Lowest Common Denominator

NYT:

The tale of a kidnapped American soldier took a fresh turn on Friday, with a relative saying that kidnappers had demanded a $250,000 ransom for his release. Entifad Qanbar, a former associate of Ahmad Chalabi, identified himself as the soldier’s uncle and said by telephone from Baghdad that American officials working for his release had met with an intermediary trusted by the kidnappers earlier this week.

Mr. Qanbar confirmed an account of the meeting reported on Time magazine’s Web site, in which Americans were shown a cellphone video clip of the soldier, appearing beaten and bloodied, and given the ransom request. The Americans have asked for proof that the soldier is still alive.

Remember when we could have expressed righteous outrage at his treatment? Seems like a long time ago, doesn't it?