Cheney’s Right

Conservative Republican Jim Ellis and liberal Democrat Bennet Kelley present Filibanter, a combination of political filibuster and banter. Read Kelley’s perspective on torture debate here.Dick Cheney’s comments over the weekend on Bush Administration interrogation practices are exactly on target. What a welcome respite from the constant media coverage of Democrats attacking those who valiantly risked their lives for our protection. Are Republicans finally finding their voice? Well, maybe at least one.We’re used to Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and Jay Rockefeller initially approving of tactics necessary to advance American foreign policy and national security and then callously reversing course to further their own political interests. Though Cheney is undoubtedly correct that the information obtained from the terrorists saved tens of thousands—if not hundreds of thousands—of American lives, what’s that in comparison to further political power for Democrats?  The United States has never engaged in torture. That includes the recent techniques employed against modern day terrorists, who would kill us all if they had the chance.  Torture must be defined as acts that are so harsh and physically debilitating—like those inflicted upon many American soldiers in World War II and Vietnam—that permanent damage is caused. Most torturous procedures are acts of cruelty and are not used to gain military intelligence. Despite the claims of U.S. military critics like Bennet Kelley, it’s clear that Americans do not engage is such practices, nor does anyone, including the former vice president, condone such activity. The measures used to extract terrorist network intelligence are inarguably distasteful, but the nature of the war against terrorism dictates such action. The military’s job is to protect us, and they are succeeding.Instead of attacking and attempting to prosecute the men and women who perform these most difficult assignments, maybe it’s time for liberal antagonists to start thanking them for saving American lives.  After all, how much more political power can Democrats obtain? They already have it all.Jim Ellis is a former political advisor to the House Republican majority and currently provides election analysis for clients of the PRIsm Information Network. With Bennet Kelley he has formed Filibanter, which provides a live presentation combining political filibustering and banter.