Makkun sends me a special report on torture, published in the British paper “The economist” on January 11th. The article ascertains that the US of A has stepped up its use of torture since 9/11.
I can believe that. It is not too surprising, though it does sadden me.
Nietzsche sums up my thoughts nicely in this famous quote of his:
Wer mit Ungeheuern kämpft, mag zusehen, daß er nicht dabei zum Ungeheuer wird. Und wenn du lange in einen Abgrund blickst, blickt der Abgrund auch in dich hinein.
He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And wenn you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.
Thorsten on (mostly) Tech 
I don’t know who this was attributed to, But The USA might like to take note as well:
“Be careful who you point your finger at, because there are always three others pointing right back at you.”
In other words, wouldn’t surprise me to learn they’re as guilty as any other nation for torture routines no matter how ‘innocent’ and ‘free’ our society claims to be.
Matt/Danruk
I disagree with your statement there. It looks as if the US begins to use torture or torture-like methods more freely, and this is an extremely worrying trend, which HAS got to stop. Despite this, the US is certainly not “as guilty as any other nation”.
This is easily ascertained. Have a look at Amnesty International‘s records. Heck, become a member. Read some of the reports. Egypt is bad. Turkey is bad. And those are allies. Other nations are a lot worse again than those.
No, the US is not a torture state. Does that excuse, then, the “occasional” or “justified” use of torture, direct or indirect? Absolutely not. In fact, as leaders of the free world, of democracy and all things good, I do believe that the US, and their allies, are to be held to a high standard. By their own citizens, and by the world.