The prohibition against torture is universal. Meaning it is
always wrong. There is no "torture lite".
Americans with no experience deceive themselves when they
think that U.S. torture is somehow more "humane" than the practice in other
countries. "Ranking" of severity is arbitrary and irrelevant. Physical scars
aside, "the mark of torture is more inside than out," says one survivor.
Torture, whatever its guise, is always immoral. Whether if
happens "at home" or abroad. But it should really give us pause that it is
happening right under our noses, in prisons all around us, in this country.
The choice of whether or not to torture serves as s a litmus
test of the moral character of a people. And acquiescence to torture is a
measure of degradation of that character and culture.
Our determination to stop torture, and cruel and unusual
punishment, is not prescribed by whether Pelican Bay, California is worse than
Guantanamo, but should be applied everywhere we find the practice. Our own
backyard is one place to begin.
Support the hunger strikers across California, and beyond,
as they continue to fight for basic human rights.
