Whitehouse praises call for US truth and reconciliation commission

Once upon a time, truth and reconciliation commissions were seen as necessary for progress and healing in places such as Chile and South Africa. 

From Senator Whitehouse:

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) praised a proposal today by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to create a “truth and reconciliation” commission to look into certain actions by the Bush Administration:

“Chairman Leahy today summed up a belief shared by millions of Americans: that we need to ‘get the truth out’ about the damage done to this country under the Bush Administration, and what we now must do to repair it. 

“He understands that the trust we hold for future generations can be safeguarded only when honesty, freedom, justice and compassion guide our institutions of government; that where that trust has been violated, the cost is incalculable; and that the path to recovery leads through disclosure. 

“The ‘truth and reconciliation’ commission Chairman Leahy proposed today is one way to help us better understand the work ahead of us as we look forward to a brighter future.  I support him and will do whatever I can to ensure the American people learn the truth about what has happened in our country.”