Torture

 Since the publication of the memos written by the Bush Administration to justify the techniques of torture, many Americans have criticized the former Vice President Dick Cheney for the use of harsh methods of the suspects. On the other hand, many others remember September 11 and base their bias opinion solely on the tragedy – the government must implement any means to avoid future terrorist attacks. When discussing the use of torture it is fundamental to establish under what circumstances, if any, should torture be allowed. Torture should only be regarded as a last resort to acquire data which, in turn, could save lives.

To begin with, terrorist attacks have occurred all around the world. One of the most prominent ones was the terrorist plane crash into the Twin Towers in New York on September 11, 2001. As hundreds of people lost their lives, the government realized that the measures taken were not enough to protect the country. Also, the people expected “the government to not only respond, but also to prevent another attack by any means necessary” (Source B). The Bush Administration considered the use of torture an obligatory move it had to make to protect the United States of America. The decision was not an easy one, but the government needed the verve to accomplish one goal, and when the lives of thousands of people are on the line, the government must act quickly and effectively.

The opposition argues that torture is unethical and does not resolve any issues. According to Bryce Lefever, “it would actually have been unethical for them not to suggest the use of these tactics on the few individuals who might be in a position to provide information that could potentially save thousands of lives” (Spiegel). A small group of terrorists has control over the fortune of hundreds of thousands and in one moment the lives of many, young or elder, are taken away by a group of people who, according to some, should be treated ‘politely.’ Until scientists...