Issue Position: Torture

Issue Position

Summary:

Jim Evans is unalterably and unequivocally opposed to the use of torture by any element of the American government against any person anywhere.

Analysis:

As an Army veteran of the Vietnam era, Jim knows very well that some of his peers were subjected to "enhanced interrogation techniques" that were roundly and appropriately denounced as crimes against humanity by American leaders and citizens.

What was wholly unacceptable then, as practiced by agents of a foreign power, remains wholly unacceptable now, as practiced by agents of our democratic republic.

First, torture is morally wrong. It's just that simple.

Whether advocating or acting in the name of Jesus, another religious tradition, fundamental American ideals or common conscience, persons of faith, patriotism and ethical integrity must stand and speak together in opposition to this degradation of human dignity.

Many have done so already, working across the partisan, religious, racial, ethnic, gender and other "lines" that so often serve to divide us. From faith leaders to lay believers and non-believers, millions have joined together to protest the use of torture in their names.

Second, torture doesn't work. This is not seriously in dispute.

Whether from the testimony of American POWs or the results of the many investigations examining the policies and practices of the past dozen years, the fact is that torture does not produce useful actionable intelligence. What it does produce is anything the tortured believes that the torturer wants to hear. The end product is bad intel and greater hatred of America.

An extraordinarily large number of retired military leaders and intelligence officers have spoken out against the use of torture. The very persons whose experience and expertise ought to have immediate standing in this debate are in general consensus that torture is wrong and ineffective.

Jim Evans is committed to telling the truth and pursuing a principled politics that acts for the common good. Ending torture is, for him, a priority for restoring the pride of citizens in our government and the good will of citizens of the world for our country and its precepts.

Source