It is not possible to spend any significant amount of time on Daily Kos without coming across a torture diary.Well let me kindly submit my addition to the subject.
I believe the torture issue could become to those on the Left what abortion has become to those on the political Right.
I see some similarities in the discourse on the issue that lead me to believe the answer is "yes"
More after the fold.
First let me note one huge difference. No one has died who didn't support the torture cause.
Let me also note that I believe torture should not be part of policy.
I believe people who feel deeply about these issues believe deeply in their cause.
However, I see some similarities and they are the following:
- Lots of talk about morals and law complete with absolutes.
Support choice=supporting murder; don't support special prosecution=support for torture.
- No consideration or dismissal of a lack of broad based support.
- No consideration or dismissal of the impact the pursuit of the issue will have on all other issues confronting the country.
- A willingness to undermine politicians and an administration of a friendly party unless demands are met.
- A superficial(at best) tolerance for those who disagree with their position on the issue.
I understand that it isn't a seamless comparison, but on the points listed above it sounds, feels, and is starting to look the same.
I make no claim that the two issues are equivalent at a substantive level. It is the discourse of the issues that I write about in this very brief diary.
So am I seeing this correctly?