There is no other half of an equation that justifies torture.
None. Ever.
I'm well aware what people can be driven to do under the terrible conditions American soldier undoubtedly endure in Iraq.
THIS IS WHY THERE IS SAFEGUARDS.
THIS IS WHY THERE IS DISCIPLINE IN THE MILITARY.
THIS IS WHY THERE IS A CHAIN OF COMMAND.
THIS IS WHY THERE MUST BE IMMEDIATE AND PUBLIC CONSEQUENCES TO THESE SORT OF ACTIONS.
But there isn't, because of a culture that has poisoned the American military from the very top.
I'd like to think I'd never torture someone, no matter the circumstances.
I'd also like to think that even if I did, I would be stopped, because it is GODDAMN WRONG.
It is also useless to any war or intelligence effort, and is completely counterproductive to the professed aims of Americans in Iraq, and is one of the main factors for the utter failure of those efforts. ANY justification or excuse for it is going to lead to more torture, more murder, more hatred, from both sides.
If you believe in God, believe in this: his judgement on Donald Rumsfeld will not be a kind one.
None. Ever.
I'm well aware what people can be driven to do under the terrible conditions American soldier undoubtedly endure in Iraq.
THIS IS WHY THERE IS SAFEGUARDS.
THIS IS WHY THERE IS DISCIPLINE IN THE MILITARY.
THIS IS WHY THERE IS A CHAIN OF COMMAND.
THIS IS WHY THERE MUST BE IMMEDIATE AND PUBLIC CONSEQUENCES TO THESE SORT OF ACTIONS.
But there isn't, because of a culture that has poisoned the American military from the very top.
I'd like to think I'd never torture someone, no matter the circumstances.
I'd also like to think that even if I did, I would be stopped, because it is GODDAMN WRONG.
It is also useless to any war or intelligence effort, and is completely counterproductive to the professed aims of Americans in Iraq, and is one of the main factors for the utter failure of those efforts. ANY justification or excuse for it is going to lead to more torture, more murder, more hatred, from both sides.
If you believe in God, believe in this: his judgement on Donald Rumsfeld will not be a kind one.