I found one comment hard to swallow here. The assertion that "Congress could have outlawed the practice at any time". I was under the impression that we already have laws outlawing torture.

Again, the real issue is not addressed. The real issue being the possible prosecution of people who take part in or order torture. Bush and cronies are aware of the perils of braking existing laws and want nothing more than to cover their asses after they leave office.

Judge Mukasey set off a cascade of Democratic opposition because he declined to make a pre-emptive legal ruling on "waterboarding" before he had the security clearances to review the classified evidence

Has anyone suggested to Mukasey that he "Google it".

Has anyone suggested to Mukasey that he "Google it" .

Ha! Although it's not the definition that concerns these people. It's the legal prosecution down the road that worries the pants off them.