Bush should endorse ban on torture

[struggle4progress]

There is only one way for an American to answer the question: Is it OK to use torture to extract information from our enemies captured in war?

No. <snip>

It is time for President Bush to begin repairing the damage by accepting a proposal to ban "cruel, inhuman or degrading" treatment of anyone in U.S. custody. The president, who has previously threatened to veto the proposal, should reverse course and endorse the ban today, Veterans Day, to honor all who have served in America's military. <snip>

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/opinion/index.php?ntid=61143&ntpid=0

[Technowitch]

1. Should, but won't

Why? Because he thinks it works (it doesn't) and because he wants to be able to order the torture of prisoners (whether charged or convicted or not (usually not)) without having to worry about being charged with 'high crimes and misdemeanors'.

It's like an alcoholic arguing in favor of DUI law repeal, yet continuing to assert he doesn't drink and won't ever -- but that law really, really, really needs to go.

[struggle4progress]

2. To ride the train, I get a ticket and I get it punched.

My personal guess is that you are right that W isn't going to do the right thing.

Still, it's necessary to try to get him to do the right thing voluntary; if not voluntarily, then by purely political coercion -- and if still not then ... well, then, we see what.

As you suggest, it would, of course, be idiotic not to consider the likelihoods here and the appropriate reactions.

But I consider it wise to buy the ticket and get the ticket punched.

[Technowitch]

3. Oh, I couldn't agree more

We have to keep asking the question "You don't really support torture, do you, because that would be a morally reprehensible and ethically indefensible position." And saying, "You need to disavow all torture -- and allow the laws prohibiting it to be strengthened, not loopholed. We, the American people, demand no less."

Also, in favor of anything that shows these Republican neo-con fascist thugs for what they really are.

[struggle4progress]

4. !

:)