Did either of you follow the manner in which the Germans handled their recent torture situation?
The Police chief of Frankfurt was in the worst of all situtations. He thought that the life of a kidnapped boy was dependent upon finding out where he was from the suspect they had in custody. The clock was ticking and the chief decided to threaten (just threaten) the man with physical pain.
For this he was brought before the court and found guilty. However, he received a suspended sentence.
Torture is a slippery slope and the Germans know that better than anyone else. This case shows how it can be both the proper decision in a given circumstance, but remain illegal.
This is the way it should be in the US as well. Only an excpetion and never the rule. Always prosecuted, but only selectively punished.
You sirs, I am afraid are beginning to slide.
By the way, the boy was already dead. Here is a link, which is unfortunately only in German. http://www.nzz.ch/2004/12/20/al/page-newzzE2YI6V2Y-12.html
Maybe another Freeper has an English link.
I ask only for 'fair and balanced'. . balanced by the goals desired/needed; balanced with a respect towards one's own humanity which does not preclude that prisoners deserve the better of everyting much less the 'best' of everything. Or that they should be feeling secure in the knowledge that nothing will be expected from them; while they can expect everything from their captors.
Is the 'Idea' of torture; always prohibited? Illegal? Or just some 'ideas'. . ..
A Liberal idea of unfair torture is taking the prayer rug from the cell of the Islamic terrorist. . .is the threat of the same; a torture as well. . .
Whatever; I do not want these people who can so easily ignore pain and suffering of innocent people; but cannot tolerate the idea of discomforting a terrorist. I would threaten them. And I would take their 'prayer rug' and their Koran, in a heartbeat - and give them what a good hotel offers. . .
Prohibiting such is not fair or balanced thinking; and frankly do not think world's Leftist are capable of such. . .and when it comes to more serious issues of pain and suffering; be it the torture of innocents by their own Governments; or the torture of those who tortured the innocent. . .there is no reason to trust the judgment of this world community..