The US and Torture

With this assignment I would like us to explore the various positions on the topic of torture (or enhanced interrogation techniques as the Bush Adminstration defends). In the months leading up to the election both John McCain and Barack Obama were clearly outspoken against it. Given McCain's personal story (being a POW that was brutaly attacked for 5 years-and he never broke!), he distanced himself from the Bush Administration's acceptence and use of waterboarding. However, in recent weeks, former VP Dick Cheney has made it very clear he believes the use of waterboarding was appropriate and useful.

Let's look at few points of view and then come to our own opinions on whether or not the US government should ever utilize practices such as waterboarding. As you weigh the opinions also consider how the history of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam might inform the opinions you will be introduced to. I will have a handout that goes with this assignment.

Former VP Dick Cheney: http://abcnews.go.com/WN/story?id=6464919

Sen. John McCain (R) in 2007 : http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/01/politics/main3441067.shtml

Sen. John McCain (R) in 2008: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/15/AR2008021503318.html

Jane Mayer (scholar / investigative journalist) http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92528583

Scott Shane (NY Times Reporter, Writer) http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103604852