Just answering the question

Via Mark Kleiman:

Karl Rove is no fool.

The belief that we should respect our own laws, international treaties, and fundamental human rights, even when dealing with those accused of terrorism, is very much a minority view, and every time liberals speak out against torture they cost themselves votes. [...]

Query for those opponents of torture who still support the GOP: Which side do you want to be on?

Answer:  I want the GOP to get it right.  I want the current power structure to go from lameduck to extinct, and I want honest, freedom and liberty loving, Bill of Rights triumphing conservatism to trump neoconservatism within the party. 

It's not lost on me that had a similar scandal broke under Clinton's rule, the whole ugly nightmare would have probably driven him from office.  It would have been used as an example of the moral decay of liberalism, the unAmerican and evil mindset of our Leftist president.  Comments like Durbin's would be standard fare until the combined congressional and media storm blew the wall of secrecy down and gave us complete details to the extent of our transgressions.  And that I would have applauded.

McCain gave a speech in AZ during election season.  In the following Q and A, he was asked about the unfortunate condition of his party by a party member.  He responded by sincerely asking disgruntled Republicans to stick it out.  He promised the party would be changed for the better.  I've given the GOP one year from November to "show me the decency."  So far I'm nonplussed; bad is getting worse, and more are being led to defend torture, or more accurately, more are being misled to the nature of the situation. 

So, which side do I want to be on?  I want to be on the side of American virtue and ideals.  I want to be on the side of a mandate of Americans, and I want that mandate to be opposed to torture.  If that side proves to be an unfortunate fantasy, then I will humbly vote against torture again and always. 

Thanks for asking.

-- Zap

Comments

[carla]

Dear Zap:

Have you considered a form letter like this?

Ever helpfully yours,

Carla

[Zap]

Great link carla. Thanks for the heads up. He described me in describing himself. We're not alone, but we're certainly outnumbered.