Sen. John McCain deserves kudos for his strong, principled opposition to torture in Tuesday’s debate. He made the point — not a popular one in an age of TV fantasy “24” ethics — that America’s history and ideals are solidly against torture. And that includes the use of water-boarding and other “enhanced interrogation techniques.”
McCain pointed out that the hypothetical “ticking bomb” scenario was a one in a million situation. In such an event, the president should take full responsibility and directly authorize whatever it requires to save lives.
But that’s the rare exception. If America truly is the last best hope of civilization, then it must oppose torture in its laws and practice. McCain said the knowledge that America was morally principled in its treatment of captives gave him strength during his own captivity and torture in Vietnam.
And he pointed out that military leaders — as opposed to armchair warriors — overwhelmingly back his position. See Gen. David Petraeus’ recent strong anti-torture letter to the troops.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
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11 Comments
I have been saying all along that it is not a battle for land or our religion, it is our principals that Al-Qaeda wishes to destroy. Every time An American uses torture it eats away at whom we are.Randy uses of the program “24” is a very good example, if you have not noticed that Jack is feeling the erosion of his soul caused by what he has done in defense of the United States of America. Every act he commits, every turn and his reacting to it by the use of torture is coming back to haunt him… Make him question who and what Jack is.
By using torture, America becomes a country that is less warranted of surviving. By betraying our values, our principals Al-Qaeda wins! It has been pointed out that we (the U.S.) have not been attacked since 9-11, but haven’t we? Warrant less wire tapping, a willingness to suspend and for go a court hearing, the President of the United States allow to declare someone an enemy combatant without a hearing or solid proof just a verbal suspension. Ignoring Habis corpus is an assault upon the very Principals this country had been founded on. Why would they waste a bullet, a bomb , one member of their group, when we are destroy the country for them?
Torture should never be used except as a very last resort when lives are at stake. And I agree that would be about a 1 in a million situation. I am fundamentally opposed to torture of any kind.
So, John, good point,..been there…done that. Still won’t make you president. You love war too much.
Indeed. As long as the man supports this disastrous war, his words on any other aspect of it ring very hollow.
The objective of a terrorist act, is usually to cause the other side to over react, and/or to bring about a revolution by supporters. Al-Quida has been extremely successful on both objectives.
How could McCain have any other position? He’s the only presidential candidate who’s had first-hand experience with torture.
New York was the only city with first hand experience with 9/11, they voted against Bush, and we didn’t listen to them either.
The truth is we will continue to torture people, imprison them without charges, and committing what we used to call war crimes but now we call them necessary to keep us safe.
I am not voting for McCain. First because he is stinking Republican and secondly because he of his Bush ass kissing.
I think that we should torture all of the Presidential candidates, as well as the current office holder and the VP and THEN let them determine if torture is appropriate.
If you don’t stand for torture, you don’t stand for anything!
WS,I thought that was what a campaign was! We, the press and the opposing party torture candidates, and the last one to holler uncle wins.