When I was serving as a Congressional intern, the Representative I worked for was probably one of the few Republicans upset about and opposed to our policies in Gitmo. He was in many ways a libertarian and considered the camp to be inhumane. "I keep my chickens better than we keep those prisoners." (He owned a farm.)
Then he actually toured the facility. This changed his opinion completely. He couldn't see the slightest hint of abuse or mistreatment, and never complained about it again.
Of course, it's possible that this was all an elaborate set-up and he was only shown what the PR people wanted him to see. It's always possible to work out a conspiracy theory. But given the size of the place (not very large) one would think it would be hard to conceal open abuse or at least prisoners who were openly abused. The congressman found neither of these.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2006-10-05 01:41 pm (UTC)Then he actually toured the facility. This changed his opinion completely. He couldn't see the slightest hint of abuse or mistreatment, and never complained about it again.
Of course, it's possible that this was all an elaborate set-up and he was only shown what the PR people wanted him to see. It's always possible to work out a conspiracy theory. But given the size of the place (not very large) one would think it would be hard to conceal open abuse or at least prisoners who were openly abused. The congressman found neither of these.
In other news, the prisoners are getting fat. Make of this as you will.