Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 04/16/09
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Gov. Sarah Plain is back in the spotlight tonight. She's giving her first speech this year in the lower 48. That has people talking about whether she'll run for the White House in 2012. Do you think she should? Share your thoughts below.
And, don't miss Erica Hill's webcast on Sarah Palin and tonight's other headlines during the commercials. Watch our WEBCAST
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I dont now whether to blame the cartels for trying to recruit the kids or blame the kids for accepting the recruition.
Anyone who permits someone to be tortured should be prosecuted.
It doesn't matter if a normal person is in prison or a suspected Al-Quaeda memeber. The Geneva convetion says that torture is illigal.
It is excellent what President Obama did when he opened files from the Bush administration era but if he will not prosecuted CIA agents for torture then i really don't know what the world should think about this democratic president.
I can hardly believe how crazy out-of-control this drug problem has gotten. I think it really is horrendous irony that the people who think they're being "cool" like the hippies of the '60s by smoking pot are actually contributing to random and gruesome murders in Mexico. If "peace and love" is supposed to be part of that, how does it make sense? but then again, we are talking about people on drugs here... it's all so confusing.
of course teens don't understand the dangers in the war next door. I would absolutely love to go there and explore....
daring? no...
Crazy? yes 😀
Hey Anderson
This teenis risk their life for a few money,and the drug carteles getting more and more money to by guns to fight their drug war.
Should any of us believe that what has been released is the extent of the US involvement in torture?
I commend President Obama for his bold move to reveal the kind of inhumane treatment given to those prisoners. America is regarded to be a civilized country, and we must have to maintain our pride. We don't have to behave like Iran or any of those backward countries . Thank you Obama, keep up the good work.
Jalloh Umaru
Atlanta, Ga.
I am amazed Mr. Gergen has forgotten his history – I think people were seen fleeing the Whitehouse as it burned during Madison’s time. Torture compromises our so called “values” and endangers our brave military – those poor souls not rich or connected enough to have to enlist in todays armed forces. Torture – just hearing Anderson say well it might have helped, yuk lots of horrible things work, it just makes us just as ruthless and ugly as the “bad guys” whom I do think are full of hate, ignorance and arrogant religous fervor. Please we are better than that. Thank you
Wow, that's crazy! What some people do to make money...I think its ridiculous that the cartels are recruiting kids...
People act as if CIA agents aren't intelligent enough to know right from wrong. It is called the Central INTELLIGENCE Agency. I'm sure that those "just following orders" were smart enough to know that what they were doing was wrong.
Are all the American teenagers recruited by the cartels of Hispanic descent?
RE: Gergen on torture:
President James Madison and his wife Dolly would be amused to hear David Gergen say the Bush administration were the first to be chased from the White House in fear of their lives on 9/11. The British burned the Madisons out in 1814. More the point, Gergen's apology for Bush's torture "because they were scared" illustrates exactly why they were unfit to lead. True leaders keep their heads.
Palin was not good for the Republican Party.
She needs to exit left and allow the party to rebuild.
Palin 2012!!!
That's quite a scar for a 21 year-old.
ACooper please dig deeper in this torture issue! I have so much trust in you cause you do keep them HONEST!
The coverage on the problematic situation associated to drugs and the way this illegal industry it has clawed into such a pulsating battle in both America and in Mexico is really worth the special coverage. The past month or so it has been covered especially. More newsreel should be dedicated to it.
The Torture Memo
Did we not hear all the same comments and cover-up before?
It was justified.
The orders came from my superior.
I was only following orders.
We need to look to the future and not dwell on the past.
Did not the World say Torture is Torture and put the Nazi’s on trial?
Those who authorized torture should be investigated and prosecuted – do we ignore burglary and murder and rape because it would take up too much time of prosecutors or judges or juries? If no one is held accountable, where is the deterrence to discourage future abuses by arrogant elected and appointed officials?? I once believed we had a nation based on laws.
It's about time Obama is taking charge and trying to stop these cartels. I mean these gang members which are the cartels are violent and they should be stop fast and now.
Good evening all. I believe President Obama is trying his best to restore respect and morality within our government. I agree with Jeffrey, waterboarding was torture and civilized countries should not engage in torture or inhumane treatment of prisoners.
Great show tonight Anderson and Erica.
Yes she is . Her constituents are not happy that she has put her 2012 aspirations above the state needs. Also her AG nominee was defeated in a Republican legislature. I am so glad she is not VP now.
those are a lot of guns.... :O
Here is a Q for DG: Are you familiar with the term "Good German" who was "just following orders?" I guess that just applies to other people in other countries. We'll just "look forward rather than back" and of course "put it behind us."
This coordinated action is essential to tackle drug trafficking
It appears the Obama administration probably won't prosecute the authors of the torture memos, but what can Congress do? For example, can Bybee, a federal judge, be impeached for criminal acts committed before he became a judge? Can Gonzalez and Yoo be future luheld in contempt of Congress?
Would your panelists feel the same if they had spent time in the harsh realities of the armpits of the world? Sometimes you need shadowy folks doing shadowy things to keep this country "civilized."
To Susan, the object of a country like the US is not to sink to terrorist tactics in interrogation or torture. When you emulate terrorists, you become a terrorist.
@ Jacqueline - Three tenors? Nah. Mr. Toobin may be a tenor, but David Gergen is definitely a bass, and I think Anderson Cooper is baritone.
Hard to tell from speaking voices, but those are my guesses.
They could make a three-part mens chorus. 🙂
@ M Frances, I agree with you. I really don't care if we have to do some things people find distasteful to get the job done. I know this is not the popular opinion, but maybe we really don't need the media telling us every little thing that happens, and let the special people get the job done.
I would love to have insight from DG and JT about keeping focus. I know they have been in the business for a long time, but it would be nice to know how they keep their priorities in check.
You guys are my fave political and legal insights... makes the most sense out of anyone.
We hear along the border about these teenagers being recruited to smuggle drugs...they target the kids that want the fast cars and want to make fast money..they also target teenage girls...especially during prom season...alot of these young girls want quick money to buy themselves designer dress for prom and will be drug mules..its so sad cuz they end up in jail or missing.
If Bush had protected us there wouldn't have been an attack on 9/11.
If the US protects its war criminals they bring into disrepute the prosecution of other war criminals such as Milosevik and al Bashir.
Sarah Palin's political career is over due to an unwarranted campaign to destroy her. So much for equal opportunity.
People definitely have an opinion of Palin ... people either absolutely love her or vehemently detest her, there is no middle ground.
Thank you Candy C – for a great and interesting report (i also read your article on Ms. Palin).
Re the Torture Memos
I'm a big fan of David Gergen and I don't believe in witch hunts either, but what happened to the principles established at Nuremberg?
Maybe "just following orders" is an excuse. But surely somebody has to be held accountable, not locked away for life or executed , which is also repugnant, but simply identified as having done wrong.
Is that too much to ask?
Number of Americans killed by terrorists:3000. Number of terrorists killed by torture; 0
Hello Anderson!. Yes, the tortue issue is a tough one. Especially considering all the other issues happening now.
Jonathan Wilson
"Does anyone find it strange thtat the CIA agents wont be tried for torture..."
Yes, and no.
Yes Erica great discussion by the power trio.
Mistreating captive prisoners is just wrong. A country has to protect the rights of all, prisoners of war esp. Doing so reduces the level of hostility, preserves the possiblity of making amends after a conflict.
Sarah Palin in Indiana, kind of neat to have the repub vp candidate visit. "There just glad she's here" You might not agree with her, but that is a warm welcome.
Susan Boyle is a fantabulous singer!! I get goose pimples when she sings! What a voice!
Palin's 15 minutes of fame feels like 15 years
If you're boss orders you to do something immoral and unethical, such as torturing a detainee, and you do it without being under duress, then you're just as guilty as they are and should be prosecuted. At least Pol Pot's men and the Nazis knew that if they didn't torture and kill their prisoners, then they in turn would be killed.
One thing I've never really heard discussed about "harsh interrogation" is the type of individuals who engaged in these tactics. I don't want to know their names but I would like some insight into what kind of people would be willing to treat other humans in this manner. Are they thugs with a sadistic streak? Are they family men and women who go home to watch Bobby's soccer game after they're done waterboarding? Where does the government find these people willing to do this?
When it comes to 9/11 and torture it's kindergarten logic for me – two wrongs do not make a right.
I would be interested to see some figures relating to the torture and how much information was obtained that actually went on to do some good.
Its all well and good talking about the 'torture methods' but was it actually useful – more so than anything else?
These memos are horrifying, if not altogether surprising, which is a shame.
Isn't is true that any "information" or "truths" uncovered during torture cannot be relied upon, as the detainee is only interested in stopping the abuse – which only happens when they reveal what their captors' WANT to hear?
I'm not sure how Palin is part of the problem,, Casey, where do you get your news,,?