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Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
The one guy caught in Pakistan- the no. 3 guy- supposedly has given up a good deal of info that rooted out cells here and in Europe. assume he was tortured to give up the info (I do). Is that acceptable because he clearly had good info? Does it matter that it was likely Paki agents doing the torture (ie is it just that we're above it)?
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It's not simply that "we're above it." It's wrong. It violates civil rights and we have no problem with things like keeping China off the most-favored nation list for engaging in it. This isn't a relative issue.
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Should we take a "fruit of the poisened tree" approach to torture-induced info?
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I would not refuse to use the information. On the other hand, if we're simply allowing the Pakis to act as our proxies, then it's no different than us doing it ourselves.
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Whether ex-car mechanics from des Moines should have been molesting prisoners isn't at issue. They shouldn't have, but where we are at in the world right now- at least strains some of those old rule, i think.
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Are you related to Paddy Bauler?* The fact that the concept of civil liberties and human rights is being strained in these times calls for greater vigilance, not less. How are we going to foster a democratic culture in the ME if we can't maintain one ourselves?
*The old ward heeler credited with the classic phrase "Chicago ain't ready for reform."
etft -- t.s.
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