Editor’s note: This commentary is by Bob Stannard, a former lobbyist, who is still an author and musician. This piece first appeared in the Bennington Banner.
[T]orture. We know it happens. We’re rightfully outraged and condemn others when they do it.
Yet when we do it it’s OK. At least that’s the message being delivered by those whose collective heads are exploding over the release of a report outlining the activities of our CIA. Only a few hundred pages of the report were released, but it was enough to show that our country is all about torturing people to get information, whether it works or not.
You might ask, “So what? If we have to torture these creeps who mean to do us harm in order to get information out them, then by god we should torture ‘em.” How many times have you heard something like this?
There are two problems with this position. The first was pointed out by former POW and current U.S. Sen. John McCain. Speaking from the Senate floor he made it clear that torturing people does not yield accurate information. No sooner had he delivered this speech when Fox News trotted out their own POW to counter McCain’s comments. Unfortunately for Fox News the report supports McCain’s statement.
The second problem is that torture is against the law — our laws and international law. One need only look at those who are decrying the report to determine its accuracy. For the first time, maybe ever, the CIA director held a torturous press conference attempting to refute the report. By not responding to reporters’ questions he raised more questions than he answered.
After 9-11 we didn’t know if we would see additional attacks. According to former Vice President Dick Cheney, former President George Bush authorized the use of torture to do whatever it takes to get information. Cheney’s on the air defending his actions while placing the blame squarely on his former boss.
Going forward how does America demand that the rest of the world adhere to our higher standards when our standards are now as low as our enemies?
Much light has been shed. We’ve learned that prior to leaving office, President Bush was lobbied by conservatives to pardon those involved with the authorization, presumably V.P. Cheney, the CIA director and others. We’ll never know why Bush didn’t pardon these folks; maybe because he would have had to pardon himself, which when added to the rest of his legacy probably wouldn’t have looked too good. The order was against the law.
According to former FBI agent Ali Soufan the problem lies with outsourcing. Soufan was successfully extracting information from Al Qaeda operative Abu Zubaydah when his interrogation was interrupted by contractors hired by the CIA. The process moved from interrogation, which was working, to torture that didn’t work. No one seems to know who authorized the use of contractors; you decide.
Why have laws prohibiting us utilizing torture when some people think we should be using it?
How can we, with a straight face, express outrage when other countries torture people? How can we be outraged when Vladimir Putin authorizes the breaking of international law and exhibits corruption? Going forward how does America demand that the rest of the world adhere to our higher standards when our standards are now as low as our enemies?
I have no love for those who wish to do us harm. I support the demise of the hooded creep who enjoys killing innocent people. I’m OK with Bin Laden leaving the planet. However, torturing people is wrong. Not holding people accountable is wrong and weakens us. We held accountable a man illegally selling single cigarettes. We need to hold accountable those who broke the law.
As 2014 draws to a close perhaps it’s time to reflect, not only on the past year, but on the past. Think about who we once were. Think about who we are now. Ask yourself who were the better people, the more honorable people. Ask what must we do, together, to be those people once again.
Merry Christmas.
