The Harmful Precedent Of Candice Miller
U.S. Representative Candice Miller, a Republican from Michigan, recently spoke in ominous tones about a criminal investigation of the widespread use of illegal torture during the presidency of George W. Bush: “It was with great concern that I learned about the Attorney General’s recent decision to appoint a special counsel to investigate our CIA for their role in interrogating terrorist detainees. I believe we are setting a dangerous precedent when an administration, who disagrees with the policies of the past, takes it upon itself to start a criminal investigation against officials in a previous administration.”
Yes, Representative Miller is concerned about a precedent that may be set, but it isn’t a precedent for the use of torture that disturbs her. What worries Miller is that people who break the law by torturing prisoners might be held accountable.
What exactly would be so dangerous about the precedent of a criminal investigation into illegal behavior orchestrated by top government officials? Shouldn’t criminal activity be investigated?
If Representative Candice Miller gets her way, and a torture investigation is blocked, then a harmful precedent will indeed be set: Presidents will learn that they have the power to do whatever they want, and will not be held responsible for breaking the law.
