Incredible!

It's amazing how many people respond

To something right before their eyes,

And instead of believing the ugly truth,

They choose to believe in a litany of lies.

When torture's no longer an act of depravity

But a tactic that people support and condone,

Our moral standing in the world suffers.

That's something we ought to bemoan.

The mistreatment of people and the cruel infliction

Of pain on prisoners aren't petty slights.

Can we hold others to higher standards

If WE don't respect human rights?

Some say the times call for desperate measures.

That's a cop out--a rationalization!

Or "Terrorists themselves are brutal and cruel":

Another excuse; an absurd incantation.

In dealing with terrorists who would do us harm,

Humane standards must preside;

Otherwise, our character becomes

Less like Jekyll and more like Hyde.

Torture is not a thing to gloss over.

It's NOT a tactic the media should make light of.

A strict adherence to honor and values

Is a goal that we should never lose sight of.

Do you ever wonder who sits around

And designs the techniques of torture that we see?

I don't know, but whoever it is

Has to be a sick S-O-B.

By Bob B (12-11-14)