Standing Against Torture

CNS has this story of "Support urged for anti-torture provision in appropriations bill"

U.S. law and policy about torture of prisoners "is more about who we are than who they are," an adviser to the U.S. bishops told congressional staffers Nov. 2.

In urging support for an anti-torture amendment to the appropriations bill for the Defense Department, Walt Grazer said reports of prisoner abuse by members of U.S. forces could seriously undermine the country's anti-terrorism efforts and compromise human dignity.

Grazer, an adviser on religious liberty and human rights for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said at a briefing for congressional staffers that through its various ministries the church witnesses both the anxieties and hopes of people who long for peace and security for their families, as well as the pain of those who have been tortured and mistreated under various regimes.

"Even great nations can risk their reputations and lose their soul through actions that violate fundamental moral principles," Grazer said.

The briefing was hosted by supporters of the amendment in the Senate version of the appropriations bill. Introduced by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., it would prohibit the use of any interrogation practices other than those approved in the Army Field Manual on Intelligence Interrogation.

Also speaking at the briefing were Eugene Fidell, the president of the National Institute of Military Justice; Rabbi David Saperstein of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism; William Howard Taft IV, a former deputy secretary of defense and former chief legal adviser to the State Department; and retired Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Xenakis.

Grazer said respect for the human dignity of every person, whether ally or enemy, "must serve as the foundation of the pursuit of security, justice and peace. There can be no compromise on the moral imperative to protect the basic human rights of any individual incarcerated for any reason."

I shudder to think of the state of America when we must rally support for an anti-torture ammendment. Recalling the words of Thomas Jefferson, "I tremble for my country when I realize God is just," I bow my head in shame when I realize Americans even consider debating the appropriateness of torture.

Have we become so consumed with the agent that we forget the enemy? Do we so believe the Al Qaeda's of the world can strike at us with such impunity that we must forfeit our souls in order to stop them? Who, then, have we become? For we are no longer Americans, by any stretch of the imagination.

Walt Grazer says it best:

...he said the nation "must not and cannot embrace a dangerous morality that 'desperate times call for desperate measures' or 'the end justifies the means.' The inherent justice of our cause and the perceived necessities involved in confronting terrorism must not lead to a weakening or disregard of U.S. and international law."

Grazer concluded by saying that the issue is "more about who we are than who they are. This is not about politics, but about fundamental principles. We can demonstrate that even in the face of terrorism we will not lose a respect for human life and our dignity, nor assail the dignity of others."

I know we live in a fallen world. Authorities working for the security of the United States throughout history have probably committed acts of intrinsic evil. I don't recall any efforts to publically approve them or enforce them as policy.

Torture is an intrinsic evil. There can be no licit reason for its use. We forfeit the presence of the Lord when we choose to enact policies that promote intrinsic evil. Does our society need yet another way our Savior the bird?

Historian Stephen Ambrose once claimed that during world war II, German military officers and enlisted men sought the American lines in order to surrender. Why? Our reputation for mercy and fair treatment, even of our enemies, preceded us. Can we claim to be the same people if we must argue in defense of an anti-torture bill? We actually have to defend such legislation? We should hang our heads in shame that such legislation is necessary.

To those that require a definition of torture, I say: Be careful. The temptation to minimalism offers seductive testimony when we all find our security on the line. We can despair of God's help if we surrender, and then trust only in our own horses and chariots. But if you truly need a definition, how about consulting dictionary.com? How about reading the Geneva conventions, of which the USA remains a signatory? The meaning is out there.

I grieve for our nation when we even consider the idea of using torture debatable. May we turn back to almighty God and seek his mercy. Then, with his help, we can ensure justice for ourselves and our enemies.