I'd like to point out that some of the prisoners have been convicted. Most are only held on suspicion of terrorist acts. Only a handful are actually active terrorists. As far as torture goes, there are suspicions that water-boarding is taking place at Guantanamo. If such techniques are used, they are most likely used only on the convicted terrorists to extract much needed information. Whether or not it is right is still up for debate.
Waterboarding consists of immobilizing an individual and pouring water over his face to simulate drowning, which produces a severe gag reflex, making the subject believe his death is imminent while ideally not causing permanent physical damage. According to Republican United States Senator John McCain, who was tortured as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, waterboarding is "very exquisite torture" and a mock execution, which can damage the subject's psyche "in ways that may never heal." [taken from Wikipedia]
The use of this is stricktly forbidden by the U.S. millitary, but that does not apply to the C.I.A.
I'd also like to point out that all of this is ALLEGED information, supposed to be true, but not proven as fact. The only way one can see a clearer picture of what is going on is to read from many sources, on either side. Don't just take my word for any of this. If it provokes you to read more on your own and become more aware of the world around you, that is my intention.
One more question....why the HELL are we still in Cuba? The U.S. views Guantanamo Bay as a sort of lease, while the rest of the world sees it as if the U.S. occupation of Cuba never ended. Just another reason to close down Guantanamo Bay.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Friday, January 5, 2007
a.m. musings on responsibility
Early morning musings on responsibility, choice, and freedom while bidding on a particular ebay listing...
Responsible. Either you are, or you aren't. Does one become known as responsible when they take on many responsibilities? Or does one achieve the title of Responsible upon the completion of those responsibilities taken on?
People in general try to be responsible. As children, we have few responsibilities. Cleaning rooms, taking baths, brushing teeth and washing hands...the list of childhood responsibilities seems endless at the time. We have all looked up toward adulthood with wide eyes, waiting for the day when we will get to drive the car, or get the big job, or more importantly, get to do whatever we want. The freedoms of life are what we seek. The ability to make choices that form our lives, day-to-day into what we want in the long run, our goals, hopes and dreams.
I have come to one conclusion about responsibility and freedom. Freedoms that are sought can only be achieved upon the taking on of great responsibilities. It is a delicate balancing act we perform between our choices, responsibilities, and in turn, our freedoms in life. Just something to think about.
Happy New Year everyone!
Responsible. Either you are, or you aren't. Does one become known as responsible when they take on many responsibilities? Or does one achieve the title of Responsible upon the completion of those responsibilities taken on?
People in general try to be responsible. As children, we have few responsibilities. Cleaning rooms, taking baths, brushing teeth and washing hands...the list of childhood responsibilities seems endless at the time. We have all looked up toward adulthood with wide eyes, waiting for the day when we will get to drive the car, or get the big job, or more importantly, get to do whatever we want. The freedoms of life are what we seek. The ability to make choices that form our lives, day-to-day into what we want in the long run, our goals, hopes and dreams.
I have come to one conclusion about responsibility and freedom. Freedoms that are sought can only be achieved upon the taking on of great responsibilities. It is a delicate balancing act we perform between our choices, responsibilities, and in turn, our freedoms in life. Just something to think about.
Happy New Year everyone!