More on torture (are you surprised?)

I didn't set out to make this blog half about torture and half about meaningless things in my life... lol but uhh that's what it is turning into. I can't read torture news and not post about it.

I just got an email from Human Rights First. Here's an excerpt:

You might have read in the papers that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told the world last week that "the U.S. doesn't engage in torture." But how, exactly, does the White House define "torture?"

The Administration has acknowledged using tactics such as "waterboarding" and "cold cell," but still insist they don't engage in torture. With "waterboarding," interrogators make detainees believe they are being drowned; with "cold cell," interrogators put detainees in cells cooled to 50 degrees, and douse them repeatedly with cold water.

We have used generous donations from supporters like you to lead the fight in support of Senator McCain's anti-torture amendment, the outcome of which will be decided in a matter of days. As this torture debate reaches its climax, can we count on you to help us finish this battle and prepare for the next one?

Will you help us secure a ban on torture?

We will continue in 2006 to make sure torture never again happens in America's name. Whether it's our push for an independent commission to uncover the truth or our lawsuit against Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld seeking accountability, we will fight until we are certain that U.S. interrogation policies are in line with our values.

We are dedicating considerable time and resources to challenging these interrogation policies and reestablishing our nation as a champion of human rights around the world.

Is there a Christian organization working on this issue? Well I'm sure there is, but I need to find out who it is. I feel really compelled to give toward this. Why is America torturing its prisoners?! Why is it holding prisoners without cause?! Why is it barring access to prisoners?! Why why why. It's not necessary. It makes us less safe. Call me simple but THIS is simple to me. We probably create 100 terror-minded people for every one person we wrongly imprison or purposely torture. This has to stop. Do we really think ourselves that different from people that were born in other countries? Do we think ourselves that much better and less f-d up than terrorists and other criminals? Torture is not just an interrogation tactic or punishment - it is cruel vengeance. And I really believe the Lord will have his own vengeance to pay for people that engage in it. But in a democracy, to the extent that I don't speak up, I engage in it. So I have to do something...