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Michael Otterman is currently a Visiting Scholar at the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney, as well as an award-winning journalist and filmmaker.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
McCain does not get it
In response to ABC reports that the CIA stopped using water boarding last year, Senator John McCain stated:
"Water-boarding is a form of torture. And I'm convinced that this will not only help us in our interrogation techniques, but it will also be helpful for our image in the world."
Unfortunately the Senator, who has done some very important work to stop the use of torture by the United States, does not fully comprehend what needs to be done to"make things right" across the globe. The United States is not trusted in these matters and positive changes of policy need to be stated clearly by those in positions of real power in the Administration. To restore the American image in the world we need to do the right thing and be seen to do the right thing.
The American public understands this and I suspect that as Tom and I continue working with Mike (we are currently in New Mexico) we will continue to see that the American public understands the need for a clear change in direction.
More from the tour to come - tomorrow we are at Webster University (1.30pm) and University of New Mexico (6pm) - if you are in NM come and join us.
"Water-boarding is a form of torture. And I'm convinced that this will not only help us in our interrogation techniques, but it will also be helpful for our image in the world."
Unfortunately the Senator, who has done some very important work to stop the use of torture by the United States, does not fully comprehend what needs to be done to"make things right" across the globe. The United States is not trusted in these matters and positive changes of policy need to be stated clearly by those in positions of real power in the Administration. To restore the American image in the world we need to do the right thing and be seen to do the right thing.
The American public understands this and I suspect that as Tom and I continue working with Mike (we are currently in New Mexico) we will continue to see that the American public understands the need for a clear change in direction.
More from the tour to come - tomorrow we are at Webster University (1.30pm) and University of New Mexico (6pm) - if you are in NM come and join us.