I read with great interest the transcript of Obama's national security speech. And for pretty much all of it, I agree with him. But one particular bit kind of set me off. It's a quote that diarist LarsThorwald also called out in his diary today:
[blockquote]I have opposed the creation of such a Commission because I believe that our existing democratic institutions are strong enough to deliver accountability. The Congress can review abuses of our values, and there are ongoing inquiries by the Congress into matters like enhanced interrogation techniques. The Department of Justice and our courts can work through and punish any violations of our laws.[/blockquote]
I agree with the notion that our existing institutions can, when used properly, do the job. But, emphasis mine in that quote, because that's the part that gets me.
Mr. President, can't you just call it Torture?
Seriously. Call it Torture. Bring out the T-word. It's time.
The only--ONLY--reason we're having this debate today is because the Bushies were smart enough in the beginning to recognize that they needed to re-frame Torture as something less evocative of the Spanish Inquisition.
Hence, "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques."
It's a question of framing, Mr. President, and I know damn well that you are a sufficiently competent communicator to know it and to recognize the power of framing, whether used for good or for ill.
It's time to call it what it is. Torture. Raw, ugly, unmitigated Torture.
It is time, sir, to call a spade a spade, not a "diagonally enhanced soil reconfiguration device."
Torture is torture, sir, no matter what framing it's dressed up in. Sadly, the Bushies knew that dressing it up as something else, combined with a willing and supplicative media machine, could fool a lot of the people long enough for them to kick the can down the road.
Down the road to YOU, sir. Mr. President, the can, as it were, is now at your feet. It is time not to re-frame Torture as Torture, but rather, to UN-FRAME "enhanced interrogation techniques" for what they really are.
Waterboarding? Torture.
Walling? Torture.
Stress Positions? Torture.
Sleep deprivation? Torture.
Call it what it is, sir. Torture. Pure, evil, unlawful, un-American torture.