Why Ban Torture?
- Principle. The United States was founded on the principle of justice.
- Leadership. The Unites States cannot hold up the torch of human rights in one hand while it tortures with the other.
- Support the troops. We cannot expect our troops to not be tortured if we ourselves torture.
- History. Our soldiers did not die fighting for freedom and liberty to tarnish their memory by torturing.
- Torture is carried out by men and women, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers. An interrogator does not leave torture at the office when he goes home. It demeans us, makes us less human. It is savage. Torture degrades the torturer as well as the one being tortured. It infects entire units and spreads to other soldiers.
- Torture is a slippery slope. Once the barrier of torture has been crossed, it becomes a game of definition and degree for lawyers. Incidents of torture will increase in frequency and intensity.
- Torture breeds hatred of the US in those captured and in their families. They will fight for revenge.
- It isolates us. Torture is banned in other countries.
- Other countries will not turn over suspects to the U.S. because they may be tortured.
- It’s not necessary or effective.
Stand up and speak out to ban torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.