Is torture ever acceptable? (67)

I don't think it matters who opened Gitmo, the fact is that it is STILL open and the perception is that torture still occurs there. It acts as a shining beacon to all the dictatorial regimes out there that international law means nothing and that the ends justify the means. Torture is a prime example of the ends justifying the means. The problem is that if you can justify torturing, possibly, innocent people what else can you justify? Could you then justify a missile strike on an occupied hotel because ONE of the residents of that hotel is an enemy of the state? Could you justify the shooting down of a civilian aircraft to kill a traitor or a terrorist? It isn't so far from justifying the illegal use of torture, is it? All we seem to be doing is giving up the freedoms we have in the name of security against those who do not wish us to have those freedoms we have just lost!!

I would be tempted to say that I wouldn't want to dignify that response with an answer, but unfortunately in far too many countries that is true. Xenophobia springs instantly to mind. But again it is the thin end of the wedge, if we can justify torturing foreigners, what about those with different political view?, What about those with different religious views? What about those who 'rock the boat'? Where and who draws the line?

What about you? You obviously seem to hold views which are different to the norm? Most governments do seem to mistake sarcasm for subversive behavior. I'd listen very carefully for the slamming of car doors outside your dwelling if I were you!!