Your View: Abusive techniques mar this nation's standing

May 13, 2008 07:15 pm

— Recently, ABC News and the Associated Press reported the use of abusive interrogation techniques (including waterboarding and sleep deprivation) to torture high-value detainees during the past seven years was approved by top administration officials, including Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, during meetings held in the White House. The president was aware of and approved these meetings.
I am saddened and outraged at the relatively mild response from the media and the disturbing lack of outcry on the part of the public.
Do we really not care that human beings, be they on “our side” or “their side” are subjected to brutal torture in the name of national security?
Would we be as disinterested if U.S. citizens were victims of such torture? I think not.
As the then-Attorney General John Ashcroft asked, “Why are we discussing this in the White House? History will not judge this kindly.”
How does the rest of the world judge us? Shouldn’t we care?