave the way I want you to,
because I am so much tougher!

Little one now listen good,
do the things you know you should!

Behave the way I want you,
or I will make you suffer!
Behave the way I want you to,
because I am so much tougher!

Momma said you shouldn't fight,
It's a thing that just ain't right!

Behave the way I want you,
or I will make you suffer!
Behave the way I want you to,
because I am so much tougher!

Now get those things back out of sight,
or you're not going out tonight!

Behave the way I want you,
or I will make you suffer!
Behave the way I want you to,
because I am so much tougher!

The other day I heard you say,
something tells me you are gay!

Behave the way I want you,
or I will make you suffer!
Behave the way I want you to,
because I am so much tougher!

Without credible threat of force,
how are we to set the course!

Behave the way I want you,
or I will make you suffer!
Behave the way I want you to,
because I am so much tougher!

Don't behave like Carl Levin,
we must get ourselves to heaven!

Behave the way I want you,
or I will make you suffer!
Behave the way I want you to,
because I am so much tougher!

After all is done and said,
we are sorry you are dead.

Behave the way I want you,
or I will make you suffer!
Behave the way I want you to,
because I am so much tougher!

You're small and you don't know,
I'm doing this to help you grow!
posted by RoseyD at 4:42 PM on February 28, 2006

Only 107 more to go.
posted by Mr_Zero at 6:10 PM on February 28, 2006

Despicable.
posted by Smedleyman at 1:47 PM on March 1, 2006

Only 12 comments.... nothing suprises america anymore.
posted by Suparnova at 4:03 PM on March 1, 2006

.
posted by Richard Daly at 4:08 PM on March 1, 2006

Wow.
posted by thirteenkiller at 5:24 PM on March 1, 2006

Sex, Violence, and Military Justice
posted by homunculus at 5:34 PM on March 1, 2006