Gregory D.

Lee

Read Greg's bio and previous columns here

May 22, 2009

Speaker Pelosi Can’t Have It Both Ways

The debate concerning what Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) knew about the CIA’s enhanced interrogation techniques, and when she knew it, makes great political theater, but simultaneously erodes the nation’s ability to defend itself.

At the heart of the argument between Speaker Pelosi and the CIA is if she was told specifically that waterboarding had been used against several high-value terrorist detainees, or that it was merely a Justice Department-cleared technique that could be used in the future. In an awkward news conference last week, she attempted to distance herself from a CIA memorandum that made it clear she was briefed that waterboarding had been performed. In a desperate act of self-preservation, she lashed out at the CIA and accused it of lying, and said that the agency had “misled the Congress of the United States.” This is a serious criminal allegation.

Whether she was told that waterboarding either had or could be used on detainees is completely irrelevant. Both sides agree that she knew the technique was now in an interrogator’s tool box to use, and she did not voice any objection to it at the time.

Fast forward several years. The Speaker knew that waterboarding had provided the government with valuable intelligence about the leadership of the Al Qaeda network and had prevented or disrupted several potentially devastating attacks on America. Now she, along with other liberals, seeks to ensure that waterboarding is never used again simply because it was proven to be effective.

Why couldn’t the Speaker just say that she abhorred waterboarding, but because many in the Intelligence Community thought a second attack was imminent, it was necessary for the security of the country? But she, along with other liberals, never let national security get in the way of partisan politics.

Instead, Speaker Pelosi wants it both ways. Now that her tacit approval of the techniques has come out, she insists she did not know that waterboarding had already been employed, as if that makes a difference. In an effort to continue dismantling all effective national security programs, she insists that the CIA deceived her and misled Congress. Whether she realizes it or not, constantly bashing the CIA does nothing to enhance the agency’s morale or effectiveness. It only serves to embolden our enemies when they see the nation’s intelligence collectors handcuffed and demoralized.

In another attempt to have it both ways, she said in a press release, “We all share great respect for the dedicated men and women of the intelligence community who are deeply committed to the safety and security of the American people. My criticism of the manner in which the Bush Administration did not appropriately inform Congress is separate from my respect for those in the intelligence community who work to keep our country safe.” I think it’s obvious to the judges on American Idol that the Speaker is singing a different tune since briefed on waterboarding, by claiming the CIA and George W. Bush misled her. Who is misleading whom?

CIA Director and fellow Monterey County resident Leon Panetta released a statement backing up the claim that his agency briefed her that waterboarding had taken place. He’s one of the few Democrats in the Obama Administration who has shown adult leadership. Is the Speaker going to accuse him of a cover up?

Speaker Pelosi’s actions have forfeited her right to be Speaker of the House. Her statements raise legitimate questions about her integrity and validate the stereotype that most Democrats are consistently soft on national defense. She needs to step down and reflect on why a power-hungry politician should not seek political cover by attacking the country’s defenders.  

Gregory D. Lee is a nationally syndicated columnist for North Star Writers Group. Readers can contact him at info@gregorydlee.com.

© 2009 North Star Writers Group. May not be republished without permission.

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