The Bush Administration in favor of torture?

Question

George Bush and Dick Cheney are on the record having aggressively lobbied the U.S. Congress for the right to use torture as a method of interrogation for anyone that they consider ‘Enemies’ of the state. Congress passed legislation confirming that it is illegal to use torture on anyone but after signing this bill into law, George Bush used ‘Signing Statements’ to alter this legislation. Signing statements are indeed the right of any U.S. President but George Bush has used more signing statements than all the previous U.S. Presidents combined. This particular signing statement gives the Bush Administration the right to circumvent the law and use torture as a means of interrogation when they see fit. I see this as a terrible abuse of the Presidents administrative powers. Where are you on this?

Answer 1

I absolutely agree that this is a terrible abuse of executive power. The Constitution clearly delineates powers granted to each branch of the government - signing statements are essentially an effort by the President to get rid of the checks and balances which keep our government honest.

As far as whether or not torture is justified, I would say it's not only not justified, it's illegal under international law, and it doesn't produce the desired result. People will say anything when being tortured (look up the Salem Witch Trials, Spanish Inquisition, etc.). That's precisely the reason that US criminal law prohibits torture of suspects. A confession obtained under duress yields more misinformation than useful information.

Answer 2

Correction: Signing statements don't the executive the right to circumvent the law. They just are a written record that the executive intends to ignore the law. Which is arguably a violation of their oath of office to see that the laws are faithfully executed.

I think that any leader who claims to be against terrorist, but condones torture, is hypocritical and unworthy of respect.

Answer 3

I think Bush doesnt have a good mental health... lol
Torture isnt a way to get anythin from anyone it's barbarique and it's a kinda of terror I think Bush is a terrorist in the true whole meaning of the word

Answer 4

Hitler was also partial to torture; a significant number of Germans pretended they did not know or gave full support. After the war ended you could not find many who admitted to it.

Bush and his supporters are no different.

As we can see with the passage of time history repeats itself.

Answer 5

I'm at the same place on this as the new legislation that now allows police to enter your home without announcing their presence. It's just another manipulation of our constitution and an infringement on our rights.

Answer 6

If a little force is used on their land to save lives in my backyard, go for it. Thank goodness American media wasn't so available in the 30's and 40's.. If it had been, we would all be speaking German and driving Volkswagen's!


Go ahead and ask some silly question about wire tapping now.

Answer 7

i'm with you on this. torture is an evil means of getting information, especially since there are more effective ways of obtaining it. it is absolutely wrong and should be banned everywhere.

Answer 8

I'm not sure but would you rather have a terrorist treated good and have thousands of more people die or would you rather have him tortured so we can save thousands of people.....torture isn't a pleasant thing but this isn't a game.....we're talking about saving lives.

Answer 9

Ok, this really sounds stupid, but go to www.bushisantichrist.com It really sounds corny, but answers your question on just how much he favors torture.

Answer 10

What's wrong with torture? If it gets you what you need, go for it.