The Philadelphia Inquirer has hired torture architect John Yoo, who believes the president has the authority to crush a child's testicles if he feels like it. Will Bunch provides a thoughtful response. I just can't get over the irony of a newspaper hiring someone who believes that newspaper's right to print whatever they want is subject to the whims of the president. Moreover, I find the choice of Yoo somewhat inspired. Why not hire Rod Blagojevich on political ethics? David Vitter as a relationship columnist? Michael Vick for a column on how to take care of your pets?
A few weeks ago, Katha Pollitt noted that the architects of America's torture policy have all gone on to live very comfortable lives, despite what they've done. The Inquirer's decision to hire Yoo after the revelations of the torture memos makes that uncomfortable observation into something resembling high farce. Someone needs to tell the nearly two and a half million people in prison that if you're jacking purses or selling drugs, you're in the wrong game. Torture is where it's at. Not only do you not go to prison, you get book deals and syndicated columns. Just make sure you ask the government's permission first.
-- A. Serwer
