There are some things which are quite apparent. Anyone who can read will be forced to these conclusions, except for the ideologues who can cling to the slightest shred of denial while ignoring the largest body of evidence.

These are all "given" now, and should be "stipulated" by folks with the ability to read and reason.

The prison images are the new image of America to those who were previously neutral or suspicious of the US.

The abuses were encouraged at the highest levels of the Administration.

There was an active coverup in the form of ignoring credible reports.

They were systemic, occurring thoroughout the American prison system in Iraq.

There were perpetrated mostly upon innocent people.

And the Bush Administration will try to screw some poor enlisted personnel to the wall in an attempt to cover their own asses.

Opinion - they will start to work their way into officers, company grade, field grade and then general officers so as to protect the initiator of it all, Rumsfeld at the urging of Cheney/bush.

Or, they will stop prosecuting so as to let it die down.

The political leaders of this country will voice acceptance of responsibility while not accepting it.

And it's the innocent who suffer. Not the guilty.

It's like the situation - it's a goddamned no-win tragedy.

Arf