Opponents of Torture Are True Patriots - By Joe Conason

[kpete]

Opponents of Torture
Are True Patriots

By Joe Conason


Naïve citizens may be surprised to learn that some of the most morally upright of our fellow Americans, at least by their own estimation, are also among the most enthusiastic endorsers of the practice of torture. Even more startling than their zeal to abuse detainees—many of whom are innocent of any offense—is their eagerness to exploit those abuses for partisan political advantage.

The President has sent legislation to Capitol Hill that would “clarify” the parameters available to those who interrogate prisoners in the war on terrorism. His bill would apparently permit the use of “waterboarding,” which simulates drowning, and “long time standing,” which is exactly what it sounds like (with shackles), as well as sleep deprivation, constant loud noise and death threats.

To oppose any of these methods, or so the political advertising would claim, is to jeopardize national security, endanger our troops and coddle terrorists. That is how Republican strategists hope to make voters forget the incompetence and corruption on display in Washington, Baghdad and New Orleans and let the party escape disaster in the midterm elections.

more at:
http://www.observer.com/20060925/20060925_Joe_Conason_opinions_conason.asp

[indepat]

1. Agree that opponents of torture are true patriots, but what does that make

the supporters?

[Freedom_from_Chains]

2. Not to mention to be just flat out un-American if you oppose these

tactics. :sarcasm: