DERBYSHIRE AWARD NOMINEE

“My mental state these past few days: 1. The Abu Ghraib “scandal”: Good. Kick one for me. But bad discipline in the military (taking the pictures, I mean). Let’s have a couple of courts martial for appearance’s sake. Maximum sentence: 30 days CB.” – John Derbyshire, rejoicing in the brutalizing of Iraqi prisoners. “Kick one for me?” Is that a sentiment National Review endorses? I’ve seen conservative attempts to belittle the abuses at Abu Ghraib, but this is the first time I’ve read anyone actually endorsing them. For Derbyshire, the only problem with abusing, torturing and humiliating prisoners is that it might get out. He’s depraved.