Fear of terrorism no excuse for torture

Contrary to the headline, "Differing views on torture report" on Dec. 15, what followed were four letters in support of America's torture of prisoners. I've been sorely tempted in the past to cancel my subscription to the Daily Herald for several reasons, including its willingness to print letters filled with lies stated as facts.

But in this culture where so many of us get our news through social media that caters to our views, creating an echo chamber of agreement, I keep reading the Herald because I hope it's a place where all voices can be heard. Am I to assume there were no letters in support of the Senate report and against the use of torture? If so, perhaps it was due to fear of being called unpatriotic. But to quote Julian Barnes, "The greatest patriotism is to tell your country when it is behaving dishonorably, foolishly, viciously."

Not only did one prisoner die of hypothermia while chained to the floor, but another prisoner who the CIA now admits was "mistakenly detained" was tortured so cruelly that he attempted suicide three times. To say that America's use of torture does not fulfill the international standards of human rights is a vast understatement. Yes, terrorists have done horrible things, but our fear of terrorism is no excuse for torture.

Sen. John McCain, who knows a thing or two about torture, spoke eloquently about the report, saying, "Most of all, I know the use of torture compromises that which most distinguishes us from our enemies. Our belief that all people, even captured enemies, possess basic human rights which are protected by international conventions, (which) the United States not only joined but for the most part, authored." What our country needs now is the courage to live up to our ideals.

Janet McDonnell

Arlington Heights