Note: While I have never been in favor of war (click here), I am certainly in favor of being accurate, fair, and balanced in reporting it. Sometimes I'm embarassed to carry a press card!

Reactions:

War is a nasty business indeed , all humanity suffers ,it degrades us all... vincent2U@comcast.net (May 2004)

Thanks for your cogent commentary. I've been grinding my teeth (figuratively) since "W" opened this Pandora's box, and this past week has been the low point, of course. We need to see the other pics you offered -- not as rebuttal (There ain't none; evil is evil.), but as a reminder. This new horror must be terrible hard on those poor kids fighting in Fallujah, etc.. Grace, adlib@ixpres.com (May 2004)

This corruption is the product of our fallenness. We are certainly capable of generosity and kindness, but because we are, as C. S. Lewis called it, “bent,” we are also capable of cruelty and even savagery. And our backgrounds don’t make a difference; because of our sinful nature, given the right circumstances, the potential for what happened at Abu Ghraib lies within all of us.

That’s why Americans, especially Christians, should not settle for responses that treat what happened as the actions of just a few “bad apples.” Going forward, wise leadership must take into account human sin and depravity—a truth that is not only demonstrable, but is central to a Christian worldview. BreakPoint (May 2004)

AMEN! RegAForder@aol.com (May 2004)

I would like to add another hearty amen. I also would like to add to your comments, that if the media is going to condemn the pictures taken, then maybe they should quit showing them also! It is kind of hypocritical for them to continue to sensationalize what is already obvious! I think we have "got the picture" (pun intended) It seems to me that the media enjoys showing these pics as much as the sick people who took and posed for them! Thanks for your writing! twc7656743218@earthlink.net

While the Bush administration blames the crimes committed at Abu Ghraib prison on a few "bad apples," Republicans, Democrats, and internationally respected organizations such as the Red Cross; and Amnesty International disagree: the abuses taking place in U.S.-run prisons in Iraq are systemic and ongoing, and the responsibility for the crimes committed there reaches far beyond the under-trained soldiers who appear in the disturbing images seen around the world.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld knew these crimes were taking place as early as last fall, but by his own admission failed to inform the President, Congress, and the public.

Such inaction and tolerance of human rights abuses is inexcusable. Sojourners (May 2004)

As an Australian who opposes the stand that our Government takes in supporting your Mr Bush and the war in Iraq I agree with your sentiments about the photographs. However, as an ex serving member of the Australian Military Forces whose traditions are similar to yours I would expect your and our soldiers to behave the way the pictures on your website depict them doing. It is that standard of behaviour which makes the atrocities being committed by your troops even worse. I pray that almighty God will give us all the grace to put an end to this unnecessary conflict as soon as possible.

You may be interested in the following quote which a Mr Samuel P Huntington (a countrymen of yours) made: "The west won the world not by the superiority of its ideas or values or religion but, rather by its superiority in applying organised violence. Westerners often forget this fact. Non Westerners never do." mission@adelaide.catholic.org.au (May 2004)

The humiliating treatment was unnecessary, of course. However, I personally give the captors latitude.......these prisoners are guilty of horrendous crimes against men the age of my sons and we have no idea what these guards have witnessed and been through themselves. Not saying that justifies anything, but I'm having difficulty finding sympathy.....even as a Believer. Laverne, mother of sons 24 and 28 who (thank God) are not in the military (May 2004)

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