In a recent editorial titled Waterboarding contradicts U.S. ideals, intent (SN 3/11), The State News criticized President Bush for vetoing the ban on waterboarding, claiming it “emphasized the flexible morals and hypocrisy” of the current administration.
With all due respect, I would like to remind your readers that we are at war with an enemy who does not distinguish between civilian and soldier, and who does not follow any of the Geneva Conventions. In such a war, there is only one goal: To win the war as quickly as possible with as few losses as possible. There is no room for halfway measures like those that lost the Vietnam War. We must allow the military to do what it takes to secure a free Iraq.
Your article also claimed that waterboarding undermines America’s position on human rights. Again, I must disagree. America has historically objected to the inhumane treatment of criminals and the intentional targeting of civilians. The men we are interrogating are international terrorists and guerrilla fighters who, under the Geneva Conventions, are considered spies and thus can be executed for espionage. Our allies and enemies understand this important difference.
Lastly, I would like to point out that our enemies culturally respect strength and unity. Therefore, waterboarding helps to dissuade them from attacking us. However, the media’s continual condemnation of the war, coupled with the Democratic Party’s push for peace at any price make America seem weak and divided, which only encourages our enemies to continue to fight us. Perhaps that is where we need to improve.
Patrick Hoffman
history sophomore
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