Poll finds broad approval of terrorist torture

MSNBC ^ | 12/6/05

[BurbankKarl]

WASHINGTON - Most Americans and a majority of people in Britain, France and South Korea say torturing terrorism suspects is justified at least in rare instances, according to AP-Ipsos polling.

The United States has drawn criticism from human rights groups and many governments, especially in Europe, for its treatment of terror suspects. President Bush and other top officials have said the U.S. does not torture, but some suspects in American custody have alleged they were victims of severe mistreatment.

The polling, in the United States and eight of its closest allies, found that in Canada, Mexico and Germany people are divided on whether torture is ever justified. Most people opposed torture under any circumstances in Spain and Italy.

[HiTech RedNeck]

Just as long as you don't show them pictures of Hillary Clinton.

[ANGGAPO]

When they resorted to chopping off heads, I could not care less what happened to them.

[Rummyfan]

As long as they do it to Chris Matthews it's fine with me!

[Recovering_Democrat]

Oh, yeah, sure: but look at the internals. The AP-Ipsos asked 68 conservatives and only 27 Democrats. With a sample like that, you're bound to get a pro-torture-if-needed result! < \sarcasm>

[BufordP]

Initially, 2 out of 3 agreed - torture works. Eventually the third came to his senses.

[airborne]

John McCain admitted that it worked on him.

And BTW, most of the torture done by the NV was not done for information.

[BufordP]

Better watch your back or I'll have you hollerin' "WOOB,WOOB,WOOB,WOOB!" this Friday.

[concretebob]

I have to assume that jmellis was not playing nice.
It's already a smelly pile of smoking troll dung,
so I won't bother using the standard repsonse.
I'll just wave buh bye,,buh-bye...

[NormalGuy]

Is it grounds for divorce if I am tortured into wearing the same shirt for two days?

What deep pockets can I sue for the emotional pain and suffering?

[hobson]

Let's just slide 'em down a razor blade into a bucket of alcohol.

[FFIGHTER]

The problem with "torture" is what is defined as torture. Are there any limits to torture. (i.e. rape, sodomy, castration, mutilation, torture of family members in front of suspects, etc.) Is torture to be used only in the attempt to extract data, or also as a psychological weapon, a weapon of fear and intimidation. Then the issues of who will perform the acts of torture, will it be volunteers, or will subordinates be ordered to conduct torture. Should torture be televised, should it be open to the public, that is should the public have access to the types and methods being employed.

The next set of issues, is reliability of data/information obtained during torture. It is not the most reliable information in most cases, as most people after they break will provide information, to stop the torture. Though that information is often misleading or false. It is an attempt to appease the torturer in order to stop the pain.

Last, does the use of torture increase the danger to our troops and Americans overseas. Is there a significant increase in risk to Americans, if the U.S. employs torture.

[dr_who_2]

What do 100 nobel prize winning economists think?

[MattinNJ]

9 in 10 South Koreans-I am glad that the ROK is on our side. The VC were supposedly terrified of them.

[Soul Seeker]

PAGING SENATOR MCCAINIAC AND RINO SYCOPHANTS/GUTLESS REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS!

We don't want the damn amendment to protect foreign sadists!

[pissant]

It justified for anyone we are certain has terror related information we need. And if they don't talk after a few attempts, firing squad.

[pleikumud]

Meanwhile our elected morons in Congress, incited by loose cannon McCain, want to enact a Terrorist Protection Act of 2005 or 2006. Our Congressional fools think the United Terrorist States will reciprocate by treating their victims gently. Only a small bomb in the baby carriage, instead of a big one? What's next, legislation defining "hate speech" against terrorists? There is no need for new legislation to protect terrorists, unless Congress wants to give aid and comfort to the enemy by joining in their propaganda efforts. Any Congressman who votes for McCain's lunacy, or anything like it, is an ally of the terrorists.

[birbear]

But...but...but...

We're not supposed to believe polls. Polls are bad.

At least that's what the Free Republic Chorus was singing this summer and fall.

[BurbankKarl]

One day I have expect to wake up and see the burning ruins of DC on the television....these elected officials are failing the American people...

It is distressing.