During WWII in the face of mis treatment of US prisoners, the US refrained from torture of the POWs we held.  US lives could have been saved in the near term had we routinely used torture, but we knew refraining from torture was the right and moral decision and would help in the long term.  This helped us gain the harts, minds, help and support of people of neutral countries, and helped to actually shorten the war.

As Americans, we can hold our heads high for our conduct during WWII.

That we have forgotten those lessons has alienated much of the world against us.  In Germany favorable opinion of the U.S. dropped from 78% in 2000 to 37%.  In Turkey from 57% in 2000 to 17%. In our ally Great Britain? Favorable opinion dropped from 83% to 56%.*  When you alienate your friends and the moderates, you get less help.  And yes, we are having far more trouble gathering intelligence.  And, Al-quida is finding it easier to find recruits.

As an American, I am ashamed of how our leaders have resorted to the use of torture.  It will take decades to rebuild the reputation of the U.S. and undo this damage.

* see: http://pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=252

Do onto others as you - now how thats that go ?

Cheney Bush are the first elected officials in the history of the United States to openly torture and to promote the use of torture. They were warned by everyone what the result would be. Now they have it. Maybe they could send a copy of the signing statement to the parents.

torture is torture.
looks fair and balanced to me.

The scope and demands of this entire disaster is spreading the potential for a domestic repression unprecedented since the American Civil War. Its issues are completely and permanently irreconcilable and it’s conduct is becoming more depraved almost by the hour…It can only worsen beyond reason…On all counts I have witnessed nothing as dangerous to The Nation here and abroad in my lifetime.