Think You Know What Waterboarding Is? Think Again.

On Earth Day, we need to remember how important sustainable water is. Water is the very breathe of life. Unless it's being used to simulate death by drowning, as in this U.K. commercial from Amnesty International. Amnesty rep Kate Allen tells the Daily Telegraph, “Our film shows you what the CIA doesn’t want you to see—the disgusting reality of half-drowning a person then calling it ‘enhanced interrogation.’” Read more at unsubscribe-me.org From all I'd read, I thought I could imagine the horrors of waterboarding. Seeing this commercial suddenly made it real for me. WARNING: this is a highly effective ad, meaning that it might be a little too graphic for some viewers.

Follow-Up: Here's The Real McCain

We heard from the real McCain in November. Where is he today? Tell Senator McCain to stand up and condemn President Bush's veto.

Will The Real John McCain Please Stand Up?

Dear Senator McCain,

Today, President Bush vetoed legislation that would ban waterboarding (as well as beating, electrocuting, burning, using dogs and many of the other heinous acts that haunt us from Abu Ghraib). If there is any public figure - especially one who may be our next Commander in Chief - who should be outraged, it is you. And yet, you say nothing. I must ask you, sir: where are your principles?
Sincerely,
Me

Let's face it. Senator McCain's never going to read this blog. But to those of you who do see this: please say something. Write the McCain campaign (by snail mail: John McCain 2008, P.O. Box 16118 Arlington, VA 22215). Push him to be the good and honest man he is. Because the man who stands idly by and supports legislation that makes this nation look no better than the one that held him captive for five years is the biggest flip-flopper in the history of American politics. I considered voting for John McCain eight years ago. I'd have considered voting for him this year. He's intelligent. Well spoken. Brave. Committed. But now, not a chance. Not unless the stunning young man in the photo above with the impeccable moral sensibilities to match returns. Honestly, for all the worrying that John McCain is too old for the Presidency because he might die in the Oval Office, I'm more worried that the man so many of us admired is already dead.

The Lord said Do Unto Others, but Waterboarding is OK.

Keeping in concert with the Christian values upon which he was elected, George W. Bush vetoed legislation that would ban controversial interrogation techniques used by the CIA. I can't remember, is it Mosaic Law or the Code of Hammurabi that Bush holds so near and dear to his heart. For those not familiar with water boarding, it is a torture method which has its roots in the Spanish Inquisition. The technique entails strapping an individual down while pouring water into the mouth thus simulating a drowning sensation. Bush questioned whether or not this technique could even be considered "torture". What!? Damn George, you might be dumber than I originally thought. I mean come on people. Can somebody just yell at me in a comment if I am being naive? Am I incorrect in my assumption that these techniques are likely to be more instrumental in recruiting new terrorists than any video from Osama? In my opinion, this is why the conservative right is so loathed.  They cannot see the hypocrisy of talking about Jesus and morals, while engaging in a little waterboarding on the side. At this point I would love to launch into the many instances whereby these Christian Conservatives have a lot to learn about their Lord and savior. How is it that they are strict biblical interpreters when it comes to things like homosexuality, but other Christian principles are subject to interpretation. For probably the first time in my life I have to agree with Ted Kennedy who said, "President Bush's veto will be one of the most shameful acts of his presidency." Keep it up George, at this point you're giving Warren G. Harding, U.S. Grant, and James Buchanan a run for their money for worst all time.