Torture by any other name, is still torture. Call it “enhanced interrogation” – that’s just double speak for torture. There is no circumstance where torture is warranted. The information resulting from these techiques is suspect, at best. The use and justification of means like head-slapping and waterboarding are un-American and we should all be ashamed.

Yet, we see the Department of Justice attempt to redefine torture, the Administration justify “enhanced interrogation” as a tool in the so-called “war on terrorism,” and Congress fail to take a stand against the tyranny that has befallen this country.

Nazi’s tortured. Saddam tortured. Pol Pot tortured. Stalin tortured. Mao tortured. Do we really want to add our names to this list? There is one other reason to stand up now and make yourself heard. If we, our government as our proxy, are willing to torture one person, we’re prepared to torture all given the right circumstances. Not to be alarmist, but, it could be you or someone you care about who’s next up for “enhanced interrogation” techniques, being held as an enemy combatant, without the benefit of habeas corpus.

It is time for us to stand up and say “Torture is not acceptable and we do not condone it as Americans.” There are plenty of other ways to develop intelligence that don’t involve breaking the law or trading in our ethics. Our government is intended to be “by the people and for the people” – now is the time to make yourself heard.

If you believe that torture is wrong and don’t want it carried out in your name, I encourage you to write to your Congressional Representatives and Senators to tell them so. It will only take a moment and if enough feedback is received, it will elevate the issue for action. This isn’t a political issue of left or right, this is a core American value that is being demeaned.