Comments on: Ronald Reagan was right on Torture, and Barack Obama is wrong.

By: The crime of torture is bipartisan « Phil Ebersole's Blog

The crime of torture is bipartisan « Phil Ebersole's Blog — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:54:59 +0000

[...] on Ronald Reagan was right on Torture and Barack Obama is wrong for a comment on changing American [...]

By: Erik the Red

Erik the Red — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:52:56 +0000

JFesta,

Kudos for the normal due diligence and comprehensive reporting.

With that being said, this whole issue creates a very slippery slope. Of course China is going to agree with any UN convention since China is basically the UN poster child. Even though they are known around the world for eugenics in the form of genocide and are well-known for the abuse of women, the UN constantly praises them as a good model of depopulation. If China would not be in agreement, they would be basically biting the hand that feeds them, for lack of a more eloquent cliche.

The UN is hypocritical with this issue (as with every issue) since their “peacekeepers” with the white helmets have been caught slaughtering African populations and the UN itself is known to praise infamous leaders such as Castro, Gaddafi, Chavez, etc. As a result, their input into the matter is questionable at best and I place no credence on their opinions and have no problem with the USA’s lack of adherence.

On a personal note, there was a time when I supported “some” torture. But I have come to realize that it is not what we do (or are at least supposed to do, anyway). In World War II, the prisoners of war would always prefer to surrender to us because we had a merciful reputation. I am not going to be so naive, however, as to not see that it really is more complicated than that.

You did make an excellent point of how this has failed to be ratified over the course of 4 presidencies – yet another indicator of how they are all following the same playbook. They can talk tough in support of torture and can talk tough in opposition of it. But the proof of where they stand on the issue lies within the context of your article.

By: Consti Tution

Consti Tution — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:27:15 +0000

“That means that Iran Egypt, the Palestinian Territories, and the whole of Western Europe are far more progressively minded on the issue of torture than the United States is.”

I take exception to Iran, Egypt, and the Palestinians. One doesn’t have to look far or hard to find reports of torture, beheadings, hangings, and other vile acts especially against women. (Genital mutilation anyone?) While they may have signed the document they do not abide by it.

Other than that great article and I agree with you that it’s high time the US signs on.