Confessing wrongdoing is but the first step, followed by some, usually public act of contrition. It is in this doing of this act, often one requiring some self-abasement, even if just ritually, that the debt for the wrong is paid. In its many different forms, this formula is the one that attempts to address human failures, permit satisfaction to the wronged party, and avoid the descent into feuds.
Until we meaningfully pay that debt for our what our prisons in Iraq have yielded, the wrong remains, and will fester. We cannot undo what has been done, some will never accept any act on our part, but act we must and believably and with a seriousness the matter requires. No expiation, no peace. In plain English, some folks had best tender resignations either voluntarily or, if necessary, by request. (See George Will's eloquent column on this subject. ) Without a seriousness of purpose, our talk, our apologies will carry the meaning of a crackhead's promise: well-intentioned perhaps, but utterly worthless.
Two investigative reports:
The International Red Cross report on Iraqi prison conditions.
General Taguba's report
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