Published: May 01, 2009 04:16 pm      

in Your View — 05/03/09

Torture does not protect security

There’s been much discussion recently in letters about torture. Many express the unsupportable claim that torturing prisoners in some way protects America’s national security. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Even current and former FBI interrogators — people who are trained to torture prisoners of war — and top Pentagon officials contend that torturing our enemies is the least proactive way of obtaining reliable intelligence. Indeed, torture often elicits a profoundly negative effect on intelligence gathering. That is, many prisoners are led to provide interrogators with false information and false admissions simply to stop the pain of torture. If subjected to enough torture, experts say, anyone would say anything to make it stop. In turn, the government embarks on costly wild goose chases to act on intelligence that doesn’t exist.

Perhaps more important, however, is the fact that the United States, as a signatory of the Geneva Convention, is obliged to conduct itself in a manner appropriate with international standards. By torturing our enemies, we violate an international standard that we seek to impose on other nations. What credibility would the United States have on the international stage to respond and react to the torture of an American citizen or soldier in another country if we sanctioned the same torture against our own enemies? How can the United States lead in the world by violating accepted international protocols?

The national security of the United States is vitally important. And our government has an obligation to maintain that security. But torturing our enemies is not conducive to that end. If we want to ensure national security, we must lead by example in an ever interconnected global community. And international leadership requires responsibility — which means the United States must practice what it preaches to the international community.

Tyler Murphy, Flatwoods



Wrong to saddle children with debt

Regardless of color, creed, or national origin, newborn children enter the world, debt free.

Any legislation that burdens newborn or unborn children with debt is illegal, immoral, and unjust. I proclaim any government, its representatives, and its justice system that enacts, or allows to be enacted, such legislation as demagogues.

Rather than preserving democracy, we have squandered our inheritance and can blame none but ourselves.

Thomas Jefferson warned about abuse of power. As for me, it matters not how I criticize government, rather if I have courage to criticize at all!

American philosopher William James wrote, “The deadliest enemies of nations are not their foreign foes; they always dwell within their borders.”

Can you argue through our mutual silence and consent that we have permitted our representatives to increase the national debt beyond $10 trillion? Who, if not we, are the enemy? What answer or explanation can we reasonably provide our children and future generations?

Allow me an opportunity to persuade you. Fear neither government nor its threatenings, but rather failing to combat unjust and immoral laws.

John T. Lykins, Portsmouth, Ohio



Treatment of circus animals criticized

Imagine if your boss kept you locked in a cubicle with just enough space for you to stand up, lie down and turn around. You’d rarely get to go outside, and you’d have to “use the bathroom” right where you sat. You’d be given no choice about who shared your space. When you balked, you’d be hit and whipped.

Even in today’s horrendous job market, this isn’t a position anyone would sign onto. But for animals used in circuses, that unimaginable scenario is just another day.

Federal laws allow for animals in circuses to be kept in cages in which they can barely move. There is no requirement for grass or greenery, or for animals to be allowed to feel the sun or breathe fresh air. Elephants, tigers, horses and other animals are hauled around in fetid, stifling boxcars and tractor trailers from one venue to the next. Their only “relief” is when they are forced to perform strange and confusing tricks that showcase none of their natural behavior or intelligence. In the wild, elephants do not stand on their heads. Tigers don’t run towards fire.

The next time you gripe about your lousy boss or benefits, spare a thought for the animals who would be happy to be out of their circus “jobs.” Readers can learn more at www.Circuses.com.

Jennifer O’Connor , People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Norfolk, Va.



Writer looking for beloved guitar

I am trying to find my guitar. There must be someone out there who knows where it is or can give me some information on how to find it.

My late husband bought the guitar for me new in 1970 after a house fire had destroyed the one I had.

For a number of years, I played and sang with my two girls at least four times a week at our church and at many other area churches. We played and sang at revivals, at fairs and at benefits throughout the Tri-State.

In late 2007, the guitar was taken from my home and pawned. By the time I tracked it down at an Ashland pawn shop, the guitar had been sold.

My heart aches for my guitar. Every time I see one like it, my heart leaps. But when I look for the name on the neck, my heart sinks. It is not the one.

It’s a blonde Yamaha Model FG300. I know the serial number and other identifying things about it. I am offering a small reward for help in recovering it, and I will buy it back from the person who has it. Please help me find it.

My phone number of (606) 473-6686.

Joyce Woods, Greenup