Torture

I was actually surprised to hear that people are still talking about torture. I thought the point moot and behind us. The president steps forward and says, "We will not use torture. We have to hold true to our ideals." He goes on to say interrogators will not be held responsible and will not answer to criminal prosecution. By doing this Obama was hoping to quickly put this whole sad affair behind us and quietly move on to other issues.

Little did he realize that Dick Cheney and a host of other idiots were willing to argue the point. Somehow selling 'enhanced interrogation' methods as a good and productive thing.

Now Barry has two options; he can pardon all involved (from the top down) or he must allow an investigation, assignment of a prosecutor and possible indictment of any or all participants in the acts of torture. A presidential pardon is a neat solution. At once, he assigns guilt and relieves any consequence. The investigative remedy is more instructive but I doubt that any hardliners will be converted and those brought up on charges will be made to seem martyrs. Whatever is done we must wash away any hint that torture is in any way a 'good thing.'

Torture seeks a specific answer, most often the penitent will admit to anything/everything just to end the terror and pain even knowing that in the future he will soon be prosecuted and most assuredly executed. This is the medieval model. Everyone must undergo it, especially commoners because they are incapable of speaking the truth. What John McCain endured was not technically torture. He endured something even worse. Because he didn't really have anything specific to offer his captors he endured 'devilment'; the application of pain and discomfort for its own sake or for the pleasure of the devils.

Modern day torturers contend that their actions are merely procedural, purposeful and productive. Some even cling to science and psychology as justification. Inflicting pain is always tricky. Doing this to dumb animals is seen as a sure marker of the sociopath and possible serial killer. Kids that easily say hurtful things are often given the benefit of the doubt. Bullies still get a pass. Spiteful, angry, injurious adults are allowed to thrive in unhealthy competition. Are we making or have we made another generation of pliable guardians 'only following orders' or are we to admit to our cruel nature?

Torture can't be allowed any justification. It is at heart a devilment. It's only use is to be a perverse example of that which must not be done.

Be polite.