Andrew Sullivan uncovered this statement from George W. Bush circa 2003:

The United States is committed to the world-wide elimination of torture and we are leading this fight by example. I call on all governments to join with the United States and the community of law-abiding nations in prohibiting, investigating, and prosecuting all acts of torture and in undertaking to prevent other cruel and unusual punishment.

Bush also described some of the techniques he found offensive:

The Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, ratified by the United States and more than 130 other countries since 1984, forbids governments from deliberately inflicting severe physical or mental pain or suffering on those within their custody or control. Yet torture continues to be practiced around the world by rogue regimes whose cruel methods match their determination to crush the human spirit. Beating, burning, rape, and electric shock are some of the grisly tools such regimes use to terrorize their own citizens.

In addition to waterboarding, stress positions, forced nudity and sleep deprivation, Bush authorized beatings for prisoners held by the military and CIA.

Isn’t it time to hold Bush accountable to both the law and his own standards?

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More link love for Sullivan:

Update

More on Bush’s own promises: