Regarding the question of whether or not we got good information using torture techniques, this is an obscene point on which to reflect. Torture was applied randomly to individuals--most of whom had no information to tell--so we were torturing people hoping to find someone who had information. This means we were punishing people without any legal process. Even if we got information from people who did have information, we were torturing people for knowing things, not for doing things. And even if these people were guilty of some illegal acts, we were punishing them before there was any due process of law. And even if there was process of law, torture is prohibited as being an inhumane, illegal punishment, making anyone who does torture, or aids and abets torture, a criminal. We need to go after the criminals no matter who they are. That is the only way to protect Americans.

Protecting all Americans includes protecting us from tyranny. And you invite tyranny when you put aside the rule of law because you are afraid of telling the truth. It is often dangerous for one reason or another to go after certain criminals, but if you want to be free you have to face those challenges. Also, showing the world that we honor the rule of law is more likely to save us from terrorist attack than not. We all know by now--and the world has seen the pictures--that we systematically and brutally tortured prisoners, showing our enemies that they are correct in viewing all of us as liars and hypocrites. Better we should try as best we can to stand by our ideals and show the world that we know the difference between right and wrong and are prepared to admit our mistakes and take responsibility for them.

http://www.gpln.com