A huge topic of being discussed in media lately has been that of the Bush administrations usage of torture, and whether or not he should be charged for it. International law, and perhaps even moral law, forbids the usage of any form of torture in order to gain confessions or intelligence. Yet, when there is war a lot more is at stake. The line between what is right and what is wrong become blurred, when you are dealing with national security.
In an editorial by Serge Schmemann of the New York Times, the policies of Israel towards torture are discussed. According to the editorial, Israel used to practice torture, but 12 years ago the Supreme Court of Israel had decided that it was unconstitutional. He explains that everyone knows its wrong, but they will do it if they believe the end justifies the means. In the end, he states his opinion that “whatever security benefits may have been gained by torture were far outweighed by the damage done to a nation that betrays its own values.”
Schmemann is correct in saying that torture is wrong, and it is most definitely not something that can go hand in hand with democracy, or any free system. While I agree with him that it is damaging, yet only because it damages the rest of the world’s views of America. Until torture is used on American citizens, it can not drastically harm our nation.
5 years ago
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