In an article from Reuters, from 2001-2007, the Central Intelligence Agency of the US briefed at least 68 lawmakers on enhanced interrogation methods.
According to the documents finally released, one of the individuals who was privvy to the information was, in fact, present Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.
As Democrats, we love to pounce on the Republicans for all sorts of misdeeds-- sometimes I think it is like our own Olympic sporting event. And I for one am all about calling a hypocrite out, be it someone with a (D) or an (R) labeled behind their name. This situation goes beyond hypocrisy, though, and tramples right through to outright lying.
Pelosi, who became House Democratic leader in late 2002, said at a news conference in April last year that she was never told at the time that simulated drowning -- or waterboarding -- and other harsh interrogation techniques were being used. She said she was only told the CIA had legal opinions that approved harsh interrogation methods.
That's right, Nancy, grab on to that statement and hold tight...um, wait
The CIA briefed lawmakers as it began seeking expanded authority for the interrogation program. Current House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, then minority whip, attended a briefing on Abu Zubaydah's interrogation April 24, 2002, along with seven other members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the documents show.
Read the full article, as it is a truly interesting read.
The only thing I have to say about this is, we as Democrats continue to hold the President's "feet to the fire", so to speak, when it comes to what we want. I explained to my husband that sometimes that sort of thinking feels like that old "Trickle Down" theory-- Start at the top and hope that change works its way down. However, maybe it is time to start from the bottom up. In this case, let's start with our elected representatives and begin to hold them accountable for their actions.
We are never going to get the change we seek unless we become the change we seek!