Heroes in the Fight Against Torture

Today the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a non-binding resolution supporting Sen. McCain's anti-torture amendments. While non-binding, it does send a powerful message to the White House: America is not a land of torturers. While Cheney, Allard, the Pentagon and others may think otherwise, there are principles that are never to be violated. There is no immunity from their violation. John Murtha said it correctly: "We cannot torture and still retain the moral high ground."

We'll also see Bush's values versus stubborness in this: He has threatened to veto any measure containing this provision. It would be the first veto of his term. Ironically, the measure has enough votes, if the votes in the House and Senate are any indication, to be the Shrub's first overridden veto. It also demonstrates the Bush tactics when it comes to justifying bad political decisions: First threaten, then plead, then cave in. See his speech today for a further example of that progression of behaviors.

McCain and Murtha, originator of today's resolution, are both heroes in the fight against torture.