One problem I have with torture — every “acceptable torture scenario” insists that we are about to be attacked–perhaps within minutes–and we know this suspect has the information we need. So we torture him, hoping that when he breaks he will tell us the truth. First, how are we so sure this guy knows the details? Second, how do we know an attack is imminent, let alone that knowing the details will help us? Finally, what is the likelihood that he will actually tell us under torture?
That said, my position on torture is simple. It is fully and totally illegal and never acceptable. But, of course, if the POTUS decides someone needs to be tortured, he can always give the torturer a pardon — just because something is illegal doesn’t mean we can’t do it!
Well, the point I was trying to make is, this is such an unlikely event that it’s kind of silly to get all bent out of shape over it.
But my own personal view is – you never legalize torture. If it becomes necessary to do it, then you take the consequences of your actions.
For instance: If I knew that someone had kidnapped my daughter and had her hidden somewhere, you can bet your ass that I’d be pulling fingernails before I even asked any questions. And I’d take my knocks for it later, after I’d brought her home.
Tonight’s Boston Legal had a very good case for justifiable “revenge murder.” Woman’s daughter was bludgeoned to death, the killer was known, but he went free on a technicality. So she killed him, knowing that she might go to prison for it.
Reminder: I’m not pro-torture, I’m pro-honesty.
You can lie to yourselves about torture
if you want, it makes no difference to me.
Comment by Bart — November 6, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
One problem I have with torture — every “acceptable torture scenario” insists that we are about to be attacked–perhaps within minutes–and we know this suspect has the information we need. So we torture him, hoping that when he breaks he will tell us the truth. First, how are we so sure this guy knows the details? Second, how do we know an attack is imminent, let alone that knowing the details will help us? Finally, what is the likelihood that he will actually tell us under torture?
That said, my position on torture is simple. It is fully and totally illegal and never acceptable. But, of course, if the POTUS decides someone needs to be tortured, he can always give the torturer a pardon — just because something is illegal doesn’t mean we can’t do it!
Comment by mac_guru — November 6, 2007 @ 5:05 pm
Well, the point I was trying to make is, this is such an unlikely event that it’s kind of silly to get all bent out of shape over it.
But my own personal view is – you never legalize torture. If it becomes necessary to do it, then you take the consequences of your actions.
For instance: If I knew that someone had kidnapped my daughter and had her hidden somewhere, you can bet your ass that I’d be pulling fingernails before I even asked any questions. And I’d take my knocks for it later, after I’d brought her home.
Tonight’s Boston Legal had a very good case for justifiable “revenge murder.” Woman’s daughter was bludgeoned to death, the killer was known, but he went free on a technicality. So she killed him, knowing that she might go to prison for it.
Comment by Peregrin — November 7, 2007 @ 4:30 am