Here's a philosophical question: Is it acceptable to behave in an immoral and/or unethical manner if it is for a good cause? That is to say, if you're fighting evil, is it ok to be evil?
If you're President Bush and his cronies, the answer is apparently a resounding, unmitigated "yes." Thanks to ACLU FOIA requests, it's come to light this week that the White House not only explicitly authorized the use of torture in interrogations, but it also concluded that the American military, compromised of American citizens, directed by an American citizen as Command in Chief, are not subject to the American Constitution, to which these Americans had sworn an oath to uphold, serve, and protect. The White House claims to have disavowed that stance long ago, but it still makes me wonder what else these relativistic ethicists came up with. Nevermind that the President's power actually descends directly from the US Constitution (a minor oversight, I'm sure).
One thing is certain: as documents are exposed, there is an even clearer case for deposing and convicting this administration for impeachment, war crimes, and treason. They've violated their oaths, and should be held to account for it. Failure to hold them accountable is tantamount to saying that the rule of law is only important when it's convenient. That is an unacceptable message, with gross implications far beyond politics and national security. How are we in the security industry to expect compliance with policies and standards if the theme from the top leadership of the country is "do what you want when you want, irregardless of the requirements to which you are subject."
