Originally posted by: starkiller
First:
I seem to be in a minority in this thread, because if it saves lives to torture prisoners (within reason) for information, I consider that ample justification. Khalid Shiek-Mohammad (hope I spelled that all right) is obviously still alive if he was transferred to Guantanamo during the past week, which is a lot better than he deserves for being the "mastermind" behind 3000+ deaths on 9/11.
Second:
I am beginning to become annoyed by the idea that the US, in this particular conflict against terrorism, must be above using certain tactics. This is a double edge sword...
In a society where they use stoning, removal of hands and a great variety of methods we would consider barbaric, they see us as being weak for not using similar methods.
However, if we do resort to their methods, the US government, in the eyes of its own people, become no better than the terrorists, but we may actually cast fear into the hearts of our enemies.
As I said before, if it saves lives (particularly of our people and our allies), I can be more forgiving of the governments actions. I'm not saying break the rules of the Geneva Convention, I'm saying don't give into the fringe 10% of the population that are basically hippies wanting to be relevant again.
Third:
I know it is mearly an urban legend, but I continue to remember the story of Pershing when he was in charge of the Phillippines. The story about him executing muslim criminals with pigs-blood stained bullets and burying them in pits with the bodies of the same pigs.
Islam enstills fears upon its followers, just like any other religion. I believe it should be fair game to take advantage of those fears.
First:
I seem to be in a minority in this thread, because if it saves lives to torture prisoners (within reason) for information, I consider that ample justification. Khalid Shiek-Mohammad (hope I spelled that all right) is obviously still alive if he was transferred to Guantanamo during the past week, which is a lot better than he deserves for being the "mastermind" behind 3000+ deaths on 9/11.
Second:
I am beginning to become annoyed by the idea that the US, in this particular conflict against terrorism, must be above using certain tactics. This is a double edge sword...
In a society where they use stoning, removal of hands and a great variety of methods we would consider barbaric, they see us as being weak for not using similar methods.
However, if we do resort to their methods, the US government, in the eyes of its own people, become no better than the terrorists, but we may actually cast fear into the hearts of our enemies.
As I said before, if it saves lives (particularly of our people and our allies), I can be more forgiving of the governments actions. I'm not saying break the rules of the Geneva Convention, I'm saying don't give into the fringe 10% of the population that are basically hippies wanting to be relevant again.
Third:
I know it is mearly an urban legend, but I continue to remember the story of Pershing when he was in charge of the Phillippines. The story about him executing muslim criminals with pigs-blood stained bullets and burying them in pits with the bodies of the same pigs.
Islam enstills fears upon its followers, just like any other religion. I believe it should be fair game to take advantage of those fears.
The US shouldn't be holding ANYONE in Guantanamo Bay. The only reason the US holds its POWs, terrorists, etc. there is so that they don't have to abide by US law in dealing with their prisoners.