Would prosecuting torturers heal nation? #tellusatoday

The American Civil Liberties Union this week called for a special prosecutor to conduct a criminal investigation into the CIA torture program. Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

Paste BN's editorial makes the point that prosecution would cause only more problems ("Prosecuting torturers wouldn't bring closure: Our view").

After 9/11, many Americans wanted us to do whatever was needed to prevent more attacks. Prosecuting people whose mission was just that would further divide the country.

We could probably find reasons to prosecute all presidents if we wanted.

— Bob Johnstone

The real crime, regardless of the actions, is the callous disregard for the existing laws of the United States. The government manipulated the justice system for its goals.

We can long debate the use of torture on the prisoners but can't lose sight of the bigger evil here: Elected and appointed leaders of our country possibly breaking the law.

— John Wigger

I do think we should put this issue behind us, but if anything like these interrogations should occur again, something must be done.

— William Worsham Writes

Torture is beheading humans. Sleeping in the dark or waterboarding is child's play.

— Gerald Spradlin

Letter to the editor:

In response to the revelations by the Senate Intelligence Committee on the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques" by CIA operatives on suspected terrorists, there should be criminal prosecution for those who violated the law. Torture is illegal under both U.S. and international law.

In the climate of fear that followed the 9/11 attacks, the agency was directed to do whatever was necessary to prevent future attacks. Therefore, the primary responsibility lies with senior Bush administration officials such as Dick Cheney, Alberto Gonzales and others who authorized and provided legal cover for the use of torture.

Mark Saxon; Kahului, Hawaii

Punishment vs. gratitude

We asked our followers what they thought of calls to prosecute those involved in the CIA torture program. Comments from Twitter are edited for clarity and grammar:

They should be prosecuted. It's un-American to torture people. It did not help things.

— @KimChi58

No, they should thank the people involved in questioning these animals.

— @chensley1059

Everyone who was involved should face some dire punishment. And not torture because that's too inhumane.

— @aminaaaaaaaaa_

Don't punish people who were doing what they were trained to do in service of our country.

— @mgold95

For more of the conversation, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.