7.27.2006
We Must Discuss It For Torture To Stop
It's true. Many readers have expressed the opinion that the very discussion of the effectiveness of torture should not be engaged in. Econo-Girl disagrees. A lot of the underpinning of support for this practice is based on the belief that it is effective. So its effectiveness must be examined dispassionately. From there, the dialog can go to morals and beliefs.
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For those interested in an authoritative history of the CIA's extensive research into and use of torture, here is a highly recommended book: Alfred McCoy's "A Question of Torture: CIA Interrogation, From the Cold War to the War on Terrorism."
Sounds like "turbo" works on the 7th floor or could be one of the brilliant lawyers working on Dictator George's signing statements.
I don't think Turbo would last long on the 7th floor. It doesn't seem he or she knows when it's time to just shut up and stop ranting like a lunatic!
One of Bush's minions? Oh, yeah! That's the kind of mindless drivel they count on.
Turbo, what's wrong with your English? First of all, the word "principals" usually refers to the people who run schools, where you obviously didn't spend very much time or do very well. "Principles" are the ideals people believe in. Second, apostrophes are used to indicate posessive nouns and contractions, and generally not used for plurals like "low life's" or "pacifist's." Third, the word "who's" in "WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON" actually means "who is" when it's written that way, as in "WHO IS SIDE ARE YOU ON." I'm guessing you meant to write "whose."
Given your obviously non-native command of the English language, and the fact that you clearly don't seem to comprehend the ideals--principles, you might say--of inalienable human rights for which our founding fathers fought, the values that forged our great nation, it seems more than likely that you, Turbo, are nothing but a foreign agent, an enemy infiltrator, perhaps lurking in some seedy internet cafe in Syria or China or Cuba, attempting to convince us Americans to sabotage our own moral legitimacy and forget the ideals that have guided this country and made it great from its very founding.
As a long-time interrogator with the US Army, with almost two years' experience interrogating in the GWOT and another year teaching advanced interrogation techniques at the US Army Intelligence School, I can say with authority that torture does not yield valuable intelligence. Moreover, it undermines everything that makes supporting America and fighting the Islamist threat worthwhile, for if we cannot defend the West except by repudiating that which the West stands for, we shouldn't even bother. Becoming like the enemy only makes us no better than him. So thank you for your courageous stand. I'm sorry I never got to read you on Intelink.
Alas, I must remain anonymous.
it is impossible to claim the moral high ground and be 'right' when you practice torture. by practising torture, one undoes all the principles that one is pretending to uphold. truth does not have an electric current running through it, or snarling dogs at its side.
Special thanks to the Army interrogator, since I know first hand the risks he takes in making any comment at all. Thank you.
I will immediately buy that book.
I served as an infantry officer in Vietnam, and the training I received made it clear that we didn't torture under any circimstances. I'm aware that some instances occurred, and that the RVN forces used torture, but we were able to take pride in the fact that we didn't.
I believe, strongly, that torture reflects the values and morality of the torturer, and I'm ashamed and fearful that this has been done in the name of the United States.
I understand that the administration is currently fearful of being brought to trial for war crimes in this regard. They should be even more fearful of the wrath of the Christian God they profess to believe in.
I love the first comment. It shows what I have known for a long time now. The neo-cons think that we MUST stoop to "their" level to win.
So anonymous, what makes us so much better than them if we engage in the same acts as "they" do? How to we maintain our moral high ground? How do we convince moderate arab states that they should side with us?
I am a survivor of American psychiatric atrocities, including forced drugging and electroconvulsive (shock) treatment. These practices occur daily and in increasing numbers throughout this country. The standard techniques of the mental illness and behavior health industry are clearly torture. While it is difficult to see the people who are detained in institutions, the streets and "community programs" give firm evidence of the victims. Beware the therapeutic state.
I love the first comment. It shows what I have known for a long time now. The neo-cons think that we MUST stoop to "their" level to win.
Even more, I think it illustrates that in spirit they're already there. ;o)
I, too, agree that the US of A should not engage in torture. As the experts seem to agree, it does NOT yield useful intelligence. It is a shame that we (America) are no longer acting in ways that are honorable and righteous.
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