Random thoughts on torture

The recent senate report on torture has brought the issue to the forefront of late. Once again people line up, mostly according to party affiliation. I see plenty of bull shit coming from both camps.

To begin, there’s nothing conservative about torturing people. And there’s nothing liberal about covering up these acts when they do occur.

I hear people say torture doesn't work.

Having been tortured myself, I can tell you that torture does work.

Most people that are reluctant or that refuse to talk will break and will talk when enough heat is applied.

They may, however, lie.

And they will probably tell their interrogators what they think they want to hear.

I have seen and heard lots of stories of people that confess to crimes they did not commit.

Torture works to illicit false confessions.

Or concoct lies that will be useful for propaganda.

Ever notice how most Americans facing the knives of ISIS convert to Islam?

Think that was real?

Dick Cheney and crew wanted to prove a link between bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. Those doing the torturing were told to find that proof.

One problem: there was no link.

Torture is illegal and it should remain so.

If an when the time arrives that someone feels compelled to cross that line, and I daresay, there will be times when it’s probably justifiable, they should face the possibility of prosecution.

In other words, the only time torturing someone can be justified is when consequences of inaction are so compelling that it’s worth giving up your own life, your own freedom, to illicit a response.

When that line is crossed, (and it will be) the matter should come under judicial review.

Let the ax fall where it may.