I'm not so sure it's good to insist on the word "torture." Torture is an emotionally-charged word. I suppose "abuse" has an emotional impact, but it's not as strong. If you portray "torture" as appalling, are you implying that "abuse" is not?

When we decry injustice, I think it is imperative that we avoid the use of emotionally-charged words. Pure logic is our best weapon in defense of justice.

I don't care what the reason - it's not humane to mistreat a prisoner for any reason, no matter how compelling your need to obtain information. The conduct of the U.S. personnel was appalling, and it makes me ashamed to be an American.

-Joe Offer-