Responsibility

Some individual taking responsibility for an action or behavior over which one has control, or at least some degree of control, seems to be what the “media” and a number of American Citizens expect. We have seen that pretty clearly in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City, New York, over the last few weeks. The issue doesn’t turn on rather the person expected to take responsibility acted within the law, or outside the law, only that the result of that action or behavior appears to demand some culpability.

Now, as I write, Congress is scheduled to release information regarding “enhanced interrogation” carried out by the  CIA during the years immediately following the September 11, 2001 destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City.

A congressional aide noted that the White House has led negotiations to declassify the report since April, and that both the president and his director of national intelligence have endorsed its release. The government has taken steps to beef up security at American posts around the world, said the aide, who was not authorized to be quoted by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. (Associated Press)

It is assumed, and rightly so, that the release of such incendiary information will likely spark punitive actions against American Citizens, particularly those who travel and work abroad. It is quite possible someone(s) might lose their life because civil rights advocates insist America is inherently evil in its treatment of prisoners of war.

I am wondering who will accept responsibility for the injury, death, destruction of American interests, both here and around the World, should they occur. Do we think the “White House,” i. e. the President, will? Will the Director of National Intelligence? I doubt it. Will the members of Congress who insist this information be distributed to our National enemies? I don’t think so.  I suppose we can always just blame the “former” President.

There are groups who want Officer Wilson to accept criminal responsibility for doing his job in Ferguson, Missouri.

There are groups who want Officer Pantaleo to accept criminal responsibility for doing his job in New York City.

I am not proposing that someone take criminal responsibility for the “enhanced interrogation.” But as a direct result of the release of these documents, someone will need to take responsibility for the carnage that follows.

I am reminded that the Enemy wanted me to die for my sin. I am inexpressibly grateful that Christ took on Himself that for which I am responsibility and reconciled me to God.