If there is no difference between us and our enemy, it makes no difference who prevails.
Out of fear, cowardice and a mean spirit, Dick Cheney started the nation down a dark path of self-destruction. Now, while we still can, it is time to step back into the clear light of day.
Torture only works to destroy freedom and liberty, and once embraced by a people, there is no end to its spread.
Those who supposedly have information to save masses of others do not come with signs affixed to their foreheads that read, “Torture me and I will tell something important.” Thus, there is justification for torturing to find out who to torture.
And next, there is the threat of torture to keep people from thinking anything that would warrant them having or developing information that should be known by some but not others. And surely somewhere are some who may become errant thinkers, so best we all keep an eye on our neighbors.
For a view of this hideous quagmire, one might read the late Hans Fallada’s novel about his life in Nazi Germany: “Every Man Dies Alone.”
Let’s not forget: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.” — President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, first Inaugural Address.
Sam Osborne
West Branch
