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It seems that every time I try to listen to a cable news channel I hear argument concerning whether President Obama should prosecute senior Bush Administration officials. During press briefings, news reporters even attempt to push Obama into saying he thinks they are guilty of violating US and international laws concerning torture. This is irritating.

A brief review of history suggests to me that Presidents do not tend to prosecute their predecessor . Historically congress has investigated presidents, for example Andrew Johnson. The Department of Justice has appointed special prosecutors, for example to investigate Nixon and Clinton.

I don’t think it is the President’s job to investigate or prosecute a former President. Further, I don’t want a sitting President to think he has such power. To me that kind of power reminds me too much of a monarchy.

A sitting President must focus upon the needs of the nation, and especially now, we need the President to try to lead concerning the economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the looming entitlement mess. I think the President should not be sidetracked by political investigations.

Frankly, if it is necessary to prosecute a prior administration, I believe that congress should appoint an independent special prosecutor. There must be some attorneys who are independent people of principle, driven by the law itself, and not involved in political wars. Hopefully congress will pass a law mandating such an appointment. Then we can concentrate on moving the nation forward.

What do you think?