To readers this may concern,
I know my blog is called Political Food for Thought. And these news stories are not necessary political (they can be) but I think they are important to highlight to give a glimpse of our current times: good, bad or just plain scary. Please feel free to let me know how you feel as this is something I will periodically do to break up my opinion-expressing posts. Hope you enjoy it.
Japan's economy in record plunge: Seems the U.S. Economy is not the only one that depends on consumer spending to keep it chugging along.
Scientists hail stunning fossil: This could possibly be one of the greatest discovery in the 21st century of human evolution and history. Or not.
Beating the recession in Taiwan: Another great example of necessity being the mother of all invention. Check out these innovative ways folks are making money amidst the economic downturn.
Cases of swine flu near 10,000: A possible global epidemic if the World Health Organization (WHO) does not get full cooperation among the countries being affected, mainly Mexico and the U.S. Fortunately, it seems the Obama administration has been watching the flu outbreak since the beginning. Let's hope those vaccines does not arrive too little too late.
Largest wind farm comes on stream: Truly exciting times as more and more countries are investing in Wind power in their national infrastructure. This is good news for the wind technology sector because more investments will decrease manufacturing costs over time (hopefully sooner than later) which will make it an attractive alternative than burning coal for energy (China anyone?).
Californians snub budget measures: The deep budget cuts the Governator threatens to implement looks to be imminent with only Proposition 1F to pass for legislation. A scary blow to the statewide educational system and health care for low-income children. What to do what to do...
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Dear Mr. President
Dick Cheney.
To some, a straight-talking leader admired for his relentless emphasis to keep Americans safe through a steadfast belief that "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques" are effective in our war against terrorist extremist. To others, an up-to-no-good, not-to-be-trusted Republican leader to which many are happy to see out of the white house. But most importantly, Dick Cheney is known by most if not all Americans.
First, let's get to the point about "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques" (EIT) which includes sleep deprivation, cold temperature exposure, and water boarding (to name a few). These are all activities that fall under the UN Convention against Torture that defines torture as "any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession".
In that regard, "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques" is just a fancy way of describing torture. It seems strange then that Cheney remains adamant with defending the EIT on CBS & Fox News (a few more I can't recall right now). Here is Cheney on Face the Nation recently talking about torture and more.
While a lot of people say so what we torture? We did it to prevent future attacks. We did it to protect people like you and me and all Americans. We did it to save lives. These are real concerns. I am sure these were some of the reasons those who chose to participate in these torture programs did it with these concerns in the back of their minds. But I think we forget that by conducting torture, we are inherently giving up our credibility and ability to oppose to such acts that could possibly be used against our own soldiers once they are captured by opposing forces.
While most people say there are more pressing concerns for our nation to deal with right now (the economy & healthcare anybody?). This is just not a good time for President Obama to use his so-called political capital on things that have no short term gains like the torture issue. But let's face it, there is no good time to deal with tough issues like torture. There is no easy way to go about it. So unless our nation accept that by giving up on our integrity for short-term gains, we are essentially setting an example to future leaders that they can conduct torture (even with our participating in the Geneva Conventions) and will get away with it.
The formula seems to pan out like this if I am right. Rename torture (or any unpleasant issue) something pleasant + good timing (i.e. bad economy) = Get away scotch free. Yay!
That seems to be the formula moving forward as the Obama administration seems hesitant to pursue any charges for those responsible. Which makes me wonder, how would those who let this issue slide out of our nation's political consciousness answer to the soldiers who (knock on wood) might have to endure the same "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques" by our enemies in the future when those same enemies use the same excuses for torture as we do - a means to an end?
I can hear the excuses already.
To some, a straight-talking leader admired for his relentless emphasis to keep Americans safe through a steadfast belief that "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques" are effective in our war against terrorist extremist. To others, an up-to-no-good, not-to-be-trusted Republican leader to which many are happy to see out of the white house. But most importantly, Dick Cheney is known by most if not all Americans.
First, let's get to the point about "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques" (EIT) which includes sleep deprivation, cold temperature exposure, and water boarding (to name a few). These are all activities that fall under the UN Convention against Torture that defines torture as "any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession".
In that regard, "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques" is just a fancy way of describing torture. It seems strange then that Cheney remains adamant with defending the EIT on CBS & Fox News (a few more I can't recall right now). Here is Cheney on Face the Nation recently talking about torture and more.
While a lot of people say so what we torture? We did it to prevent future attacks. We did it to protect people like you and me and all Americans. We did it to save lives. These are real concerns. I am sure these were some of the reasons those who chose to participate in these torture programs did it with these concerns in the back of their minds. But I think we forget that by conducting torture, we are inherently giving up our credibility and ability to oppose to such acts that could possibly be used against our own soldiers once they are captured by opposing forces.
While most people say there are more pressing concerns for our nation to deal with right now (the economy & healthcare anybody?). This is just not a good time for President Obama to use his so-called political capital on things that have no short term gains like the torture issue. But let's face it, there is no good time to deal with tough issues like torture. There is no easy way to go about it. So unless our nation accept that by giving up on our integrity for short-term gains, we are essentially setting an example to future leaders that they can conduct torture (even with our participating in the Geneva Conventions) and will get away with it.
The formula seems to pan out like this if I am right. Rename torture (or any unpleasant issue) something pleasant + good timing (i.e. bad economy) = Get away scotch free. Yay!
That seems to be the formula moving forward as the Obama administration seems hesitant to pursue any charges for those responsible. Which makes me wonder, how would those who let this issue slide out of our nation's political consciousness answer to the soldiers who (knock on wood) might have to endure the same "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques" by our enemies in the future when those same enemies use the same excuses for torture as we do - a means to an end?
I can hear the excuses already.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
