To torture or not?

[andream]

Just a reminder guys, to keep tempers under control.  This is a sensitive subject and shouldbe discussed both as an outlet and as a way of communicating opposing views to others in a sane and sensible manner.  Remember that this is a global forum and there are many viewpoints in the world and all of them have a right to be heard.

Let's keep comments on the issue at hand or the issue contained within any given post and not directed to individuals.

just a gentle word in the way of a reminder as what is sure to be a very sensitive topic heats up.


The Editor

[lauragfoss]

I'm not sure I understand, lillie, what you're speaking about when you refer to stars in the US being gagged from voicing their opinions.  I hear opinions loud and clear, from everyone, stars down to the local people in my town.  The newspaper is filled with letters to the editor every day on both sides of the issue of war.  Citizens have every right to voice their opinions here, and they do--from the letters I mention, to the guys that stand on the street corner holding signs to passing traffic, to radio and TV commentators.

That is the reason I am proud to be American.  I can voice my opinion over the internet, or on the street.  I can support my president or I can curse him.  Every day, as I drive to work listening to public (uncensored) radio, I think about how lucky I am to live here.  I don't always agree with politics or foreign policy, I don't like the way things are run, but I can speak up about it.  I am grateful to all soldiers and sailors, past and present, who fought for these basic freedoms.

Waving my flag...and pledging allegiance...off my soapbox now.

Edited by lauragfoss on 12/03/03 07:50 PM.

[carolineg]

I have been reading this thread with interest and think it is good to hear different views, at the moment I haven't decided where I stand on the issue of war but coming from a military family I know that I would be fully supportive of our troops should they be sent into action.

I lived in Germany at the time of the Terrorist attacks Lillibelle refers to and remember having armed escorts on our school buses and bomb disposal experts being regular visitors to our school and housing estates.  Not a pleasant way to have to live.

I have extremely strong views about torture - in my opinion there is never just cause for it.  As civilised societies we should rise above this and treat our prisoners of war as human beings.  A member of my family has been personally affected by this during active service and the effects are severe and everlasting.

Caroline