counterterrorism effort or our national security interests. moreover, the president writes, these techniques did significant damage to america's standing in the world, and made it harder to pursue our interests with allies and partners. that is why i'll continue to use my authority as president to make sure we never resort to those methods again. as commander-in-chief, he writes, i have no greater responsibility than the safety and security of the american people. we will therefore continue to be relentless in our fight against al quirked its affiliates and other violent extremists. we will rely on all elements of our national power, including the power and example of our founding ideals. that is why, he says, i have consistently supported the declassification of today's report. no nation is perfect. but one of the strengths that makes america exceptional is our willingness to openly confront our past, face our imperfections, and make changes and do better, rare than another