There's a guy named Jim Wright who writes a blog called "Stonekettle Station." He's not the same Jim Wright who was a Democratic Congressman from Texas. Same name, different guy. This Jim Wright is US Navy (retired) and he lives in Alaska. Here are his thoughts about torture.
I strongly suggest that you read his whole blog essay, which you can find here: Negative Reinforcement. You might want to click on some of his other essays. He's a smart guy with great opinions.
But if you don't want to read the whole thing and if you want a good quote, I'll set it up.
Jim Wright believes torture is wrong. Period. He points out that Senator/former Presidential candidate John McCain is also against torture and that McCain is one of very few Republicans who has taken a stand against torture. John McCain piloted U.S. airplanes in the Vietnam War and was captured and then tortured by the North Vietnamese. John McCain has first-hand experience with torture. That's why McCain thinks torture is bad.
Then Jim Wright delivers a quotable rant...
John McCain the POW gets no credit from me for coming out against torture.
None.
You shouldn’t have to torture somebody to get them to see the immorality of torture.
You should already know that torture is wrong, un-American, illegal, immoral, and beneath the dignity of a free and just nation.
Just as you shouldn’t have to see hungry people to understand why allowing your fellows to go to bed with empty bellies each night in a nation literally overflowing with food from sea to shining sea is immoral.
Just as you shouldn’t have to see poor people sleeping on the streets and living in cold inequality surrounded by a nation wealthy beyond dreams is likewise wrong.
Just as you shouldn’t have to see millions without healthcare or access to the basic medical services that a majority of the civilized world takes for granted to know that as a people, as a nation, we have failed.
Just as you shouldn’t have to see people who love each other denied the right to marry, to work, to housing, to services, to the same respect and liberty as every single other American, just because they happen to be gay.
And he goes on. Click the link to read the whole thing.
I love this guy. He's the very definition of a Democrat.