Torture and the American Conscience

Today at Counterpunch Paul Craig Roberts praises Ron Paul and George Hunsinger, professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, for calling their fellow Americans to account over the federal government's use of torture.

"U.S. Representative Ron Paul (R,Tx) understands the danger to Americans of permitting government to violate the law. In Torturing the Rule of Law, he said that the US government's use of torture to produce excuses for illegal actions is the most radicalizing force at work today. 'The fact that our government engages in evil behavior under the auspices of the American people is what poses the greatest threat to the American people, and it must not be allowed to stand.'"

Hunsinger's new book, Torture Is a Moral Issue, is"[a] collection of essays by thoughtful and moral people, including an American admiral and general, [that] demonstrates the danger of torture to the human soul, to civil liberty, and to the morale and safety of soldiers."

Roberts concludes,"Hunsinger, Paul and others are trying to save our souls, our humanity, our civil liberty and the rule of law. Obama can say that he forbids torture, but if those responsible are not held accountable, he has no way of enforcing his order. As perpetrators are discharged from the military and re-enter society, some will find employment as police officers and prison officials and guards, and the practice will spread. The dark side will take over America."