Why Bush likes torture. (an observant theory)

[Ravy]

First of all, Bush obviously divides all people into the "With us/Against us" camps. And if you are not totally with him, you are against him, so anything goes.

Secondly, the fact that torture doesn't yield the truth makes absolutely no difference to him. Torture will cause people to say what you want them to say. To Bush, this is *better* than the truth, because he can use the "information obtained" to support his position and increase his power. Bad news coming out? Okay, torture some prisoner until we gain "credible evidence" to raise the threat level and capture the headlines. It puts terror in the headlines on demand.

He did *exactly* the same thing with the intelligence going into Iraq. He only accepts the "information obtained" that supports his decision.

He did *exactly* the same thing on global warming. 99 out of 100 scientists would say that global warming is a reality. Guess which one out of the 100 Bush chose to deem as the foremost expert?

He did *exactly* the same thing on the issue of torture itself. 999 out of 1000 legal experts would tell you it is illegal banned. But if you can find one old-friend, partisan lawyer who you can pay to say it is legal as long as it stops before permanent organ damage, guess what? Bush claims it has been deemed legal.

He did *exactly* the same thing with his illegal wiretapping. Clear it with some political hack partners in crimes and it has been determined legal. Don't bother asking the courts. Any old lawyer or Republican congressional leader was enough for Bush to claim a thousand times over that it has been "looked at" and it is perfectly within the law.

Bremmer and Tenet and Franks getting Medals of Freedom? Not for being right, but for giving Bush the stories he needed to tell to support his position and increase his power.

Bush and the Republicans know, as every dictator and oppressive regime through history knew, that TRUTH DOESN'T MATTER. All you need is fodder to support your position. If you "catapult" enough of that propaganda, you will get your way. If you add the number of people who know better than to believe you, but will say that they do because it also supports their position and power, to the number of people who will believe the "facts" that they hear the most and the loudest, you will get enough support. Every Republican in congress knows that torture is wrong. But the incredible power of controlling the debate at the tilt of a waterboard causes them to claim exactly the opposite.

Torture gives Bush the button that he can push at any time to shape the "reality" he needs to create. It will not stop.
He and the Republicans need that to stay in power.

[Double T]

1. Torture is the perfect tool for ANY psychopath............

what a perfect way to get ANYBODY to say or do what the psychopath desires.

[swimmernsecretsea]

2. It reminds me of descriptions of serial killers

Difficulty in relating to the feelings of others, narcissistic attitude, inability to empathize...we've all seen it from him. Arguably, he is a serial killer. And the leader of the US.

[alfredo]

3. I think he will probably forbid the breaking of arms and hands

because it would be difficult for the victim to sign a "confession" with his arms in a cast.

[MuseRider]

4. I believe

you are *exactly* correct.

[Ravy]

6. Thanks! *Exactly* what I wanted to hear! :-) (n/t)

[Marr]

5. Honestly, I think it's about setting precedent.

It's a chance to assert that the Executive Branch is above the law. They've picked the same sorts of ridiculous fights on other fronts. It seems to be the fight itself that they're most interested in, not the subject being fought over.