Watching the various networks coverage of the releasing of torture memos has resulted in exposing many aspects of torture, but the main question being asked by TV and newspapers is: Does torture work?
Why is this the main question being asked? Go to google.com and type in "does torture work." 8,440,000 hits as of 4:00 P.M. CT on April 23.
One would think the obvious question is not whether or not torture works, but are we as a nation willing to sacrifice our morals for this? Apparantly, some are.
"Those who would trade in their freedom for protection deserve neither."
This came about as I was reading my local paper.
http://www.statesman.com/...
The link to the story is above and it, like many other reportings on this subject, neglects to discuss the moral ramifications of torture. I am bothered that this does not seem to be at the forefront of the debate. Do we as a nation wait for the results and then attempt to justify the means to that end? Or do we conduct ourselves in a manner that leads by example to the rest of the world? I understand that my detractors will not care to have the United States lead the rest of the world, so I am wasting my time because we need to look out for ourselves first and nobody else, right? I fear that this sets a horrible precedent, but am not surprised to see guys like Cheney arguing the importance of torture, knowing that the intelligence community was not often correct when he was our vice president. Who wouldn't try to defend their legacy, as terrible as it may be?
I do agree that the CIA operatives should not be prosecuted for following orders, but I do think the Bush lawyers have some explaining to do after manipulating the justice system to allow for torture. Necessary evil? Perhaps. But to what end do we believe that physical violence and mental abuse will provide useful information and circumstances that will protect us? And how far do we push the proverbial envelope? We as a nation must decide.