Navy SEAL Would Like Dick Cheney to Confess to Murder

"You give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders."

So says Navy SEAL, professional wrestling entertainer, star of "Predator" and former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura in an interview with Larry King. Ventura claims that waterboarding is torture, based on the waterboarding he endured during SEAL training.

He also says some negative things about former President George W. Bush. Watch the entire clip at CNN (via The Awl).

Comments

[#101 Posted by: Deet]

Jesse Ventura is an honest true American with ethics and morals, it's a shame we don't have politicians with half his integrity, maybe then we would not be lowering ourselves to the level of our enemies. He need this man to be President, he would be the most honorable president we could have since since JFK, a president that actually cares about the American people and country over money and power!

[#102 Posted by: jake]

What distinguishes, and ennobles, our still young political experiment of a Democratic Republic is that we are a nation defined by the Rule of Law- initially our Constitution and Bill of Rights- and of the guarantee of Equal Protection under the Law. This is what makes us special among nations, what has made the country the place many around the world aspired to one day live. The idea of Individual Rights, inviolate under our Constitution, is what over the past two centuries has given this country a degree of moral power (despite our own occasional major screw-ups around the world).

When our Leaders, who, like it or not really are Our Leaders (whomever you voted for), choose to skirt, bend or outright break the law, they tarnish the very Constitution they are sworn to protect.

Torture is against the law. You may attempt to split hairs about whether waterboarding is torture as heinous as mutilation or electro-schock to the genitals. Probably not. You can argue about its effectiveness- many learned and experienced professionals are doing that already.

Jesse is an Entertainer. Television is an entertainment medium. People LOVE to watch things that outrage them or support their existing beliefs, so of course Jesse will continue to do what he has always done- attempt to inflame passions, for or against, in a way that (he thinks) makes him look like he's a thoughtful man.

If you have trouble with the "liberal media" or the Limbaughs and Becks of the television world- TURN IT OFF! Read a book, hang with your friends, help a neighbor, just do something that doesn't suck the brain out of your head.

Personally I agree with Pres. Obama's decision not to press for full Senate hearings and prosecutions of possible criminal activity by the past administration at this time. We are facing enough serious challenges as a nation. A war crimes tribunal or some such would become a 24/7 social and media circus and suck all of the attention of the nation into itself. But... Maybe in a few years it would make sense... We'll see...

[#103 Posted by: John]

Most of you are idiots. What he said that waterboarding was torture and by using it could make Chaney confess to murder. Meaning anyone could be made to confess to anything by using waterboarding. After reading this column the dumbing down of America really becomes evident.

[#104 Posted by: Dave]

Ha, Good for Ventura. That little chicken hawk Cheney should be water-boarded.

[#105 Posted by: Beau]

Over all this “I’m a better patriot than you” talk you guys forgot one thing: torture is very effective… if your goal is obtaining the pseudo “info” you need for political gain, like all those lies that led to the Iraq war.

It’s not only factually proven (only a suicidal freak would attempt proving that in court) that Bush and Cheney are criminals of the worst kind, it’s also proven that torture has no practical value when it comes to real intelligence. Any knowledgeable intelligence officer who deserves this title will advise you against the use of torture when it comes to obtaining critical info, especially if there is only one person who can provide it (no possible cross reference).

To give you some numbers, it’s generally agreed that with torture you only have a 25% likelihood to obtain true and useful info. Apply instead a simple injection of the sodium pentothal, and this number goes up to 75%. Add to that the polygraph, infrared imagining (to reveal those “micro blushes” on your face when you are lying), clever interrogation tactics and other little tricks, and the likeliness goes up to 95%.

So who in his right mind would apply or support torture? The answer is simple: nobody! Only some evil bastard who enjoys that for his own pleasure or for political gain, as I said above. And by the way, within the real intelligence community nobody likes (and in fact detests) torturers. They are such evil and unpredictable psychos that they turn against their own comrades when they can’t find other victims.

So now you know what kind of “patriotism” torturers and their supporters represent. And you also know why we lost the Vietnam War: we relied too much on “intelligence” obtained by torture. Yeah, we are that smart…

[#106 Posted by: WEREFEAT]

You fools who just want to kill kill kill and rape rape rape in the name of the United States of America have no idea what you are doing or what the name and flag of our country means.
While you boobs were looking at the pretty moon, someone moved the flag.
You can be made to believe anything anyone wants you to think.

[#107 Posted by: Beau]

Over all this “I’m a better patriot than you” talk you guys forgot one thing: torture is very effective… if your goal is obtaining the pseudo “info” you need for political gain, like all those lies that led to the Iraq war.

It’s not only factually proven (only a suicidal freak would attempt proving that in court) that Bush and Cheney are criminals of the worst kind, it’s also proven that torture has no practical value when it comes to real intelligence. Any knowledgeable intelligence officer who deserves this title will advise you against the use of torture when it comes to obtaining critical info, especially if there is only one person who can provide it (no possible cross reference).

To give you some numbers, it’s generally agreed that with torture you only have a 25% likelihood to obtain true and useful info. Apply instead a simple injection of the sodium pentothal, and this number goes up to 75%. Add to that the polygraph, infrared imagining (to reveal those “micro blushes” on your face when you are lying), clever interrogation tactics and other little tricks, and the likeliness goes up to 95%.

So who in his right mind would apply or support torture? The answer is simple: nobody! Only some evil bastard who enjoys that for his own pleasure or for political gain, as I said above. And by the way, within the real intelligence community nobody likes (and in fact detests) torturers. They are such evil and unpredictable psychos that they turn against their own comrades when they can’t find other victims.

So now you know what kind of “patriotism” torturers and their supporters represent. And you also know why we lost the Vietnam War: we relied too much on “intelligence” obtained by torture. Yeah, we are that smart - we even believe that the WTC was attacked by alien terrorists…

[#108 Posted by: Beau]

Over all this “I’m a better patriot than you” talk you guys forgot one thing: torture is very effective… if your goal is obtaining the pseudo “info” you need for political gain, like all those lies that led to the Iraq war.

It’s not only factually proven (only a suicidal freak would attempt proving that in court) that Bush and Cheney are criminals of the worst kind, it’s also proven that torture has no practical value when it comes to real intelligence. Any knowledgeable intelligence officer who deserves this title will advise you against the use of torture when it comes to obtaining critical info, especially if there is only one person who can provide it (no possible cross reference).

To give you some numbers, it’s generally agreed that with torture you only have a 25% likelihood to obtain true and useful info. Apply instead a simple injection of the sodium pentothal, and this number goes up to 75%. Add to that the polygraph, infrared imagining (to reveal those “micro blushes” on your face when you are lying), clever interrogation tactics and other little tricks, and the likeliness goes up to 95%.

So who in his right mind would apply or support torture? The answer is simple: nobody! Only some evil bastard who enjoys that for his own pleasure or for political gain, as I said above. And by the way, within the real intelligence community nobody likes (and in fact detests) torturers. They are such evil and unpredictable psychos that they turn against their own comrades when they can’t find other victims.

So now you know what kind of “patriotism” torturers and their supporters represent. And you also know why we lost the Vietnam War: we relied too much on “intelligence” obtained by torture. Yeah, we are that smart…

[#109 Posted by: Bob]

I'm neither an elephant or a donkey lover. However I am a US Navy Veteran. I've seen things done for national security that the American public do not need to know about. I remember several occasions when members of our crew had attempts on their lives just because they were Americans. I believe if more guilt ridden Liberals travelled abroad to 3rd world countrys they would suddenly become enlightened. Gov.Ventura has a right to his opinion,even though I feel its wrong. I want to address the belief of some young Muslim Men that if they kill in the name of Alah they will be rewarded with 74 virgins. I say lets casterate them with a dull knife that had previously cut up bacon in front of them.Sounds utterly ridiculous , but you aren't dealing with the most intelligent people in the world.

[#110 Posted by: spider]

you repukes.are some silly arse holes.after what your daddy dubya done world wide.

[#111 Posted by: Kramer]

All you people who think Jesse is a traitor are actually brainwashed by our system. Can't you see what's happening? Our country gov is all about money and power, these career politicians are what's doing it. Jesse became the Gov of MN b/c we are all sick of them. He spoke the truth and he lives by his words, now what's wrong with that? I'll tell you...nothing. No one in Washington can do that, they live in a world most of us do not, they live like spoiled rich kids. None of them know how it's really like out here. Jesse does b/c he's a common man who tells it like it is and there are many people who want to keep his mouth shut. Keep it up Jesse! Things are gonna get a whole lot worse in the good old USA before they get better. I can't believe there are people on here slamming Jesse while supporting a POC like Cheney!!! He's the traitor. He should have went to Canada. And I love the part about Jesse explaining how Dick(less) shot his "friend" not b/c it was an accident it was b/c he had no idea how to handle a weapon. Awesome!! Go Jesse!

[#112 Posted by: Cameron]

The current administration has a very effective peace plan.....surrender.

[#113 Posted by: Bothpartiessuck]

911 needs to be re-investigated.

[#114 Posted by: John]

So Cheney is now the bad guy du jour and all the better because nobody wants to look at any real problems. A kick ass day to be a car dealer wasn't it? I bet it will just get better because the future of the country has been discussed and it's all settled? Ventura is a has bee who needs the limelight and this is how he'll get it, plain and simple. He'll get invited on the talk show circuit and the parties, goodies for him. Only history will know the effect of the Bush Admin (and ALL previous Admins and policies) and no politician, and certainly not any entertainer, is capable of passing judgement on something they were involved in, they're just as dirty. If it was so heinous why didn't someone defund it? I thought Congress controlled the money? I'm sure the Serbs would like to get a hold of Clinton.

[#115 Posted by: Steve]

Tell me which or you could be beat into agreeing with the terrorists. Now, why would you possibly think that we could beat them into agreeing with us?

You have to change their hearts and minds, and beating won't do that.

[#116 Posted by: Archie1954]

It's interesting to read the comments written about this article. i note so many people such as "vickie" who for some reason discount totally the fact that it was the former government that allowed 911 to happen in the first place even after a number of warnings by US intelligence sources, some beyond urgent, but Bush wasn't interested and Rice can't seem to remember being warned. The former administration was in power for 8 years and the GOP had control of the Congress for many more years than that so how can anyone with a half a brain in their heads criticize the current administration that is up to its neck in GOP alligators let lose by the former government? honestly get a brain will you?

[#117 Posted by: Lamarr]

I have to respectfully disagree with the headline - it would take 5 to 10 seconds to get a confession. I saw a video last week where a healthy-looking 30-ish reporter underwent waterboarding on a bet that he could last 15 seconds, but he only lasted 5.

[#118 Posted by: Pat]

911 was an inside job and CHENEY is running SCARED cause MILLIONS of PEOPLE know CHENEY was in on it!

[#119 Posted by: JR]

I'm former USN 20yrs Retired. Not a SEAL. Aviation, Carrier, floating City, More fire power than we could ever use and not destroy the world! After 8weeks of brainwashing to fit into the regiem, one takes to heart those knocking down what we once stood for and believed in. I think Jesse is accurate about what he said. Thats why he is no longer the Gov. He does have a big mouth, fist, arms, legs and I damn shure would want him on my side. If I was running a company he would be my last choise for top add exeutive! 1st choise for plant manager. The guy speaks with belief in what he say's. BZ to ya. You few nit pickers out there stuck on titles and phrasology are blind to what he is really saying. Which I beleive to be hey folks speak up or shut up! This game is rigged from the getgo. As for Gitmo we created more devils than we stoped. We'd like to kill them all but thats just to difficult to do right now. We can not keep them forever! We can speculate what the public would do if we let them settle in Detroit, then maybe they won't mind if the plane carring them crashes and kills them in a terrible mishap by an old fuel cell combobulator that got stuck on the mitriculator causing a spark in the number 1 fuel cell of the aft wing. Observing that at least 15% oxygen must be present too cause said combustion, can be attributed to former maintenance performed on said aircraft in which the inverted tank was left exposed there by letting in attmospheric O2 from the bleed off of the oxygen system that was serviced the night before, in preporation for this mission. We are sorry but maintenance mishaps will happen. NEXT! Genneral Agravator Horsesht. USAF, Bonesman, 32 degree, Illuminati Official of hide it in plain sight. Our hearts go out to the nonexistant crew that flew that aircraft by remote control from Norad.

[#120 Posted by: the dave]

Finally a man strong and courageous enough to step up to the plate and speak out against the criminal activities of our gov't. I notice people reply only with personal insults - nothing concrete or factual - because there's no disputing the facts. It's desperation and childish to simply insult a man who is speaking out because the rest of you are asleep!

[#121 Posted by: The Bishop]

cheney PLANED 911 AND LAUGHED AT YOU TARDS FOR PUTTING YOUR LIVES ON THE LINE.HE IS STILL MAKING MILLIONS,AND YOU STILL DEFEND HIM.

[#122 Posted by: john]

Shill-O-Rama!!!!! woooo!

[#123 Posted by: joe cracker]

the majority of detainees at guantanamo were well and truly innocent. Most were just peasant farmers with no intention of "suicide bombing".
There was an interesting documentary regarding this commisioned by the BBC.
Also, these "terrorists" were refused lawyers and basic human rights (violation of international law).

I'm utterly appalled that you Americans call Ventura a traitor and that torture actually saved american lives. most of you are all fat couch potatoes who like to spend the weekends at mc donalds and watch Fox news for your daily dose of propaganda entertainment.

The REAL traitor is cheney and his entourage of arm-chair warriors. Cheney has children, why doesn't he send them off to iraq/afghanistan to fight his evil and illegal war based on LIES.

over 100,000 Iraqi civilians and 4000 american soldiers are dead, all to prevent Saddam from trading the black stuff in Euros.

Americans, do yourselves a favour. Wake-up to reality.

[#124 Posted by: Wayn]

All you who disagree with Ventura are brainwashed traitors to your Constitution. Some of you clearly think that as long as Amerika comes out on top, then murder is okay. That is very British... your Founding Fathers turn in their graves at your traitorous comments. It takes more than a uniform to define yourselves as men. Grow some and defend that Constitution. Ventura is more of a man than you cowards will EVER be.

[#125 Posted by: RARTWO]

"Attack the message, not the messenger"
Lots of solid opinions here on this blog. Conversely, some are wild and so far out that we may want to trace them and check the water supplies in those neighborhoods for dangerous chemicals...
For the Minnesotans and his Green (Frogs and SEAL) Brethren from NSW who know him or paid attention since his early years as a local gym owner and wrestling 'showman', he is much the same. How he became governor was understood by the people who voted back then. If you were not one of them, you may not get it. If you have never been a UDT man or SEAL, you may not understand the wrap to all of that either. As in most things - when you don't really know what you are talking about, you only discredit yourself when you try to act as an authority to it.
'Ken Sparrow' and 'Ray' are closer to the truth than most, but are still not without flaw. Jesse Ventura (formerly Jim Janos) was a UDT Man. He volunteered to serve his country and deployed for combat duty in the front lines of an extremely dangerous and controversial war during a time that many went to great lengths to avoid when called upon by law. What he and his mates did when they arrived was directed and limited by higher authority. Does he wish today that he had done more back then? Perhaps… as is common to most, except those who truly were ‘knee deep in hand grenade pins’.
I personally served as an active duty operational SEAL for 24 years, yet it is not my place to judge him for whether or not he wanted to bump up to become a SEAL upon completion of his initial assignment to UDT...after all, who better than he would know where he belonged and was committed to? Far be it from me to say that everyone who volunteers needs to serve more than one hitch or as a careerist to be valid. Although I know him personally, and I have spoke to several who served with him, I have not looked at his records and do not know if he was ordered to attend SERE, as UDT was often not. If he did, he may or may not have been directed to participate in the water boarding practical. In truth, only a few of each SERE class were subject to the WB.
Jesse/Jim may be BSing us all as he did when he was attired in the wrestling tights w/ the pink boa, bleach blonde locks and black beret. He is, after all, a showman. When you see a clown at a kid’s party, do you run up and tell him to stop being a clown? What about Santa at the mall? As Governor of Minnesota, he reminded us that you don’t have to be a politician to be in politics. Isn’t that the original thought that has somehow been lost? Let your wisdom be your guide and accept him for his good and his shortcomings. Who is more of a Fool – the Fool, or the one who is fooled by the Fool time after time? Sure, I wish that he was more honest…just like I wished that the tooth fairy would leave more than a dime and the Govt. would charge fewer taxes.