Obama Demands Accountability

In his historic National Archives speech, President Obama repeatedly stressed the need for accountability. He even cited accountability as his main reason for opposing a "Truth Commission":

I have opposed the creation of such a Commission because I believe that our existing democratic institutions are strong enough to deliver accountability. The Congress can review abuses of our values, and there are ongoing inquiries by the Congress into matters like enhanced interrogation techniques. The Department of Justice and our courts can work through and punish any violations of our laws.

I agree completely and emphatically, because Washington "Commissions" (like the 9/11 Commission) inevitably produce coverups and lies, not accountability. Congress can use its existing committees to investigate disastrous policies, and the Attorney General can prosecute crimes like torture.

The main part I disagreed with was:

I recently opposed the release of certain photographs that were taken of detainees by U.S. personnel between 2002 and 2004. Individuals who violated standards of behavior in these photos have been investigated and held accountable. There is no debate as to whether what is reflected in those photos is wrong, and nothing has been concealed to absolve perpetrators of crimes.

The only people who were "held accountable" for torture and prisoner abuse were the lowest-level soldiers who made the mistake of smiling for the cameras. The officers and contractors who supervised them were not held accountable.

Update 1: A DoJ lawyer agrees with me:

I think the President respects, and wants to restore, the Department of Justice to its rightful place: as representatives of the American people in the cause of justice in defense of the Constitution.  And not, as it has been in large measure for the last 8 years, a White House tool for  implementing ideological policy goals, law be damned; and, perhaps more damaging, as a shop to help cover, excuse me, a lot of ass.

Those days are gone. I can see it from here, where I sit, on the inside.

So, for President Obama to make that statement--"The Department of Justice and our courts can work through and punish any violations of our laws"--he meant it. 

He is not shutting the door on prosecutions.  He could have shut the door today, but he did not.

He's going to let this Department--a group of attorneys who cherish their independence and role as protectors of the Constitution and the laws of this nation--look into the matter.