Reply #13: I think you are correct, however..

[AtheistCrusader]

There is a chance it might help. Hitchens tried it, somewhat as a stunt, he didn't last 2 seconds, and in all seriousness and candor, calls it torture now. A complete, emphatic reversal.

Would Hannity, assuming he would even have the guts to try it, have the same change of heart? Possibly. Might be a win.


BUT, I agree with your premise, that this does cheapen it, or turn it into a 'fear factor' sort of stunt. Torture generally doesn't work, and it's not how Americans do business. If Olbermann's challenge helps bring about an end to it, great, but there's a chance it will trivialize it, and extend it.