I AM THE TORTURER, AND I TORTURE BEST

Wow. I knew this year's run-up to Election Day would see more cynicism than Machiavelli could've dreamed up, and more dirty tricks than an unwashed magician, but this is beyond my scope of belief:

President Bush on Wednesday acknowledged for the first time that the CIA runs secret prisons overseas and said tough interrogation forced terrorist leaders to reveal plots to attack the United States and its allies.

Not only is the Administration not hiding this from the electorate, but it's bragging about it. Look what Bush said:

This program has been, and remains, one of the most vital tools in our war against the terrorists. Were it not for this program, our intelligence community believes that al-Qaida and its allies would have succeeded in launching another attack against the American homeland.

In other words: Yes, we tortured. We violated the Geneva Convention, we violated human codes of conduct. We acted in a way that makes us the same as every other despicable regime. But if we hadn't, you'd have DIED!!!

Just to make sure, of course, that no one thinks the Administration is doing anything to cause Americans shame, Bush also explained that:

I cannot describe the specific methods used — I think you understand why. If I did, it would help the terrorists learn how to resist questioning and to keep information from us that we need to prevent new attacks on our country. But I can say the procedures were tough, and they were safe and lawful and necessary. I want to be absolutely clear with our people, and the world: The United States does not torture. It's against our laws, and it's against our values. I have not authorized it, and I will not authorize it.

Except that he has. And he will. But otherwise, everything he said is true.

* * *

Just note -- over the next two months -- the Administration's curious combination of Dishonesty & Vulgar Displays of Power. Simultaneous dissembling alongside demonstrations of unchallengeable control. "We can do whatever we want," the message usually goes. "But don't worry, we're not doing anything bad, and we won't. But remember, we could if we wanted to. And you'll be in great danger if we don't. But we won't, because we don't have to. But if we want to, we will . . ."

And on & on it goes. The Lies define reality in the way they see fit. The Demonstrations of Power remind everyone of the consequences of too much questioning.

Two months we won't soon forget. Even if many of our fellow citizens will.