Should torture be used by the U.S. to combat terrorism?

"I am so thankful that President Bush decided to finally listen to Senator John McCain and ban torture in the United States. By using torture, nothing is gained. Besides using basic common sense, it has been proved over and over that people are willing to tell you exactly what you want to hear to get you to stop the pain.

But going beyond the fact that it doesn't work, we also have to consider that it is a really barbaric practice! Honestly, this is America, the land of the free, and most often the world's policeman. Was this the sort of example we wanted to set?"

Trish Marx, junior,

Oakland High School



"It seems that every day that I turn on the news I hear of another unfortunate torture victim by terrorists, but what of the Geneva Convention? It is said that the Geneva Convention does not apply to war on terrorism because it could hold back anti-terrorists. How terrible, that as Americans, we have decided when the use of torture is acceptable and when it is not.

I don't see a difference between torture and terrorism, because they are both horrible acts of humanity. I understand that as Americans we must receive information that may cause us havoc, but when is torture too much? How are we to decide how much physical or mental pain should be inflicted upon the enemy?

I am torn between the terrible acts of inhumanity that the world has faced in the past, and the danger that we face today. It is unfortunate that torture has to be enforced, but as long as there is terror there will be torture."

Holly Thompson, senior,

Douglas High School



"The Bush administration's outlook on torture has always been murky. But their recent backing of McCain's anti-torture bill is a good step towards eliminating torture. As a world power, we need to set this example and lead the world towards a better future. The U.S. cannot afford to stoop to the level of terrorists by torturing.

Lately it has come out that the U.S. has secret prisons all around the world. The Bush administration has denied that torture is used in its prisons to extract information, but why is there a need for these prisons to be kept secret? Torture is a careless way to unearth information and it evokes anti-American feelings. As a major power in the world, we need to be the better nation and work within our Constitution, and our own laws, to fight terrorists.

The thought of the U.S. torturing prisoners disgusts me. I would hope that the Bush administration stays to its word. We need to have higher standards than those of the terrorists."

Drew Carson, senior,

Roseburg High School



"I think that the word 'torture' is vaguely defined, as there are varying levels of torture. Torture can denote the brutality of the Spanish Inquisition or it can be indicative of non-violent methods, such as sleep deprivation.

Webster's Dictionary describes torture as being 'the infliction of intense pain, especially to punish or obtain a confession.' Looking at it from a practical point of view, torture would definitely seem effective, if not essential, in extracting information in an attempt to prevent terrorist attacks. But from a ethical, biblical standpoint, I think that violent torture is amoral and barbaric, and I agree with President Bush's decision to abolish torture.

If the government permits torture for terrorists, it's only a matter of time until the rights of American citizens are diminished and 'cruel and unusual punishment' is imposed upon the citizenry. The savage and perverted incident at Abu-Ghraib clearly indicates that man, without moral law and order, can become a sick, demented savage.

America should be an example of virtue and justice, but how can we condemn the actions of men like Saddam Hussein if we are also practicing violent torture? I am not a prisoner rights advocate at all, but the president made the right decision in aligning himself with McCain and prohibiting the use of torture."

Shay Miles, junior,

Umpqua Valley Christian



Truth of Youth, which appears in Monday's News-Review, is an opportunity for teens to express their opinions. If you would like to submit a question, write to Erin Snelgrove at P.O. Box 1248, Roseburg, OR 97470 or e-mail her at esnelgrove@newsreview.info.