Torture Shaming Us All is what Richard Cohen titles this piece, and it perfectly expresses my dismay that we even have to have this discussion. I am appalled and disgusted. But it reminds me of how many years we (as america) ran the school for the americas which trained latin america torturers. America should stand for fairness and respect for human dignity, and torture should never be condoned, ever. under any circumstances.

Torture, Shaming Us All: "Now, though, we are witnessing a debate in Washington that any American at one time would have thought impossible: whether to allow 'cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment of persons under custody or control of the United States government.' The words are taken from the amendment introduced by Sen. John McCain, which would prohibit such practices. It has passed twice, the first time by 90 to 9, the second by a voice vote. It has the support of a former POW, McCain; a former Navy secretary, John Warner; a Reserve military judge, Lindsey Graham -- and, outside the Senate, former military men such as Colin Powell. Nonetheless, the administration vows a veto"