Don't Prosecute

IBD Editorials ^ | January 14, 2009

[Kaslin]

Justice: We're impressed by President-elect Barack Obama's attempts to reach out to moderates and conservatives. In that spirit, we hope he rejects Congress' bad idea to prosecute Bush officials for "crimes."

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A troubling report released by House Democrats Tuesday suggests they want Obama to launch a criminal investigation of key Bush administration officials for breaking the law during the Iraq War. Similar requests have come from a number of so-called human rights groups.

Our advice to Obama: Don't do it.

So far on this issue, as on so many others, Obama has wisely been cautious, saying only, "obviously we're going to be looking at past practices and I don't believe that anybody is above the law."

He also said just last Sunday, "My instinct is for us to focus on how do we make sure that moving forward we are doing the right thing." Go with your instinct, Mr. President-elect.

The nation can ill-afford a long, protracted legal battle right now — one that will lead to bitter divides in the body politic and could make it harder for Obama to face down the nation's serious problems once he's in the White House.

[xcamel]

We all know damn well “The One” will not be able to control “the prince and princess of darkness” - and the rest of the evil minions. There will be pain, and there will be blood.

[FlingWingFlyer]

It's da economy, dumbass! We don't have time for phony balony, plastic banana, good time rock 'n' roller "hearings" for the Code Pinky morons!

[Navy Patriot]

It’s Bush’s fault.

[shortstop]

I will guarantee that if he pulls this, there will be criminal proceedings every time there is a change in the political party in power, well into future years. So, Mr. Messiah, unless you personally want payback in 2012 or 2016, you had better consider this a bad plan and drop it.