Posted by zeugma on November 13, 2005, at 14:15:52
In reply to Re: Question about lil' jimi's 2 week block » TofuEmmy, posted by verne on November 13, 2005, at 9:29:37
> We can say torture and inhumane treatment are wrong. The rub may be in saying, "Anyone who advocates xy or z for any reason should be viewed with contempt."
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> This issue isn't black and white. There's a debate, even in government, about what sort of prisoner treatment should be allowed in extreme situations. Somehow these discussions need to remain civil and each side respect the other's point of view.
>> It would be better to talk about what a good thing humane treatment and not torturing others is, rather than speak negatively about those with opposing views - no matter how extreme.
>Humane treatment is essential to protecting our soldiers in the field, as well as clandestine agents who are captured. Humane treatment sets an example for the rest of the world that there is a clear moral distinction between terrorist acts and actions taken by a government which respects its own, and international, laws. Humane treatment is beneficial for every member of the world community, inasmuch as anyone might be falsely accused of being a terrorist and wind up in Guantamono Bay or other such facility operated by the United States.
On another note, historically, intelligence breakthroughs (such as the British cracking of the German Enigma code during WWII) have been gained by the ingenuity of members of the intelligence community, not by information obtained by torture.
There is much, much more to say, but it necessarily involves criticism of leaders, so I will refrain.
-z
> Verne
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poster:zeugma
thread:578172
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20051013/msgs/578231.html