The United States Of Torture

[Fenian_Bastard]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/02/AR2007110201170.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

This is what we've become.
All of us.
Complicit in war crimes for which we convicted the Japanese.

 

[Michael_ Gee]

When the next mass attack happens here, let's not forget we deserved it. Not the people who get killed, but us, the country,

 

[ATLienCP]

The only way we lose the "war on terror" is by sacrificing the things that have made this country special. No amount of terrorism can conquer our country unless we are complicit with the surrender of our identity and freedoms.

The people who so readily sacrifice our values in the name of security are more dangerous than any current foreign threat.

 

[D-Backs Hack]

Also, torture does not work.

 

[BBJones]

I thought this thread was called The United States of Torre. Because that's how the bi-coastal headlines lately have made it feel.

 

[Ben_Hecht]

Just waiting for Prodigal Son to advise you'all that you're moronic idiots . . .

 

[Boomer7]

Consider the source, Fenian. This guy was a JAG -- Judge Advocate General. So he's yet another activist judge. Just more lie-bral propaganda!

 

[heyabbott]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/02/AR2007110201170.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

This is what we've become.
All of us.
Complicit in war crimes for which we convicted the Japanese.

For a culture that celebrates blowing up women and children, hijacking civilian airplanes, blowing up schools, shelling market places and beheading hostages, do they even consider water-boarding torture? Isn't that just a fraternity prank at the mosque?

 

[ATLienCP]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/02/AR2007110201170.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

This is what we've become.
All of us.
Complicit in war crimes for which we convicted the Japanese.

For a culture that celebrates blowing up women and children, hijacking civilian airplanes, blowing up schools, shelling market places and beheading hostages, do they even consider water-boarding torture? Isn't that just a fraternity prank at the mosque?

It is about who we are not about who they are. Justifying immorality in our actions by the standards set by our enemies is a bad way to go.

 

[Ben_Hecht]

We stoop to their level, we've lost.

 

[Lyman_Bostock]

We stoop to their level, we've lost.

And if we don't stoop to their level, we've lost.

So I guess we're screwed either way.

 

[Armchair_QB]

We stoop to their level, we've lost.

I guess I missed the latest suicide bombing carried out by our military...

 

[ATLienCP]

We stoop to their level, we've lost.

And if we don't stoop to their level, we've lost.

So I guess we're screwed either way.

What constitutes us losing? Another terrorist attack? That is inevitable.

The only way for us to lose is by our surrender of that which defines us. Al-Qeada does not have a massive invasion fleet off our shores. They can kill some of us from time to time but Americans have been dying for our values since the founding of our country and I will be damned to just sit back and watch the cowardly throw away all that our patriots have fought and died for in the name of fear.

Terrorism is a tactic not an ideology and its effectiveness is proportional to the response it generates.

 

[jgmacg]

We stoop to their level, we've lost.

I guess I missed the latest suicide bombing carried out by our military...

I'm not sure how your "suicide" distinction somehow inoculates us against the killing of civilians.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/25/60minutes/main3411230.shtml?source=mostpop_story

In fact, 60 Minutes was surprised to hear this: while the enemy has killed hundreds of civilians this year, a similar number of civilians have been killed by American forces.

 

[Smallpotatoes]

Just wondering, does anybody think Al-Qeada looks at this discussion of whether or not torture is OK as a sign of weakness or that we're not willing to do whatever it takes to defeat them?

 

[markvid]

And why were they killed?
Because the cowards purposely hide out in churches, hospitals, homes, etc.
**** 'em. Civilians die? Too bad. Gotta get rid of the cancer, it's just unfortunate a few nearby cells get taken out, too.

 

[zeke12]

And why were they killed?
Because the cowards purposely hide out in churches, hospitals, homes, etc.
**** 'em. Civilians die? Too bad. Gotta get rid of the cancer, it's just unfortunate a few nearby cells get taken out, too.

Do you not think suicide bombers use this exact same logic?

 

[markvid]

And another group that uses religion as a cover to kill.

 

[jgmacg]

And why were they killed?
Because the cowards purposely hide out in churches, hospitals, homes, etc.
**** 'em. Civilians die? Too bad. Gotta get rid of the cancer, it's just unfortunate a few nearby cells get taken out, too.

Yes. It worked so beautifully for us in Vietnam.

 

[markvid]

Too bad.
Would you ever see our military use women and children as shields?
Bet not.