94 Responses to:
INTERROGATION MEMOS ARE POLITICAL DIVERSION

# 1. 4/22/09 12:02 AM by Paul Martin - Rochester NY
Nothing needed to say Bob, you said it all.

# 2. 4/22/09 12:12 AM by John - Penfield, NY
Continuing in the (main) vein of yesterday's column, B.O. has you beat by a country mile when it comes to urination stunts. He's managed to piss on the entire USA and Constitution simultaneously.

# 3. 4/22/09 12:14 AM
Barry O and the little woman don't care much for America. She's never been proud of it before her hubby got the nomination, she says it's a mean and hateful county, they both listened to Jeremiah Wright for 20 years (and apparently didn't hear a word he said). He goes around the world insulting our allies, embracing our enemies, and apologizing for anything we've ever done. I can't wait till he's chased out of Washington. Maybe Hugo or Fidel will let him bunk with them.

# 4. 4/22/09 12:15 AM by DaWiz - San Antonio, Texas
Did any clear-thinking "real" American expect anything else from Der Fuhrer? Since day one it has been his primary goal to destroy this country. His actions in this matter border on treason, 'giving aid and comfort to the enemy in time of armed conflict'. I do fail however, to see how any of the lawyers could be prosecuted for writing a memo, they were not the people who actually performed the "act".

# 5. 4/22/09 1:50 AM by Scott - Salem, OR
At least there are two of us who didn't get diverted from the truth!

# 6. 4/22/09 3:30 AM by SGN - Utah
You are exactly right in saying that this is all a diversion. Unfortunately it has helped to destroy America's credibility.

While we've all been looking at the "de-classified" Top Secret Memos other legislation has been passed. Something about a volunteer service group. Could this be the same service group that people have referred to as the Brown Shirts? A subtle reference to the youth groups who served Hitler's regime?

About the only reference I have to this organization is Julie Andrew's The Sound of Music. The Brown Shirts was represented by the 16 year old boy that Lisle was in love with. This is the boy that betrayed the Von Trapp Family to the Germans. In some parts of Europe you don't want to tell them you belonged to the Boy Scouts because of the association of the Brown Shirts to a dictatorship.

Please tell me I'm wrong, both about the diversion and the service group. Some Email are circulating that members of this new organization will not be allowed to participate in religious activities.

Nothing has been heard in the media. Even more frightening regarding both issues is that none of our national law makers have made any comment. Are they still not reading the bill?

# 7. 4/22/09 4:42 AM by Bob H. - Henrietta, NY
Back in 2004 when CBS news was in the midst of their four-week reporting of the "torture" at Abu Ghraib, the reporter mentioned that between 200 and 300 protesters were demonstrating outside the prison.

That's 300 people out of Baghdad's population of 5 million.

So what were the other 4,999,700 residents of Baghdad doing? It's likely they were carrying on with their lives as usual.

Those Iraqis know what true torture is like.

# 8. 4/22/09 5:35 AM by MikeNTNY - North Tonawanda, NY
Hey Bob, We need a leader in the White House. We have a rock star wannabe in there instead. He is however, a master showman. It is the same old scam at work here. Start to look at what Obama is doing and all of a sudden he pulls the old shell game with, " hey, look at what I have here." You are right on about the George Bush bashing. It looks like if you cannot do anything, just vilify the past administration.

# 9. 4/22/09 6:02 AM by Rick - Rochester,NY 14610
Hey Bob!! I think that Dick Cheney and all the other "Right Wing Extremist" should be straped down and Waterboarded! Lets see how they like it!

# 10. 4/22/09 6:32 AM by Mike - Ogden
Excellent points. Especially the diversion point. This is what you call the duck, weave and punch. (no that's not a Chinese dish).

Time to Duck Bailout protesting

Do The Weave The Dog, Chivaz, Cuba, Interrogation memos

Land The Punch Headlines all change while bailout gets larger and keeps steamrolling

# 11. 4/22/09 6:33 AM
This peace and love !*&!@ must stop. We all are in danger of this philosophy.

# 12. 4/22/09 6:45 AM by SGM - Utah
Hey #9 - Rick. Will you be so quick to side with the Obama Administration when they come to get me for some made up fabrication that I've violated the 1st and 2nd Amendments. Wake up!

The China military has apparently hacked into our 300 billion dollar computer system at the Pentagon. Police arrested a suspected murderer by being able to access info thru his or other computers. Who is to say Big Brother isn't monitoring my computer right now.

# 13. 4/22/09 6:47 AM by rjd
Now just imagine if we did not have term limits on the president. Of course after looking at what BO has done in just a short few weeks, his term limits should have been 100 days, now we will have to wait another 3 and 3/4 years to even have a chance of "voting him out", not looking good. I had hopes that once BO got in there that he would do whats right for this country but it looks more like its all about implimenting his personal agenda. Even though he has the house I think even they are set back on their heals a bit, if they dont play his game he goes right around them.

# 14. 4/22/09 6:52 AM by rjd
4/22/09 6:02 AM by Rick - Rochester,NY 14610 Hey Bob!! I think that Dick Cheney and all the other "Right Wing Extremist" should be straped down and Waterboarded! Lets see how they like it!

Ah Rick, you are not suppose to like, now go back in the corner and eat your cookie and let the grownups talk.

# 15. 4/22/09 6:57 AM by Rick G. - Spencerport NY
I just want to take this opportunity to wish you a happy Earth Day. I’d send you a card (on recycled paper impregnated with organic vegetable seeds, of course), but you know – then I’d have to offset the carbon footprint of the mail Jeep and that can be SO annoying. So anyway, don’t forget your cloth bag when you go shopping!

Oh, and waterboarding is fine by me, as long as they use gray water or at the very least, water collected in a rain barrel. Who says you can’t get valuable information from a piece of crap terrorist AND save the environment.

# 16. 4/22/09 7:12 AM
Wish I had stock in FUBO.

# 17. 4/22/09 7:21 AM by Poplar Beach
A diversion it may be, but showing his true colors it definitely is and now he has backed off on his promise not to prosecute the people involved, so it can embarrass and divert the attention of this country for years to come.

This man is a liar and an old style Chicago politician extraordinaire. He is as he was painted to be by many during the campaign, but his smooth speaking persona and a fawning media pulled the wool successfully, now we are stuck with him for at least 4 years, what a shame and a great danger Barack Obama is becoming for America.

# 18. 4/22/09 7:22 AM
You, Bob Lonsberry, with your crazy right wing sadists make America look like the bad guys.

You also forgot, cleverly, to say that the officials that suggested these sadistic tortures worked also said that they could not say this same information could not have been gotten by other, non-tortuous means.

I am an Army veteran and damn any American who shames our great land with sadistic interrogation menthods. The damage done to our image as the good guys far, far outweighs anything these horrific torture techniques yield.

Damn you, damn you all to hell you sadistic loving bastards.

Editor's Note: yeah, that's what jane fonda said.

# 19. 4/22/09 7:26 AM by DD
America is Obama's stepping stone to greater glory - world power.

Smart people knew it. Idiots elected him.

It must have ripped his heart out when those pirates died.

# 20. 4/22/09 7:31 AM by Mark - Greece
Bob, you should have reminded Rick, #15, about your prolific bladder. Why waste potable water on a terrorist?

# 21. 4/22/09 7:32 AM
Second bite of the apple.

America rejected torture.

Do you right wingers not yet know that America REJECTED you.

America told you torturers to F-Off. Get outta here, we don't want your disgraceful methods. You make America look like a bunch of rats.

You, you right-wingers were thrown out on your arses and all indications are that you will be OUT for a generation. Try learning how to be decent people instead of raging sadists loving all the bad crap in life.

If you kept America safe America said no thanks.

That's America who said it.

Editor's Note: yeah, that 52 percent win was pretty decisive. this is your 1994. enjoy it, it won't last.

# 22. 4/22/09 7:38 AM by Frank C - henrietta
The "President" thinks that all the nations on Earth will come to like the U.S. if he apoligizes for everything. (After all, he's a nice guy and has a clean haircut and everyting - and just look at that big, howdy-doody smile!)

He is a dilletante in a powerful position where experience is the most critical factor.

The sad fact is that nice guys (and nice nations) finish last. There are many nations that envy and hate America. They take our monetary aid and still hate us. This will always be the case.

O'bama is the poster boy for the decline of the United States. He was elected by a younger generation of spoiled American brats who hate their mother country out of simple boredom.

This younger generation has been given everything imaginable in this life, from video games to medical coverage. They have never endured famine, disease, military conscription, or any of the host of horrible things that have beset European countries over the last few centuries.

And because of this, they hate themselves. They wish for our country to fail, so they can "experience" things, instead of living in this boring paradise that their parents and generations past have fought so hard to keep free.

And with this idiot running things, they may soon have their wish.

# 23. 4/22/09 7:44 AM by Mike - Greece
Hey Rick of #9. I'd gladly be water boarded if it in some way can help our country. After that session, I'd like to see that board shoved up your ...

# 24. 4/22/09 7:49 AM by GEORGE ( THE OTHER ONE) - GANANOQUE ONTARIO CANADA
*

PETTA - FUBOs

You have long said that sooner or later this administration would come after Republicans and lynch them in the streets. Well, the roundup has started.

One of the dreams of the wako left has been to impeach Bush and soon they will have the former President and Vice standing in the plaza with piano wire around their necks. It is just a matter of time. The hatred is so great that they cannot or will not see the damage being done to the country in their quest for revenge.

# 25. 4/22/09 7:50 AM by jaymor
The left is a staunch defender of civil rights, selectively. Political adversaries don't make the cut.

# 26. 4/22/09 7:56 AM by PHIL - SOUTH WEDGE NY
AMEN BOB! RIGHT ON BUDDY! PEOPLE FORGET WHAT IT WAS LIKE AFTER 9/11. HOW SOON THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN. THESE "TORTURE" TECHNIQUES FOR EXAMPLE "WATER BOARDING" WE TRAIN OUR SPECIAL FORCES WITH. AND NOW THE SAME THINGS WE TRAIN OUR MILITARY WITH ARE TORTURE FOR TERRORISTS?! GIVE ME A BREAK...OBAMA IS BOUND & DETERMINED TO GET THESE CIA AGENTS BEHIND BARS & THAT IS A DISGRACE! 121

# 27. 4/22/09 7:57 AM by ex-pansy
So let's see...waterboarding is out.

Hmmm....that's not good. How else are these poor countries going to have a shot at beating us in swimming at the next Olympics?

There's got to be another way to shut one's spy hole...and then open it.

I think we could put our minds together and come up with some more different and creative ways to extend the courtesy and respect these "guests of our nation" truly deserve.

Like, place Red Sox hats on their heads, and duct tape them to parking maters in Brooklyn.

Or, make them listen to Obama speeches on an iPod. (Oh...darn, someone thought of THAT already)

Or, force them to watch this season's episodes of "Celebrity Apprentice"...in reverse order.(America's Next Top Model will also work in a pinch). They can incorporate that nasty old Ricky Astley video a few hundred times during the commercial breaks..that should do the trick ("neva-gonna-GIVE-neva-gonna-GIVE....neva-gonna-GIVE YOU UP...").

There's other things,like spray bacon grease on white lab coats, give them clip boards; and tell them they have to be Barney Frank's nutritional consultants for a week.

Then there this...my personal favorite:

Force them to open small businesses in New York State. (Nope, no Empire Zones kiddies...that would be cheating.) WOW, THAT'S what I call running the gauntlet!!!

See, there's always more than one way to skin a cat,Bob. No worries.

# 28. 4/22/09 8:16 AM - Fairport, NY
Simply put, the guy is a turd!

# 29. 4/22/09 8:20 AM by Durwood - Canandaigua
Hey, #18! I'd be careful walking by your local VFW Post. You just might get your ass waterboarded.

# 30. 4/22/09 8:42 AM by Robert C Hochstetler - Bloomington
I watched a show on television the other day about the planning for X-Day, the invasion of Japan. Iwo Jima was on the road to the Japanese Main Islands. One of the soldiers recounting what they did with enemies discussed interrogation and then with nothing to do with enemy soldiers they shot them in the back of the head.

Let me repeat, "We killed the captured soldiers." How's that for interrogation methods. I don't think we accused these men of war crimes.

Washington is FUBOed.

# 31. 4/22/09 8:44 AM by gww - Rochester, NY
If you had worded your poll a bit differently, but still asking the same general question, i.e. If a government official commits a crime, should they be prosecuted? The results would be just the opposite of what you are seeing now.

I guess breaking the law is okay when it is done by Republicans, eh Bob?

"The end may justify the means as long as there is something that justifies the end."-Leon Trotsky

Have a nice day, comrade.

# 32. 4/22/09 8:48 AM by kittynana - Lewiston NY
What's so wrong with "All's fair in love and war"?

# 33. 4/22/09 8:51 AM
Torture? No fingernails missing, no scars, no injuries of any kind, naked on a leash, water must be at least 41 degrees; lets see, did those planes do a fly by of the towers, or kill 2000 + civilians, did they cut Pearl's throat, or just pretend to, do they still kill women and children every day in the name of their cause, and we are the sadistic tortures?

I just don't get it, how can the turn the other cheek crowd paint us to be the bad guys and them to be the victims? How can anyone with a tiny bit of common sense think this way?

Our president may be brilliant, but he is a moron when it comes to common sense!

# 34. 4/22/09 9:06 AM by Mark - Greece
Two, that's t--w--o of the most evil scum of the earth (whatever pretty name you wish to attribute to them, they were enemies of America) were waterboarded. They had no qualms about murdering thousands of Americans in cold blood. They would do it again, and the larger the body count, the greater the victory. For all you idiot naysayers, this technique may have just prevented a horrific death for you and all your loved ones. There is no politically correct stance on that. If we are the evil empire, why don't you go over to Iran or Syria, tell them you want to kill all Muslims, and then see if they give you the key to the city. Just hope your next of kin get your head back with the body. Talk about the dumbing down of America, too many pussies without a spine to support policies that protect their own family, much less this beautiful land.

# 35. 4/22/09 9:07 AM by jim - Rochester,N.Y.
mos. By revealing their contents and vilifying their authors, the new Caesar can not only prosecute and destroy his political opponents, he can also further the emasculation of America’s will and capacity to defend itself.

Funny I thought only violation of the law can lead to prosecution. And don't forget we are a just nation by our jurisprudence. I can't fathom how we survived for 150 years without you and Jack Bower

# 36. 4/22/09 9:09 AM by Marv - San Antonio, TX
And the pussification of America continues. Right #9?

# 37. 4/22/09 9:15 AM by Me - @ Work
Obama and his ilk confuse the hell out of me.

They want to go after those who "tortured" those who want to destroy us (including Obama and his supporters) and our country.

Yet where is this same passion when it comes to prosecuting those who abuse and rape children in this country?

Priorities can certainly be screwy!

MEGA Fubo!

# 38. 4/22/09 9:15 AM by Boomer - Scottsville NY
Strange ,whenever I hear the name Obama the phrase "A lying Communist fraud comes to mind" No birth certificate, will not release medical records , will not release academic records . I wonder why?

# 39. 4/22/09 9:16 AM by Tom - Fairport, NY
Hi Bob,

We would all be better off just letting the terrorists have their way.

If they want to nuke Manhattan or Washington, D.C., let them. Both cities could use some more green space anyways and if the Twin Towers were so crucial for Manhattan, they would have been rebuilt by now.

Odds are that we'll be better off after the nuke is detonated than before. At least then people might get the message that some things are worth fighting and dying for.

Some people just have to learn the hard way. Looking on the bright side, this may be the one and only way to revitalize Upstate New York since Manhattan would be too contaminated to rebuild for a while.

# 40. 4/22/09 9:22 AM by Nick - Irondequoit, NY
A sitting president should never throw his predecessor under the bus. The honor of the office itself should supercede political motives. This is just wrong on every level.

# 41. 4/22/09 9:22 AM
Impeach President Axelrod!

# 42. 4/22/09 9:23 AM by Mark
Torture - we condemn other nations when they torture our folks. Doesn't seem right that we justify it. Pirates - why not just lock them up at Gitmo and forget about the trial, like all the other bad folks we capture.

# 43. 4/22/09 9:27 AM
Thumbs down only because I think you're being too facile.

Is there any interrogation method which you would not condone in the "ticking bomb" scenario?

If so, where would you, personally, draw the line?

If not, how do you check the inappropriate use of of those methods by the people who have to use them?

This stuff clearly is not black and white.

It's important to have some sort of framework within which to decide what's permissible and what's not, who gets to decide, and who gets to know about it....

# 44. 4/22/09 9:29 AM by Dave - Fairport NY
Hey # 18, What is the first article of the soldiers code? What unit were you with and when? What is an acceptable time to field strip the M-16A1 rifle? What is the score to qualify as expert with the M-16A1 rifle? These answers are important. They will tell me lot about you.

Editor's Note: there is no "article" and there is no "soldier's code." the first general order is, "i will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved." "field strip" is not a phrase used in the army, you must hit 36 out of 40 to earn the "expert" badge, leg.

# 45. 4/22/09 9:30 AM by Jeff - Midvale, Utah
Liberals seem to want to make the world into a place were there is no war, no killing, no hate, no suffering, no poor... no rich, no prosperity, no differences, no opposition whatsoever, no consideration for being human.

And they say they are trying to save the world... who the #*@& for!

# 46. 4/22/09 9:31 AM by Bill - Utah
No comparison with Truman. All of Truman’s advisors told him to do it. Torture is a whole different issue. You are comparing apples and oranges. What the Bush administration should have done is catch bin Laden. They let him get away. Afghanistan should have been finished. Bush had war on two fronts. Stupid. Bush was a terrible war administrator. Compound this with Rumsfeld.

Editor's Note: actually, almost none of truman's advisors knew about the bomb. let's forget him. let's think of roosevelt. when will a truth commission be called to review his internment of japanese people in california?

# 47. 4/22/09 9:41 AM by cami - slc, utah
well the former little Caesar self- proclaimed dictator Bush is being protected by Obama with the torture business and you say nothing of that? You seem to pick and choose so as to play partisan politics.

# 48. 4/22/09 10:09 AM by RAY - NORTH JAVA, NY
How long befor the overthrow begins

# 49. 4/22/09 10:15 AM by DD
Waterboarding is a "sadistic and horrific" interrogation method?

According to who? Barney the Dinosaur?

Those liberals need to get a grip.

Imagine if we tied a couple pounds of bacon around the terrorist's necks? The left would have a stroke...

...which might be a good thing....

Editor's Note: two rules: 1. if you don't want to get waterboarded, don't try to kill americans. 2. if we have to waterboard a million foreigners to save one american, let the waterboarding begin.

# 50. 4/22/09 10:17 AM by kirk olsen - Draper, Utah
Anyone that causes man made disasters should be treated a eye for a eye and all non right wing extremists should be waterboarded hourly !

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