Regarding the discussion of whether to "forgive and forget" those who were "just following orders" to engage in illegal methods of torture, it is important to remember that the issue of power is central.
Studies have shown that bystanders tend to side with the perpetrator and blame those with less power. In the public discussion of the torture memos, the obvious persons with power are the torturers, and the detainees are the victims.
However, there is a more subtle process going on as well -- one in which the powerful are those in government and those who confront that power are outraged Americans. In this parallel process, the government of the United States is recommending that Americans extend forgiveness and forego justice. Yet, as the peoples of Rwanda, South Africa, Liberia, Argentina, and other countries have shown, forgiveness is impossible until the perpetrators take responsibility. As Lisa Nastasi, an observer of the Gacaca court process in Rwanda noted, in that country and in other countries that have processes of restorative justice, perpetrators must "admit guilt, show remorse, ask for forgiveness, and demonstrate that they regret their actions" before they are re-instated in the community.
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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anne-dilenschneider/justice-is-essential-for_b_191254.html