If torture were made real and not theoretical even those who think they approve of it would change

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

Why do you think they issued all those concentration camp photos after World War II? It was to make it REAL. To show people all over the world that these were not just stories, but actual human beings who were abused, starved and piled like pieces of wood by people who had lost their sense of humanity.

I advocate something radical. If Dick Cheney and George Bush and the torture apologists think it's a great practice and worth the results, why not share with the American people the reality of what they are approving of? Release ALL the pictures, all the videos, all the testimony, every bit of it and let us all decide together if it's "worth it".

[MadMaddie]

1. I agree

This is the same concept of not showing the caskets of our military fallen. The Repugs didn't want the caskets seen because it makes the war real.

Abu Gharabe...the photos made it real.

Let's make the torture real too.

[waiting for hope]

2. This is like letting the public see the coffins

at Dover Air Force Base - I heard a ton of Vietnam Vets speak out about this - they attributed the end of the Vietnam War to the public outcry in response to the volume of death and suffering. But the problem with this, I fear that there are a good many of Americans who don't view the nationality or religion of the detainees as being anything close to human or dignity for that matter.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

4. But I think the numbers that do outweigh the ones who don't

particularly when confronted with hard evidence. In fact, I'm sure of it.

[waiting for hope]

6. I'm sure they do - but as the latest round of GOP

whiners show us - they are the ones that scream the loudest.

[babylonsister]

3. I approve this message. Good idea. Won't happen by the hand

of the BFEE, but it might happen eventually.

[Laelth]

5. Nothing cleans better than the light of day. Agreed. n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[jody]

7. I have personal friends who were tortured, two by the Japanese, one by N. Korea, two by N. Vietnam.

I oppose all torture.

[Davis_X_Machina]

8. They would *not* change their minds. Not all of them.

There are two groups of Americans who would never change their minds - they overlap a bit, I'd guess.

One group are o.k. with it because of who ordered it -- GW and Cheney, who were chosen by Jesus from before the beginning of all time as a special dispensation to save America from the scourges of homosexuality, higher marginal rates of income tax, and oral sex in the White House,

Another one would advocate for the routine use of torture in domestic law enforcement, never mind unleashing it on the godless Other. They'd get The Torture Channel, if it were available on cable.

Together, I'd guess 25% of the country. 60 million people or so.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

10. Not all, but most. Even the invincibly ignorant 27% (very consistent in polling)

would have some people peel off.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

9. After Congress came out after their personal walk down the Memory Lane of Abu Grahaib

and they were all chalky white and retching and Lindsay Grahamn talked about rape and murder, I had an idea that maybe it was a little more than "fraternity pranks". But then they all closed ranks.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

11. kick! I challenge those who present the positive(?) side like Fox News

to present the negative as well. If they don't they are a f!@#king nanny state that doesn't think I am smart or stong enough to make my own decisions.

[dalaigh lllama]

12. Exactly! People need to SEE what's been done in our name

There has been such a blackout not only of this but of the ravages suffered by the Iraqi people and our soldiers. Americans are not heartless -- they're oblivious. If we had the same coverage of what's been going on as we had during the VietNam War -- BEFORE 24/7 news -- even more Americans would be outraged.

[Hissyspit]

13. You mean what hasn't been destroyed?