A nation cannot be free when the government has the ability to coerce false confessions out of torture, or the fear of torture. That’s why protection against cruel and unusual punishments was included in the Bill of Rights.

Yesterday, six Democrats in the U.S. Senate forgot about that fundamental principle of American democracy, and confirmed as Attorney General of the United States a man who has refused to support the Bill of Rights and block the torture being planned and set in motion by the President of the United States. Waterboarding is clearly a form of torture, and torture is against the law and a violation of the Constitution. However, although it is the job of the Attorney General of the United States, Michael Mukasey has refused to commit to stopping the practice of waterboarding.

The following six Democrats voted for Mukasey anyway, signaling that it’s just fine with them if the Attorney General of the United States doesn’t enforce laws against torture:

Evan Bayh of Indiana
Tom Carper of Delaware
Dianne Feinstein of California
Mary Landrieu of Louisiana
Ben Nelson of Nebraska
Charles Schumer of New York

The Democratic Party ought to have no place for pro-torture politicians like these. If the Democratic Party leadership was truly opposed to torture, it would find strong challengers to these unworthy incumbents. Given the Democratic leadership’s apathy, it’s up to the grassroots Democrats to reform the Democratic Party - by only voting for Democratic candidates who are truly progressive.

(Source: Library of Thomas)