Torture is morally depraved. In peacetime, we call people who torture and kill without remorse “psychopaths”, do we not? We never, ever should have abandoned the Geneva Conventions and started down this road, but unfortunately, we have. Now, surprise surprise, begin to come the political consequences: skeptical allies, pressure from human rights organizations, troubled nominations, legal jeopardy, embarrassment, political challenges, skewering in popular culture, negative press, etc.
Other consequences will be forthcoming. Personal consequences. What do you suppose happens to American soldiers who have been ordered to torture people?
When we start wars and send people off to fight them, we put them in impossible situations. When they come home, we hope they will resume a normal life. This just strikes me as a little naive. Please educate yourself about the Geneva Conventions. There are things we can do to help. Visit this site to find out more.
#1 by malcontent on October 30, 2007 - 9:26 am
Rumsfeld was charged with torture crimes in France this week during his visit. I’m not sure if that should be categorized as embarrassment or personal consequences…
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/10/29/4890/
#2 by Marlena on October 30, 2007 - 12:48 pm
I don’t think he’s capable of embarrassment, but I’m all for personal consequences like prison.