Bush -via PR Scott McClellan-refuses to condemn Torture Proponent Rush

[papau]

http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1338421&l=35245 >

BUSH REFUSES TO CONDEMN PROPONENTS OF TORTURE

President Bush has publicly deplored the treatment of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib, having apologized for the fiasco. Yet, just days after his apology, the White House is refusing to condemn its right-wing allies who are making light of the situation and defending torture.

For instance, conservative radio host and White House supporter Rush
Limbaugh this week called the torture "decent punishment," said soldiers were simply "having a good time, and also said "I don't see the big deal here" (1). White House spokesman Scott McClellan refused to answer when asked how the President felt about those comments (2). Additionally, when McClellan was asked whether Vice President Cheney would continue appearing on Limbaugh's show (as he did in March), McClellan again refused to comment(3).

Similarly, Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), who President Bush has repeatedly praised as an ally, said that he was "more outraged by the outrage" than by the abuse (4). Inhofe also said that all the prisoners are "murderers, terrorists and insurgents" (5) despite the fact that the Red Cross notes that between 70% and 90% of the Iraqi detainees were "arrested by mistake" (6). The White House again has refused to rebut these comments, in stark contrast to other Republicans like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) who said such comments are "undercutting us in terms of our international standing" (7).

NOTE: Make sure to see the new television ad by Media Matters about Rush Limbaugh's comments at www.mediamatters.org.

Sources:
1. Media Matters for America, http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1338421&l=35246.
2. Press Briefing by Scott McClellan, 05/06/2004,
http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1338421&l=35247.
3. Press Gaggle with Scott McClellan, 05/11/2004,
http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1338421&l=35248.
4. President Bush Calls on Congress to Act on Clear Skies Legislation,
09/16/2003, http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1338421&l=35249.
5. Senator 'Outraged at Outrage' in Iraq Prison Case, Reuters, 05/11/2004,
http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1338421&l=35250.
6. Up to 90% of Iraqi detainees arrested by mistake, Red Cross says, Chicago
Sun-Times, 05/11/2004,
http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1338421&l=35251.
7. Iraq prison debate takes partisan turn, Houston Chronicle, 05/11/2004,
http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1338421&l=35252.

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

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[Danieljay]

2. a burning bush requires

Sacred ground and the removal of ones shoes. Bush contaminates the earth with every step he takes. The only way through this wilderness to the promised land is a fraud free election in November.

[tabasco]

3. Wonderful!

It is high time to expose these hatemongering cowards for what they are.