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Whence the torturer?

Posted by XT on July 1st, 2009 in Progressive Faith


Kathy Kattenburg notes that the debate on torture is a pretty hollow one. I heave a heavy sigh that a debate is needed – and it angers me that a report on its use is even necessary.

The truth is, as Kathy’s commenter points out: “You know what, I think fewer people than you realize actually care how many people we tortured to death. I really do.”

Reading that just leaves me empty. How can it be that people don’t care if we torture other human beings? Well, how can it be that we let people starve, die from lack of clean water, access to healthcare, or pretty much anything else we could stop if we really wanted to?

It doesn’t matter if torture is or isn’t effective. Torture is as close to a moral absolute as we’re likely to get on this side of eternity. You just can’t advocate intentionally inflicting pain and agony on other human being and still be a good person. No reason is good enough to excuse it.

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  • Samuel Skinner

    How can it be that people don’t care if we torture other human beings? Well, how can it be that we let people starve, die from lack of clean water, access to healthcare, or pretty much anything else we could stop if we really wanted to?

    You are assuming that the population broadly supports torture, opposes universal health care and the like. They are actually opposed to torture. (I'll get the surveys when I can)

    The reason of course is that both parties were involved with okaying torture. To take the fact that the Democrats and Republicans are okay with it- or worse yet the media- does not actually represent the American people's opinions.

    I mean look at the current health insurance bill. As part of the bargaining they defunded 600 billion dollars in subsidies for poor families. Oh, and insurance is mandatory… with failure punishable by fines.
    http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/test-3

    The good news- you don't even need to bribe the politicians! Owning stock in companies is perfectly legal. Of course, if you do need bribes the sum required is enough to fit in a black attach case. No, really:
    http://www.538host.com/publogit2.PNG

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