John Kerry is Half-Right About Torture

In an interview today with Huffington Post, Senate foreign relations committee chairman John Kerry said that he was concerned the release of photos depicting the abusive treatment of detainees in U.S. custody could become a "propaganda tool" for terrorist organizations.

It is true that photos of barbarian acts of torture could be used by terrorists to promote anti-American sentiments.

But only to the extent that those who ordered torture go unpunished.

If Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice and the others who ordered torture are allowed to go free, then that says loud and clear to the world:

"WE PROTECT TORTURERS. WE SAY ONE THING IN PUBLIC, BUT WE PROTECT AND NOD AND WINK AT THE BARBARIANS WHO HAVE DONE THIS TO BROWN-SKINNED PEOPLE."

But if the sickos who ordered torture are brought to justice, then the world will look at these acts as an unfortunate chapter in America's history that has been closed.

We will be looked on as a people who strayed, but have returned to our roots and to stand up for human rights and justice.

Terrorists would not be able to use the torture pictures as a recruiting tool if the U.S. political and justice systems and the American people stand up and shout "THIS IS NOT WHO WE ARE!", and if we admitted our errors.

On the other hand, failing to prosecute the criminals will weaken America's defenses and subject us to attack for generations to come. It is a matter of national security.