Let's get one thing straight about torture....

[Aviation Pro]

...it was never meant as a means to collect intelligence. It is used to gain false confessions that could be used to justify more war and torture.

They could care less who confessed - children, the mad, innocent bystanders - they just wanted someone to sign a confession.

[PDJane]

1. Right. Exactly right.

I have been saying so for a very long time. My authority? A former member of a foreign security force, who admitted that's what torture is used for. He was somewhat tipsy at the time, which is good for getting confessions and subsequent denials.

However, that confession passed the common-sense smell check...and yes, that it all torture does. It's why torture is illegal.

[peace13]

2. I think it was used for sexual pleasure.

They could lie about 'confession' any day of the week. Pure and simple sickness created Gitmo and the Frog Killer in Chief was responsible!

[ColbertWatcher]

3. This really needs to be on the greatest! Kick and rec! n/t

[Aviation Pro]

5. Shameless kick at the suggestion.....

.....

[DinahMoeHum]

4. It's not about collecting intelligence - any more than rape is about sex.

In both cases, it's a demonstration of POWER - that the perpetrator can do this to his victim any time he wants.

[Two Americas]

6. exactly right

It was truly disgusting to see people here debating whether or not torture was a justifiable means to some imagined and desirable end - "what if there was a bomb, and millions could be saved ..."

Torture is its own end and only leads to more torture.

[Lilith Velkor]

7. It is terrorism

That's why they always let at least one guy go, so he can talk about it.

See: Latin America, late 20th century.

[Locrian]

8. yes - it works REALLY well

if you want a confession that you can use to "justify" something, like, say...., invading another country.

[bluesmail]

9. Clarity at long last. Succinct. eom

[unblock]

10. exactly. used to gain propaganda, not intelligence.

though it makes you wonder, why not just lie?

[Orsino]

11. You're forgetting one more use of torture.

It's the only way to train torturers--always a good tool for fascist governments to have at their disposal.

[Mnemosyne]

12. Kicking. n/t