Why Torture is Wrong

[Bluerthanblue]

I came across this statement by Johathan Schell while reading about the discussion of torture after Abu Gharib. I think it defines WHY torture is wrong- and debunks the positions taken by those who excuse it if it "produces good information".

Torture is not wrong because someone else thinks it is wrong or because others, in retaliation for torture by Americans, may torture Americans.

It is the torture that is wrong.

Torture is wrong because it inflicts unspeakable pain upon the body of a fellow human being who is entirely at our mercy.

The tortured person is bound and helpless. The torturer stands over him with his instruments. There is no question of "unilateral disarmament," because the victim bears no arms, lacking even the use of the two arms he was born with. The inequality is total.

To abuse or kill a person in such a circumstance is as radical a denial of common humanity as is possible.
It is repugnant to learn that one's country's military forces are engaging in torture. It is worse to learn that the torture is widespread. It is worse still to learn that the torture was rationalized and sanctioned in long memorandums written by people at the highest level of the government. But worst of all would be ratification of this record by a vote to confirm one of its chief authors to the highest legal office in the executive branch of the government.

Torture destroys the soul of the torturer even as it destroys the body of his victim.

The boundary between humane treatment of prisoners and torture is perhaps the clearest boundary in existence between civilization and barbarism.
Whether the elected representatives of the people of the United States are now ready to cross that line is the deepest question before the Senate as it votes on the nomination of Alberto Gonzales.

January 21, 2005


(from What is Wrong With Torture by Johathan Schell)

It's interesting to re-read some of the congressional discussions around Alberto Gonzales' AG bid.

[annabanana]

1. k&r. . . n/t

[Bluerthanblue]

2. thanks-

:)

[backtoblue]

3. K & R

Torture is deeply sickening and disturbing on every single level of humanity and to think that "our" government rationalized it is completely beyond morbidity and disgust.

Thanks for the post

:kick:

[annabanana]

4. Kicking again because it is so well stated.. .. . n/t