and when the military and the Department of Defense are operating under the orders of the executive branch, who's job is it to provide oversite?

In answer to your original question:

The Latin term for "Non-Sequitor" is "Doug".

Doug you should familiarize yourself with the Abu Griab case as your statement indicates complete ignorace. Did the army begin an investigation at a very high level as soon as it reported? Was the investigation launched MONTHS before it was reported by the press, especially 60 minutes? Was the investigation reported to the press as soon as it was started? Where the the main culprits in the incident prison guards in thier civilian jobs? Where the troops involved with Abu Griab tried and convicted? Where those in the chain of command above the miscredeants held accountable for the poor leadership of thier troops? The answer to these questions is yes.

Also the investigation showed the whole incident was the result not of intelligence officers having them soften the prisoners for further interogation but a "party" to celebrate a birthday. The prisoners who where abused where common street thugs who had rioted in the days just before the event and where held in that section of the prison for those actions.

While like you I abhore the actions of those troops I at least understand this is NOT a representation of our troops and should not be used to to make partisan political points.

Dave

It's not a non-sequitur. The administration and the military under Mr. Rumsfeld has demonstrated that they are either unwilling or incapable of policing themselves without having the media and Congress watching them.

That's why there are all of these mysterious "leaks" to the press Dave.

"The administration and the military under Mr. Rumsfeld has demonstrated that they are either unwilling or incapable of policing themselves without having the media and Congress watching them. "

Doug, as usual you are wrong.

The military investigation of Abu Ghraib was underway before the story got to the press. Those who were eventually sentenced (heavily) for their involvement were already well within the purview of the military justice system back when Doug thought "Abu Grhaib" was a brand of hummus.

You may start the customary ratcheting-back of your claims now.

Bear in mind that what with the new law on torture, the actions of PFC Lynndie English, et al. are now PERFECTLY LEGAL. Does anyone think they will be gotting out of prison any time soon? Pure hypocracy.

"Bear in mind that what with the new law on torture, the actions of PFC Lynndie English, et al. are now PERFECTLY LEGAL."

Uh, no they aren't

PFC English et al appeared to be committing those acts of torture strictly for sick amusement, and they were punished accordingly. That said, any laws passed allowing torture would be confined to the use of interrogation techniques.

Mitch said,

"Doug, as usual you are wrong."

Sure Mitch. And we all know just how serious you all took it. Why, it was all just nothing more than fratboy hijinx...

"And we all know just how serious you all took it."

We? Well, the military took it plenty seriously; ask the guys (and gal) who are in stockade right now.

"Why, it was all just nothing more than fratboy hijinx"

Leavenworth seems a bit drastic, if "frat boy hijinx" were the issue...

I mean, it's not like they lied under oath, or drowned someone and ran away from the scene, or conspired to blow up cops. To a typical DFLer, those are pretty much non-issues, no?

Mitch said,

"Well, the military took it plenty seriously;"

Really? There were a few low ranking schmucks that took the fall.

There were also CIA operatives and privately employed contractors that were involved but for them, zero consequences.

Why?

How many hours were spent looking into steroid use in MLB? How many subpeonas?

Doug, you are such a dumbfxxk.

"That's why there are all of these mysterious "leaks" to the press Dave"

You magnificent moron. Those leaks were made by political hacks for political reasons. Those leakers don't like Bush, the war on terror or, most importantly America.

Kermit said,

"You magnificent moron. Those leaks were made by political hacks for political reasons. Those leakers don't like Bush, the war on terror or, most importantly America."

Uh huh... Sure they were Kermit.

What's wrong? Someone take your nook?

"What's wrong? Someone take your nook?"

Is that the best you've got, Doug?

Paul said,

"Is that the best you've got, Doug?"

Hmmmm... Paul shows up to protect kermit from my mean taunt...

Do you help Kermit wipe too Paul?

No Doug, it was a backhanded compliment. And you can wipe me anytime.

Kermit said,

"And you can wipe me anytime."

I'll pass Kermit. I wouldn't want to see poor Paul out on the street without a job.