The recent debate over the use of torture while gathering intelligence during CIA interrogations to me is a farce. While one may argue that the ends justify the means, I ask you to view the situation from the other side. How would you feel if American soldiers, who were captured in the middle of a war, were subjected to similar interrogation techniques? We would be appalled… It is a double standard.

As Americans we pride ourselves as a country that promotes freedom. Part of the Bush Doctrine promotes the spreading of freedom and democracy in countries who do not currently share those beliefs. How can we be taken seriously when our actions contradict our words? Shepherd Smith of Fox News recently said it best, “We are America! We do not fucking torture!” We cannot have it both ways.

This country has an image problem abroad. We need to realize that as one of the most influential countries in the world, our actions are scrutinized and used as propaganda against us. We need to live by the example, otherwise we are no different than those who we deem the enemy.