66 users responded in " Watch Christopher Hitchens Get Waterboarded "
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It would be great to see a video of the Chimperor-in-Chief undergoing the procedure, since he’s such a big fan of it.
Now THAT would be a mission worth accomplishing.
Hitchens, you’re such a treasonous hack. Compared to the despicable acts the enemy practices, that was a day at the beach. How do I know? His head is still on his shoulders and never hit the bucket once. His eyes remain in their sockets and all of his limbs are still intact.
All I ask of a fair demonstration is also show what the enemy does to our people if captured, then let the people decide what is torture.
#2 – Mr Dodd
If I had my druthers, I’d rather a swift, painless death by beheading than to be tortured beyond the limits of human endurance and have to take my own life, as the prisoners at Gitmo have been. As of June 2006, 41 prisoners attempted suicide.
If the best you can say about America is that it’s we’re better than 8th-century savages, that speaks volumes.
so u saying USA should also be a terorist organisation? nice
#2
Can you call treason when it really is treason please?
While this may physically be considered less lethal, especially when compared to what enemy combatants do, it’s still an experience that (to him) was completely horrible, nightmarish, and life-changing (for the worse) in the first place. Psychological torture, is that better or worse than physical torture?
In any case, it’s semi-irrelevant. He isn’t treasonous, he isn’t a hack. He was asked to write and convey his experience and he did.
2,
Dodd,
You are either a tremendous idiot or a sycophantic disingenuous hack yourself. Your comments are so far from the reality of the situation that I can barely believe you can write that shit with a straight face.
Why are we fighting this war? If it is to export democracy, we are doing a very shitty job at it. How do you free people by torturing them? How to you win hearts and minds when you bomb residential neighborhoods?
We are supposed to be the good guys. to simply compare their actions with our is ignorant and idiotic. How much more severe than a beheading is it to be burned alive by white phosphorus? We’ve done that to innocent people and called them “collateral damage”.
How much worse than a beheading is leadiing an entire country into a sham war that drains billions of dollars from our treasury and thousands of lives of our military forces and hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians?
So wave the barbaric behavior of others in our faces all you want, their behavior is not the issue. Ours is. We’re supposed to be there as agents of change, progress, democracy, and peace. Can you explain to me how our behavior in this war does anything to further any of those things?
Strange how you side with the enemy in your augments. An enemy that will gladly provide you with a death that would not be as painless as you anticipate.
As far as being no better than 8th-century savages, what delusions have convinced you that actions necessary to win a war is a gentleman’s game?
When they removed his mask, his face was cherry red. That’s a sign of suffocation. I suspect this water boarding causes a defensive reflect to occur in the larynx, making it snap shut so you suffocate even without trying. This is horrific. Any member of congress or the senate who believes this is not torture or closer to murder should try a few minutes of water boarding.
#7 – Mr Dodd
>>As far as being no better than 8th-century savages,
>>what delusions have convinced you that actions
>>necessary to win a war is a gentleman’s game?
In case you haven’t noticed, we’re not winning this war. We’ll never win this war. This is a war that should never have started, and one that will never be won.
If you think we’re going to impose democracy and peaceful coexistance on the warring factions in Iraq, you’re even dumber than you seem.
The war in Iraq, which will accomplish nothing other than countless deaths and the near bankrupting of the American economy, will be Dumbya’s legacy.
He is directly responsible for the creation of “al Qaeda in Iraq” as a viable terrorist organization. And his trophy war has turned America into a nation perceived as torturing savages, no better than the murderers we are fighting.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
You know, since very few people can think past labels, maybe the better question to focus on is: “Is this procedure one that we approve our own troops be subjected to if they are captured?”
Then just follow the golden rule.
PS–of course, that question doesn’t cut it in the real world. Waterboarding can be short or long, shallow or deep, hot or cold, thick rag or thin rag==all sorts of variables.
Restated: “Are we willing to have the enemy perform the worst kind of waterboarding in order for USA to use the less extreme forms of waterboarding?”
That might capture the uneven playing field we are on, always looking for the high moral ground.
#9 Mister Mustard
Don’t you know by now that winning the war was never the objective. If it was the thing would have been over 3 or 4 years ago.
You are too close to the painting… why don’t you step back and look at the entire picture.
#11 – Mr Dodd
What is the objective then? To line the pockets of Dumbya’s war-profiteering partners in crime?
Any way you look at it, 2000 – 2008 will go down in the annals of history as one of the darkest periods in American history.
#11–Dr Dodd==what a complete poser you are. First a doctor, now some mastermind of international politics? HAW!!! Yes, I say HAW, HAW!!!
How many years into USA losing the war did you take to determining winning it wasn’t our goal?
Dolt.
#13 bobbo
“How many years into USA losing the war did you take to determining winning it wasn’t our goal?”
Let me give you a hint:
Don’t you find it odd that the greatest military the world has ever known is “not allowed” to defeat, as Mustard calls them, 8th-century savages?
#14 – Mr Dodd
Come on. Quit playing coy. Let us know what the objective is for the Iraq war.
No hints, no sly innuendo, let’s hear it.
#14–Dodd==what I find odd is you haven’t shriveled up in a blinding flash of recognition as to how shallow you are.
I find it odd you can’t tell the difference between a military engagement and a police action.
I find it odd you can’t tell the difference between “active engagement” and civil insurgency.
I find it odd you can’t tell the difference between winning the war, and winning the peace.
But neither can your ass clown bushieboy which is why we are playing out your oh so clever strategic plan. I’m with Mustard==lets hear it.
Tick-tock.
Dr Dodd said
All I ask of a fair demonstration is also show what the enemy does to our people if captured, then let the people decide what is torture.
It’s because of complete and utter morons like you, that out country is in such a mess.
Dr Dodd said
Don’t you find it odd that the greatest military the world has ever known is “not allowed” to defeat, as Mustard calls them, 8th-century savages?
.
Not at all. Especially when their main objective is to radicalize the enemy in order to create more of them. How else will they insure “perpetual war”?
You’re such a silly fool.
I love hearing all the humane and logical arguments posted here by the all-so-smarter-than-Dubya that STILL support the insane and barbaric notion that Saddam Hussein (”Don’t call me Barack!”) should STILL be in power with his unimpeded, UN-peeved, license to entertain his further genocidal whims. Ask his victims if they think waterboarding would’ve been okay to save their hundreds of thousands lives…OOPS, you can’t, they’re DEAD.
A few decades ago, these were the same “America First!” types that didn’t give a rat’s ass about the Jews being systematically murdered by the Nazis. “Its a German internal politics matter! We can’t interfere, we have our own problems like persecuting those diabolical Christians!”
Musturd: Already in line to be the 1st ChiComm collaborator when they land.
Dr.Dedd is 200% right. We got God on our side. Whatever we do is fair. Guantanamo is a 5 star hotel compared to where our boys have to fight.
The President knows best.
Time for my medication yeehaaaaaaaaaaa
Here is the Vanity Fair Interview:
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/08/hitchens200808
I am struck again by a “qualitative” difference between waterboarding and other forms of torture. Everyone seems to volunteer for waterboarding. Some have done it 3-4 times.
How come electrodes to the gonads don’t get such volunteers outside of San Francisco?
#19 – Terrorist MoFo
What the fuck are you talking about?
Sure, Saddam was a dick. But the situation in Iraq is unimaginablly worse now than it was when Saddy was in charge, we’ve turned into a nation of torturing thugs, thousands of American kids are dead, many times more innocent civilians are dead, “al Qaeda in Iraq” is now a force to be reckoned with, oil is approaching $150/barrel, we’ve become the paper tiger laughingstock of the world ad infinitum.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED?
Dodd – The enemy is the Iraqi people themselves because each one is a potential terrorist. That is why the USA military can not win the fight. Unless someone wants to do a complete genecide of the Iraqi people then the battle in Iraq will continue as long as the USA military is there. Of course, may be the USA could do large scale psychological behavior modifcations on the whole country.
19,
Goodwin’s law applied. You can leave now.
> As of June 2006, 41 prisoners attempted suicide.
If all 41 succeeded then the world is a better place.
#21 – A very insightful comment, Bobbo.
Hitchens is a good actor and waterboarding is easier to fake than a quick blast of electricity to the nuts.
Poor Hitch. I feel bad for him. I hope he learned something. He’s a good guy.
Wow, the right wingnuts are out in force today. I also find myself in the odd position of supporting MM. Happy birthday America!
#19–SF==the only relevant question is: “Is the USA better off for having invaded Iraq.”
I say no for all the reasons everyone here already knows.
BTW–yes, Bush was a special type of idiot to go into Iraq unilaterally on information he trumped up himself. Wouldn’t even listen to or follow the example of his own daddy. What kind of idiot son dishonors his daddy in such a horrible way?
I take it you still think this bankrupting/crippling suicidal corporate enterprise was a good idea? Even in hindsight?
Well, you take after Bush then. He still thinks it was a good idea too. And now McCain is on board too. Whose daddy are you trying to show up?
#25 – JackAss
>>If all 41 succeeded then the world is a better place.
Did you just transfer over from al Qaeda, or what?
#30 Mister Mustard
“Did you just transfer over from al Qaeda, or what?”
The way your arguments constantly take the side of al Qaeda we could ask you the same question.
You display such caring and disgust at how the enemy is treated and apparently couldn’t give a rats ass about the people that provide you the freedom to do so.
I would say start thinking for yourself, but it would be wasted… Your brainwashing is complete.
#31 – Mr Doody
>>The way your arguments constantly take the side of
>>al Qaeda we could ask you the same question.
My arguments “take the side of al Qaeda”? wtf are you talking about?
You think because I put forth the proposition that we should not become as evil as the forces that Dumbya got us into a war with, that I am “taking their side”?
Christ, you are a dummy.
#31–Dodd==seriously, you might want to copy this thread, print it out, and take it to a local mental health provider of your choosing. I’m not a professional, but your statements only make sense if you assume that NOTHING BushCo/USA does is wrong.
Are you that jingoistic or just imagining that you are personally benefitting from the destruction of America and want to stay the course until your long position is covered?
HEY!!! That reminds me of my favority question to a Bushie that I haven’t asked in months but is now appropriate again.
Dr Dodd==what specific actions of BushCo do you think were wrong or hurtful to Amnerica, if any? Make the list as long as you wish, or as short as your ethics.
#32 – Mister Mustard
“You think because I put forth the proposition that we should not become as evil as the forces that Dumbya got us into a war with, that I am “taking their side”?”
What do you think war is, an encounter group that comes together to share their feelings?
It’s horrible and brutal and winning is the only option. You attack your country like you wish defeat not realizing that in these dangerous times losing means the loss of everything you now enjoy.
Take those Bush-hating blinders off for a moment and have a look around.
#34 – Dood
So why aren’t we “allowed to” win?
Hmmmm?
@Dr Dodd
Do you work for the current administration? If you don’t they are probably running low on sycophants and you should go apply for a job. If that doesn’t work out you could get a talking head job on the Faux News network.
At least noone is claiming today that torture never works.
The New York Times article on Khalid Sheikh Mohammed put that idea to rest.
That didn’t take very long and he “threw” the metal handles to the floor as he was drowning!
Happy fourth of July TORTURERS!!!!!!!!!!
#35 Mister Mustard
So why aren’t we “allowed to” win?
There are several reasons but the most important is as soon as a victory is declared all US forces will have to leave. To keep it going allows a footprint to remain in the form of a staging area for any future Middle East unrest.
As it happens it is necessary because of Iran’s open treats to bring about the next world war because of the desired to fulfill some Islamic promise. Another reason not to let them acquire nuclear weapons.
Having a ready attack force that close to Iran can mean the difference of their success or failure.
Has Obama flip-flopped on torture yet?
#35 – Dodd
Seems like Iran was much LESS of a threat before Dumbya started his trophy war. Inspectors, diplomacy, blah blah were at least keeping things under control.
Now, the only way to keep things under control is to keep feeding American kids into the maw of the Middle East. At breathtaking expense, both in monetary terms and human life.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED?
#37 – Lyin’ Mike
>>The New York Times article on Khalid
>>Sheikh Mohammed put that idea to rest.
What about all the other guys who didn’t do anything, and had no criminal secrets to reveal? But got waterboarded anyway.
Why fuck around with this pussy waterboarding stuff? Why not do like Die Weisse Engle, and just drill into their teeth until they talk? Burn them with acid? Cut off limbs one by one? They’ll all work too, in a certain proportion of suspects.
The USA lost the respect of the world with this kind of thing.
And you voted Dummy U in for a second term.
#41 Mister Mustard
“Seems like Iran was much LESS of a threat before Dumbya started his trophy war.”
We are talking about mere politicians. Who ever said that winning an election provides anyone with the illumination of knowing what they are doing?
This does raise one interesting fact. These are the same politicians that many who visit DU can’t wait to give more power by growing a larger government. Such a contradiction.
#43 – Dodd
Not a bigger government; a better one.
The good news is, it can’t get any worse than Dubmya’s regime.
Yee-haw!
FINALLY, an armchair chicken hawk war monger gets tortured
But they gave him the S&M version of it, with a safe word.
Even so, he has more cajones than that 99.999% of the other chicken hawk conservatives who support this method of torture.
>> Mister Mustard said,
>> The good news is, it can’t get any worse than Dubmya’s regime.
Yes it can:
A McCain regime.
>> lou said,
>> The USA lost the respect of the world with this kind of thing.
>> And you voted Dummy U in for a second term.
I was pretty sure we’d lost the war when Rumsfeld laughed about Saddams’s mammoth arms stashes being looted.
But I was ABSOLUTELY SURE when the photos Abu Gharib were released. America lost all moral credibility — and you need that to win hearts and minds.
Those photos set back democratic movements in the middle east by a generation, maybe even a century.
#44, it’s nice to see you’re improving. Now if we can get all the other lefties on this board to recant their position that torture never works.
So, let me understand this now.. The only people that are allowed to torture and kill without recourse is terrorist? ok, great, got that straight.. some of you are absolutely ignorant retards! Let’s just give and let them kill us…since we are not allowed to do a dang thing about it anymore…
#48 – Lyin’ Mike
>>it’s nice to see you’re improving. Now if we can get
>>all the other lefties on this board to recant their
>>position that torture never works.
The terrorists have won, my lyin’ friend. We have become them. We are what we most feared and reviled.
Way to fucking go, Osama. You and Dumbya make a heck of a couple.
I always thought Hitchens was a real Pr#ck and now I know for sure. His editor probably watches this video everytime he has to talk to him.Lets all cut the crap and understand that we are at war.War is hell.You do things that no one can be proud of.The only thing that really counts is to win….then everything is justified by your historians.
Your damn right its torture…that is what its meant to be! It can and will be argued for years to come what is and should have been done with the prisoners of Guantanamo. Do you people actually believe that American or Coalition prisoners are treated fairly or better? C’mon, wake up! Their agenda is to destroy, annihilate, everyone that is not in accord with their own beliefs, even their own people who do not hold to the radical beliefs of a few. Everything we as a country do is not always right, never will be, but we still are a much better people than that bunch of “savages” period. Y’all make me sick to think we have men and women affording you the luxury of freedom to spout such BULLSH_T!
Mustard and Bobbo on the same side of an argument? Surely we are in the end times. =)
@tcc3
Yep, those with a conscience against those that don’t have one. I am an agnostic libertarian and I agree with Mustard on this one.
Did he talk?
Did he confess to being a member of Al-Qaeda?
Didn’t the MTV/Jackass bunch already do this?
Now that the video is on you-tube it means the terrorists now have step-by-step instructions on an effective torture method which they can use on any capture serviceman in Afghanistan or Iraq.
@chuck
Don’t you think they already have a copy of our armed forces’ torture manual? What do they need with a Youtube video other than to laugh at a stupid journalist?
56-
hahahahahaha
you think the terrorists need this youtube video to be effective torturers?
Give me a damned break. You’re probably the same idiot who condemns videos of how to protect yourself against robberies for fear of giving thieves ideas.
Pull your head out of your ass.
Pathetic diatribe from the self-righteous lefties, as usual. Any actual evidence of whether or not and how often waterboarding has actually been used? Why not start with some basic facts? People who do professional interrogation for the government and military know that torture is not very effective and potentially very counter-productive. We are NOT waterboarding people left-and-right at Gitmo or anywhere else. This is a straw man for the left to scream about.
It is an error that people who are deprived of oxygen turn “red” as one opinionator stated . They turn blue and dusky, also known as cyanosis. The volunteer was clearly not cyanotic, he had a panic reaction, which from his statements is a common thing for him. I’m guessing your average Navy SEAL could tolerate this much, much longer than the wimp that volunteered. SEAL training is basically 6 months of hypothermia and partial drowning. Is that torture?
Should we outlaw the use of firearms against terrorists? Have you seen what a wounded gunshot victim goes through? I have. Is that not torture? Where do you draw your smug, self-righteous line? Maybe handcuffs are torture… after all, they cause some uncomfortable chafing and swelling at times. Maybe cause nightmares, for gosh sakes. Maybe our troops and interrogators should just be limited to throwing ‘Code Pink’ buttons at these guys… woops, could put an eye out.
#59–montanaguy==your post is so full of artless bullshit. Your errors are definitional.
1. The straw man argument here is yours. The issue is whether or not America should, in its own self interest, waterboard its prisoners. You have to be deaf, dumb, and a Bushie to think it helps protect America–so how many are waterboarded is irrelevant once the world thinks we approve the procedure. In fact, your argument goes just the other way. If we are waterboarding very few, is that little bit of evidence worth the massive turn in world opinion?
2. You ask if standard Seal training is torture. No, it isn’t. What equation are you trying to make?
3. You totally lose it trying to equate battlefield conflict with guns to after battlefield conflict in detention centers with interrogation. Again, I guess the bullshit between your ears makes this “connection” valid in some way? It so obviously doesn’t, I won’t further digress.
Self Righteous? Got a mirror handy?
Dolt.
Dodd
Why do you hate America so much?
to:
Dr. Dud, MikeNeoconbot, etc.
I’ve asked this before and never gotten an answer:
How many ‘in the field’ (now retired) intelligence agents have you spoken to about torture?
J/P=?
“DR” Dood
So why aren’t we “allowed to” win?
“There are several reasons but the most important is as soon as a victory is declared all US forces will have to leave. To keep it going allows a footprint to remain in the form of a staging area for any future Middle East unrest.”
What are you new?
How many “Permanent” bases are we constructing in Iraq (somewhere between 14 and 58) We will have a permanent force of 50-100k in Iraq for the next 20 years, or until the oil runs out which ever comes first.
Waterboarding doesn’t work if you know the guys aren’t going to drown you.
Maybe if hitchens was woken up at 2am at home, tossed in a van and dunked in a bathtub for an hour while being yelled at and beaten…and don’t tell him beforehand that it was going to happen, then he would get the full experience.
Good point Mustard.
Bobbo, at least you are making the right argument. Awhile back on this board, people were arguing that ‘torture never works.’ They were trying to take the easy way out.
I’m not sure there’s much lost in terms of enemies’ opinion. They were already spreading tales of torture, flushing Korans, Abu Ghraib, etc. I don’t think waterboarding makes things look much worse.
Of course there’s plenty lost in terms of we don’t want to commit torture.
Bobbo:
Rudeness and vilification doesn’t make your argument more coherent, convincing and superior. It just makes people not listen to you. You grossly misinterpreted my statements and beliefs to conform to your ‘black and white’ world view.
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