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US Senate Torture Report
Former President Bill Clinton Applauds Release of Senate Torture Report and Defends Senator Dianne Feinstein
13 December 2014
LPAC—On Thursday, December 11, former Presiden Bill Clinton applauded the release of the Senate Torture Report, in an interview with Jorge Ramos of Fusion (fusion.net) at Clinton’s Future of the Americas summit in Miami, Florida. Contrary to the defenders of torture who argue that the release of the report itself puts the U.S. at risk, Clinton said, "No, when you release a report like this—you show that some things happen that we don’t like. But you also show that we believe, instead of, you know, putting these problems under the rug and hiding them, it’s better to come out and say, OK, this is what happened, now let’s talk about how we can fix it, how we can make it better." Clinton said the post-9/11 period "was a very frightening time in America, but that doesn’t justify any mistakes that were made. A lot of people did a lot of things that they thought were necessary to protect us that may have been inconsistent with or flatly contradictory to international norms. "What I hope will happen is that we will keep pushing on this, find out exactly what happened, give anybody who disagrees a chance to have their say, and then do what we should always do in cases like this—say what our policy is going to be on this and stick with it and have it consistent with international law. I do not think we are in more danger because of this." Clinton also praised the chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), for making the report’s findings public. "She has worked a lifetime to be for a strong national defense in America, but she doesn’t believe that any sort of torture makes us stronger." On the consequences of the Iraq War, Clinton said, "I think were still paying for it today." The Clinton Foundation’s Future of the Americas summit brought together business, non-profit, educational, and political leaders to improve cooperation on key issues facing the Western Hemisphere. The full interview will air on Fusion’s AMERICA with Jorge Ramos Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 10 p.m. |
