Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Whistleblower Cites White House Torture
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 - Abusive tactics, bordering on torture, are being used on high ranking Bush Administration officials who have critically questioned the government's policies in Iraq, according to a White House source who requested anonymity. Threats of whips, chains and a pitbull terrier were cited as coercive tactics to convince major government players to tow the government line, the source reported.
A member of the Bush cabinet was reportedly made to stand on his head, stark naked, while singing God Bless America. He had suggested a timetable for troop withdrawals at a cabinet meeting and President Bush, according to the source, instructed Vice President Dick Cheney to humiliate the disloyal official until he saw reason. Bush reportedly then left the room, leaving Cheney to met out the punishment.
When Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice wanted to be photographed, holding a whip, next to the head-standing Secretary, Cheney said he didn't think it was appropriate, the source explained. But Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld indicated that it would be OK to photograph the naked man alone, to keep on file for future use if needed. Rice said she would like a copy as she had an empty photo sleeve in her wallet.
Cheney has been observed by a number of sources, who asked not to be identified, walking the halls of the White House with a pitbull in tow. The dog reportedly bit one staffer who had the temerity to inquire about the prisoners in the Guantanamo Bay facility. Since that incident, White House staffers have greeted Cheney with a salute and an exclamatory "hello" in German, one source reported.
White House Press Secretary Scott McClennan denied these allegation. He said Cheney, when asked, replied that the administration uses only "friendly persuasion" to convince nay-sayers to support their government's policies. While the "friendly persuasion" may sometimes get out of hand, it is not the intention of this administration to use tactics in conflict with the Geneva Convention, McClennan said.
"I will stake my credibility as a press secretary that torture, as defined under international law, does not take place in the White House," McClennan added.
A member of the Bush cabinet was reportedly made to stand on his head, stark naked, while singing God Bless America. He had suggested a timetable for troop withdrawals at a cabinet meeting and President Bush, according to the source, instructed Vice President Dick Cheney to humiliate the disloyal official until he saw reason. Bush reportedly then left the room, leaving Cheney to met out the punishment.
When Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice wanted to be photographed, holding a whip, next to the head-standing Secretary, Cheney said he didn't think it was appropriate, the source explained. But Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld indicated that it would be OK to photograph the naked man alone, to keep on file for future use if needed. Rice said she would like a copy as she had an empty photo sleeve in her wallet.
Cheney has been observed by a number of sources, who asked not to be identified, walking the halls of the White House with a pitbull in tow. The dog reportedly bit one staffer who had the temerity to inquire about the prisoners in the Guantanamo Bay facility. Since that incident, White House staffers have greeted Cheney with a salute and an exclamatory "hello" in German, one source reported.
White House Press Secretary Scott McClennan denied these allegation. He said Cheney, when asked, replied that the administration uses only "friendly persuasion" to convince nay-sayers to support their government's policies. While the "friendly persuasion" may sometimes get out of hand, it is not the intention of this administration to use tactics in conflict with the Geneva Convention, McClennan said.
"I will stake my credibility as a press secretary that torture, as defined under international law, does not take place in the White House," McClennan added.
