A few important aspects of America's torture policies rarely discussed.

[Vinnie From Indy]

What of the innocent? How many poor, dumb bastards had the misfortune of being swept up in America's terrorist dragnet simply because of wrong place, wrong time or because they were fingered by others to settle a score or to fulfill a vendetta? What is their recourse? Who will apologize to them for the barbaric treatment meted out in America's secret prison system? Are these folks just being tossed back into society with a "Gee, I guess we were wrong - sorry"!

Were third parties like wives, children or relatives tortured in order to coerce alleged terrorists to talk?

Is there any doubt that Judge Bybee would have a completely different opinion if it were his loved ones being waterboarded based solely on a GUESS that they (or he) might know something about future terrorist attacks?

It is important that all Americans realize that according to Federal Judge Bybee's memo, waterboarding, head slamming and the rest could very easily wind up being used by your local law enforcement on people you know. That is why it is critical that people speak out and demand justice. Bybee, since apparently he will not rersign, should be impeached sooner rather than later.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

1. You are right. They were torturing SUSPECTS .

I pointed out a few days ago that it would be hard to have trials that the world would recognize as legitimate due to the taint of torture.

[Vinnie From Indy]

2. Why not just torture everyone to find out if they are up to no good?

I guess determining guilt or innocence comes after torture, if at all, in the BushCo view of the world.

[cali]

3. Although I agree with most of your OP

you're wrong about Bybee's memo being legal justification for police to torture.

[Vinnie From Indy]

4. Whew! That's a relief to know!

All that waterboarding and no comb.