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4th Grader Grills Condi on Torture

We were terrified by 9/11 but did nothing illegal, Rice says

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted May 4, 2009 2:22 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A fourth grader took Condoleezza Rice to task on torture yesterday, asking her about President Obama's criticism of "methods" used by the Bush administration. The question— drafted with the help of teachers—was toned down from what the student originally planned to say, the Washington Post notes. The child wanted to ask: "If you would work for Obama's administration, would you push for torture?"

"President Bush was very clear that he wanted to do everything he could to protect the country," Rice responded at the Jewish Primary Day School, her first Washington appearance since leaving office. "But he was also very clear that we would do nothing that was against the law or against our obligations internationally. I hope you understand that it was a very difficult time."

Condoleezza Rice speaks at the Jewish Primary Day School in Washington.
Condoleezza Rice speaks at the Jewish Primary Day School in Washington.   (AP Photo/Rabinowitz-Dorf, Ron Sachs)
The more innocuous questions included, What skill do you want to be best known for?
The more innocuous questions included, "What skill do you want to be best known for?"   (AP Photo/Rainowitz-Dorf, Ron Sachs)
Rice told the students that she was terrified after 9/11 of another attack. It was the worst day of my life in government, watching 3,000 Americans die, she said.
Rice told the students that she was terrified after 9/11 of another attack. It "was the worst day of my life in government, watching 3,000 Americans die," she said.   (AP Photo/Rainowitz-Dorf, Ron Sachs)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Snarfeh
May 5, 2009 12:17 PM CDT
And if it is indoctrination, how utterly beautiful...a child against torture. It gives me hope for our world.
Jes
May 4, 2009 11:53 AM CDT
None. The youngest was arrested when he was 14 in Pakistan, but even if he isn't an adult by American standards that sure isn't a child.
Doctor-Zaius
May 4, 2009 10:50 AM CDT
A fourth grader gets it but she doesn't. Amazing.

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Bush administration • torture • Washington DC • Condoleezza Rice • detainees • primary school

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