Misguided Morality

By Clifford D. May, Andrew C. McCarthy
USA Today
December 15, 2005

No one favors torture. Torture is already illegal under both U.S. and international law. Nonetheless, the United States is fighting a war against ruthless enemies who obey no rules. We cannot afford to treat all of them with kid gloves all the time.

On the battlefield, we can — and do — kill our enemies. Those we don't kill but only capture should be treated humanely, despite the fact that they do not return the favor when they seize Americans. But those who have information that could save lives must be interrogated effectively. That does not imply torture. It does imply measures that the McCain amendment would ban.

Contrary to what you might have heard, "ticking time-bomb" scenarios are not uncommon. Consider the situation faced by Army Lt. Col. Allen West: Fighting near Tikrit, he captured a suspect who refused to divulge information about a planned ambush.

West fired his revolver to frighten the suspect. The trick worked. The terrorist talked. American lives were saved. And West was accused of torture, charged with assault and drummed out of the military. Next time, will an officer in the same situation decide to let Americans be killed — believing that's what Americans back home demand?

Even more common than the ticking time bomb is the scenario in which a "high-value" suspect is captured, for example a senior al-Qaeda commander who might not know about an imminent attack but who does have information on terrorist recruiting, training and communications.

In this circumstance, torture is not only unneeded but also unhelpful. But the use of "stress and duress" techniques, including rewards for cooperation and punishments for defiance, can, over time, induce a subject to reveal what he knows.

Good policy requires clarity and accountability. Though torture is to be avoided, vague terms such as "cruel" and "degrading" inevitably would be stretched to coddle terrorists unduly. Congress should instead set clear standards, consulting intelligence experts and medical professionals to flesh out which techniques should always be prohibited (for example, those likely to cause death or permanent disability), and which are permissible — and most likely to yield reliable lifesaving information.

Accountability means not leaving serious judgments to junior personnel. Harsh interrogation methods, such as covert operations under current federal law, should require approval by a high-ranking administration official.

Obviously, distinctions must be made between terrorist leaders and low-level operatives. Even so, those arguing that it is better to sacrifice the lives of U.S. troops — or even an American city — rather than cause a terrorist temporary discomfort are making a terrible mistake. They urge a self-destructive policy and a misguided morality.

Andrew C. McCarthy is a former federal prosecutor and a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Clifford D. May is president of the FDD.

Duck Hunt

Ok so my friend that works at Budweiser called me late Friday night and said they had an opening on a duck hunt Saturday morning. So of course I said I was in. I got all my gear ready and checked out the weather. I got to bed at 11:30 and needed to be up at 1:00 am in order to get ready and meet the group. Needless to say I was a little tired. We met up with the guide and headed out to the field. Once we put out all the decoys and got in our positions the ducks were already coming in and landing. At 6:30 am we could start shooting. There were ducks and teal everywhere. The group consisted of 4 people (including me) and the guide. We started blasting them. My best shot was a double on a group of teal. And if anyone knows how fast and furious a group of teal come in then you know how difficult it is to even get the second shot off. Anyway we hit our limit by 9:30. 30 mixed ducks and teal and 1 snow goose and 1 spectled belly goose. There were thousands of birds out there. Once I find out the guide website I will post it along with some of the pictures from the hunt. Awesome day.

What the .......

Ok one more thing for today.

Lowes and a few other stores have changed a few things. They have "Holiday" trees for sale. Right next the these so called "Holiday" trees was a pallet of CHRISTMAS Tree stands. A couple of questions.

1. Do "Holiday" trees fit in the Christmas tree stands?
2. When will you be receiving "Holiday" tree stands?
3. When will you be receiving Christmas trees?

I cannot believe that Christmas is being taken out. If it weren't for CHRISTMAS these stores would have the great sales that they do. They would never have a peak season. Their sales would be crap for the entire year. If you don't like the word Christmas then don't celebrate it. Don't buy a CHRISTMAS tree. Don't buy CHRISTMAS lights. You don't have to participate. This PC crap is really getting on my nerves.

Been Busy

Ok so I haven't posted anything in a while. I have been real busy. Here is a breakdown

1. Closed on my first house Nov 16th. It is AWESOME. No more paying rent for me. Now every time I pay a little more of the house is mine. It might be small but it is mine. I was standing on my back patio the other morning sipping a steaming hot cup of coffee while my dog handled his morning business. My back yard has no grass in it yet. (one of my many projects) I thought for a minute....It might just be dirt now but it is MY dirt. Awesome feeling.

2. Thanksgiving with both sides of the fam was great as usual. Not as hectic this year since my house is closer to everyone now.

3. Great hunting trip with my cousin. Check out his blog in my links section for details of the trip.

4. Wedding to attend this weekend.

5. Older brother coming in this weekend. Still have boxes and crap everywhere in the new house

6. Little bro got ingauged. Congrats man. My wifey and I wish you all the best.

7. Working on big project for work and my overseas office calls me every night to discuss. Man I will be glad when this cargo gets on the ship and sails out. Haven't even been able to take a lunch brake recently

Hopefully my schedule will calm down and I can post some more.

I'm Out