During the uproar a few years ago over the CIA’s use of waterboarding, Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (D) told the agency he “wanted to find out for himself how it felt,” according to a new book by former CIA official Jose Rodriguez. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. (J. Scott Applewhite - AP) Rodriguez offers a spirited defense of the CIA’s use of waterboarding in the book, written with former CIA spokesman Bill Harlow. The book’s title sets the tone: “Hard Measures — How Aggressive CIA Actions After 9/11 Saved American Lives.” Rodriguez insists that “while the procedure is harsh and unpleasant,” it can’t be called torture. Nonetheless, “the agency decided that it would not be wise to accommodate the senator’s thirst for knowledge,” Rodriguez writes. And ... Continue reading →
Jason Leopold : Investigative Reporter (Photo: Jason [far left] at the Ritz with Overkill guitarist Bobby Gustafson [dude with beard], circa 1990.) A crusader for truth, or, as Karl Rove called him: “a nut with internet access”? Jason Leopold wanted to be a part of something, and that quest brought him through a labyrinthine world of decadent glam metal, dangerous mafioso, love, investigative journalism challenging the heights of government and corporate power, and the collisions of past and present. Jason Leopold is a senior editor at Truthout, and the author of News Junkie. Produced by Sarah Lu, Nick van der Kolk, and Brendan Baker. Sound design by Brendan Baker, with musical contributions from Sun Hammer, C Yantis, Gangpol und Mit, and Trans Atlantic Rage. Lots ... Continue reading →
Jason Leopold : Investigative Reporter (Photo: Jason [far left] at the Ritz with Overkill guitarist Bobby Gustafson [dude with beard], circa 1990.) A crusader for truth, or, as Karl Rove called him: “a nut with internet access”? Jason Leopold wanted to be a part of something, and that quest brought him through a labyrinthine world of decadent glam metal, dangerous mafioso, love, investigative journalism challenging the heights of government and corporate power, and the collisions of past and present. Jason Leopold is a senior editor at Truthout, and the author of News Junkie. Produced by Sarah Lu, Nick van der Kolk, and Brendan Baker. Sound design by Brendan Baker, with musical contributions from Sun Hammer, C Yantis, Gangpol und Mit, and Trans Atlantic Rage. Lots ... Continue reading →