Following orders no excuse

In today’s paper, an article titled “Search for Iraq, al-Qaida link led to abuse, former official says,” President Obama is quoted as saying, “For those who carried out some of these operations within the four corners of legal opinions or guidance that had been provided from the White House, I do not think it’s appropriate for them to be prosecuted.”

There is some logic to this opinion, pointing to the fact that if the president of the United States or his administration orders one to do something, it’s not that person’s fault if they carry out the order, even though it is illegal.

However, if one follows this manner of reasoning, what would happen if the president of the United States or someone from his or her administration ordered CIA personnel to, say, blow up a state Capitol, for instance? This reasoning does not send a signal to people that even our president cannot order people to do illegal things. Rather, our current president should be setting a precedent saying that even if your superior officer, CEO, boss or president says you have to do something that is against the law, it’s your moral and legal responsibility to just say NO!

Sarah Davis

Spokane