DOJ Punishment for Attorneys Could Undermine National Security

There's a troubling report out today that could create real problems.
 
A number of news organizations, including the New York Times, are reporting that the Department of Justice may take disciplinary action against DOJ attorneys - including reprimands and even disbarment - for their role in writing legal arguments about interrogation techniques.
 
This represents a giant step toward politicizing the nations top law enforcement agency and could undermine the security of this nation in the ongoing war on terrorism.  The DOJ action would send a troubling message that if you don't embrace the politically-correct legal positions, you will be punished.  The fact is that there is legitimate legal debate about the use of interrogation techniques.  To punish DOJ attorneys for examining legal positions in our war against terrorism is not only wrong but sends a terrible signal that is likely to quash legitimate legal debate inside one of the nations most important agencies.
 
If this punishment prevails, attorneys inside the DOJ will face a troubling choice either produce legal arguments that support the Obama Administrations position or face serious punishment including possible disbarment.  We must not put our nations top legal advisors in this position.
 
The issue of interrogation techniques, of course, goes well beyond the Department of Justice. There are now serious questions on Capitol Hill about who knew what and when - about these techniques.  The focus, too, is on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
 
I discussed this issue last night with Glenn Beck on FOX News.  You can watch that interview here.
 
This is a serious issue - one that we will continue to stay on top of at the ACLJ.