Torture: A Controversial Issue

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Torture: A Controversial Issue
Torture is the act of inflicting severe physical or psychological pain, and/or injury to a person (or animal) usually to one who is physically restrained and is unable to defend against what is being done to them. It has ancient origins and still continues today. The torture debate is a controversial subject to modern society. Because it is such a complex subject, many debatable issues come from it. For example, many have debated whether torture is effective in obtaining the truth, affects the torturers, threatens the international standing of the United States, or undermines justice. Others include what qualifies as torture, or whether or not the United States should set an example by not torturing. The two opposing claims to this topic would be: (a) that torture should always be illegal because it is immoral and cruel and goes against the international treaties signed by the U.S. and torture and inhuman treatment, and (b) yes, torture is acceptable when needed. Why not do to terrorists what they are so good at doing to so many others?
Anti-torture voices have been left sounding defensive, and incoherent. Our Constitution are rules that guide our nation. It was drafted by those who looked around the world in earlier years and saw persecution, torture, and other crimes against humanity and believed that America is much better than that. These values have been preached to the world. There are certain lines that have been made clear that Americans do not cross because we respect the dignity of every human being. “To preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution”, every president has promised our country as an oath of office. Most believe that this inhumane treatment is sure to bring cruel mental torm...

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...litary Confinement often suffer mentally due to the extreme temperatures of hot and cold, forced insomnia, and permanent bright lighting. This experience could be so traumatic for a prisoner that they could possibly suffer from serious mental illnesses. Although it could leave them in these conditions, it is not physically leaving them in pain and could be a much more acceptable way of punishment.
Where there are two sides to an issue, you can usually find a middle ground. Solitary confinement would be a great answer to dealing with torture and resolving the opposing claims it carries. This way, the people who believe that torturing those physically is inhumane and goes against what our Country believes and those who say that terrorists get what they deserve and should be brutally tortured, are both satisfied and those terrorists are still getting their punishment.

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