The Washington Post/ABC News poll earlier this week showed that most respondents approved of CIA torture and most opposed disclosing the Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA abuses. Apparently, as long as the government denies its atrocities, Americans can still feel virtuous. And seeking the truth is giving aid & comfort the enemy… Another […]
Tag Archives | Terrorism
Senate Torture Report – My Initial Two Cents+
I have not finished reading the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report on CIA torture. Following are some of my initial thoughts via Twitter @jimbovard – #TortureReport CIA interrogators often did not speak the language of detainees so they compensated by beating hell out of them — James Bovard (@JimBovard) December 11, 2014 #TortureReport With all the […]
Torture Deja Vu: Congress Covered up Torture 8 Years Ago
It is good that Americans are finally learning some of the details of the CIA torture regime thanks to the Senate Intelligence Committee report. But were the most shocking details redacted? Will we ever know? Following is a piece I wrote 8 years ago after Congress enacted the Military Commissions Act which effectively retroactively legalized […]
Counterpunch: Obama’s Hypocritcal Crusade Against Extremism
Counterpunch, October 28, 2014 Obama’s Hypocritical Crusade Against Extremism by JAMES BOVARD In his speech last month to the United Nations, President Obama summoned foreign leaders to join his “campaign against extremism.” Obama has repeatedly invoked the “extremist” threat to justify attacking abroad and seizing more power at home since taking office in 2009. But […]
Wash. Times: Obama Fighting Extremism with Extremism
Washington Times, October 14, 2014 Obama Fighting extremism with extremism By James Bovard Obama points to war on terrorism to justify oppressive practices at home and abroad In his speech last month to the United Nations, President Obama summoned foreign leaders to join his “campaign against extremism.” While his clarion call was spurred by beheadings […]
My First Piece after 9/11: Dangers of Trusting Government
Last week was the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Reposted below is the first piece I had published after that attack. George Neumayr was the IBD editor who accepted the piece; George is now a contributing editor at American Spectator. (Still can’t understand why the New York Times op-ed page didn’t jump when I […]
Wash. Times: End TSA’s Extortion and Airport Buffoonery
Washington Times, August 15, 2014 A cure for the common queue at the airport Travelers pay up to avoid the line where embarrassing TSA groping occurs By James Bovard The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is legendary for not giving a hoot about the convenience or dignity of travelers who must pass through its airport gantlets. […]