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2015
Senate Report Exposes CIA Torture Thomas Milder '17
News Writer
the art torture means and methods . Clearly the possibility of gaining intelligence is a valid reason to be in favor of torture in some cases , but what are the arguments against it? Immediately after the committee released the torture report to the public, it was met with outrage, many condemning the methods the CIA used to gather information. Many addressed that torture is illegal under international law, and argued it is rarely effective at
In December 2014, the senate intelligence committee released a 6,000-page report on the CIA's interrogation techniques post-9/11. The report detailed the gruesome and psychological ways the CIA extracted and gained intelligence from suspected terrorists. The methods included sleep deprivation, prolonged standing, rectal feeding,andwaterboarding.Afterthecommitteereleased the report, it was met with a huge amount controversy and criticism, which has sparked an ongoing debate. Is torture a necessary and valid way of gaining intelligence to save American lives? In April 2014, a Washington Post poll gathered data on the American public's opinion on torture and if it was justified. The poll's results indicated that 59% of Americansbelievedtorturingterroristsisjustifiedirisome circumstances; while only 31% said torture was never
give false information in fear of continuing aggression. Although some arguments against torture are concrete, others are debatable. At Wilmington Friends School, the talk about the torture report continues as students digest and discuss the news . In response to the issue, Andrew Slomski ` 17 firmly asserted his opinion, "No matter the circumstances, the immoralityoftorturesimplycannotbejustified."WillGatti ` 17 supported this view, adding, ``1 think torture is wrong
justified. Evidently, the "majority" of the American public believes torture can be justified in some circumstances. In the minds of proponents, the argument for torture offers valid and convincing points. Those who are in favor of torture as a way of extracting information believe that the chance of saving innocent lives outweighs the morals behind it. Jurist and legal theorist Richard Posner
considering that we signed the convention against torture in the 80's, which prohibits torture under intemational law." Considering we are a Quaker school, the majority of Friend's students oppose torture. Some weigh the benefit of potentially saving lives to be greater than the price of hurting others psychologically and physically. The opposing group counters that
justified in 2002 , "If torture is the only means of obtaining the information necessary to prevent the detonation of a nuclear bomb in Times Square, torture should be used - and will be used -to obtain the information...no one
justification, finding methods of torture illegal under international law and unproductive in gathering accurate information. Undoubtedly, the released report will weigh in on foreign policy and fuel political rivalries; all we are left to do is witness it unfold. Clearly, the release of the CIA report on torture has sparked a very important debate in American society.
who doubts that this is the case should be in a position of responsibility."ItwasreportedthattheCIAinvestedeighty million dollars in two scientists to develop the most state of
gathering information. Many argue that torture produces false intelligence, being that those being tortured may
Protests inspire #BIackLivesMatter Sadie Proud `17
difficult, sustained conversations on race, poverty, gender, and violence. In a recent interview, she explained, "I think that we are at the beginning of what could be a new civil On the heels of nationwide incidents of racial conflict, rights movement. Dealing with police brutality is a first violent and nonviolent protests erupted across the country. step, but it's not the whole picture .... If we truly believe Many adopted the #BlackLivesMatter slogan on social in the core values of Friends, we have to be willing to get media to motivate protesters and create a social media uncomfortable and get real about what can change at school platform for the movement. The corresponding Twitter and in our communities ." To that end, Upper School Social Studies classes have page for the hashtag grew to 23,000 followers, and the Facebook grew to 30,000 followers. Photographs of been discussing current events , as well as underlying issues protesters holding #BlackLivesMatter signs appeared of racism and racial inequalities. Brian Zittlau `15 and on every major media outlet, sparking discussion among Emilio Ergueta ` 16 participated in a student-run debate millions of additional Americans. over the verdict of the Ferguson case. While Brian argued The#BlackLivesMattercampaignbeganafterGeorge in agreement with the decision of the Grand Jury, Emilio Zimmerman was acquitted posited that the for the murder of Trayvon case should have Martin in 2012. According been brought to to the movement's website, court for a fuller "#BlackLivesMatter is "a examination of call to action and a response the facts. to the virulent anti-Black In reflecting racism that permeates on the debate, our society." Particularly Lena Urick, `17 after the assassination of stated, "Students two N.Y.P.D. officers in are split down Brooklyn, many cautioned the middle with that broad vilification of their opinions on law enforcement fails to the verdict of the advance critical efforts to Ferguson case, Protester in Ferguson, Missouri end police violence, as well but I think that as the community explorations necessary to resolve the all students agree that black lives matter." deep, underlying tensions. In mourning the officers' Many students also agreed that the true value of the murders, President Obama stated, "I ask people to reject debate was in the discourse it inspired. Joslyn Gardner ` 16 violence and words that harm, and turn to words that heal explained , "I think it's great that the school gives students a - prayer, patient dialogue, and sympathy for the friends platform to debate controversial current events . The debate and family of the fallen." informed more people in the community about police WFS Alum Clare Bayard, civil rights advocate and violence, and although I didn't agree with the decision of one of the organizers of a recent #BlackLivesMatter who won, it's great that we even have the opportunity to protest in Trolley Square, stressed similarly the need for share our political oT}inions."
News Writer
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