I modestly venture to say that ALL governments resort to torture -- however unjustified -- in the face of threats to their authority or policies. That's why I'm struck by all the hoo-ha about this, especially in re: the USG. After all, as we speak and in the past the US is openly blowing people up indiscriminately via aerial bombing. I don't think it's cynical to acknowledge that. It's not cynical to observe that lions will devour baby antelopes without remorse. It's just a fact.
You (List, not Michael or anyone in particular) could say outrage is called for in hopes of remedying the situation. But to me hopes of remedy in this matter are like hopes that the central security organs of the Gov would be dismantled. Not going to happen. That's a liberal delusion. (Cue Cmd. Cox.) Or you could say the issue is useful for political agitation, either progressive or radical. That strikes me as a bit cynical, though I wouldn't be above exploiting it myself. As a practical matter, I'm skeptical as to the uses of torture to score political points. Fire away. On Thu, Apr 23, 2009 at 12:34 AM, Michael Perelman <mich...@ecst.csuchico.edu> wrote: > The violations of human rights that we hear about in Cuba are very modest. > I am sure that the U.S. government has the resources to learn about any > atrocities. > -- > Michael Perelman > Economics Department > California State University > Chico, CA 95929 > > Tel. 530-898-5321 > E-Mail michael at ecst.csuchico.edu > michaelperelman.wordpress.com > _______________________________________________ > pen-l mailing list > pen-l@lists.csuchico.edu > https://lists.csuchico.edu/mailman/listinfo/pen-l > _______________________________________________ pen-l mailing list pen-l@lists.csuchico.edu https://lists.csuchico.edu/mailman/listinfo/pen-l
