Cyclops - It was incorrect of me to suggest you would enjoy it, that was a barbed comment. However, you do seem to be finding ways to condone and rationalize torture, which, enjoyed or not, I regard without about the same level of contempt. I am not religious person, but I udnerstand that Christians follow the model of Jesus. Would he have simply condoned the actions as unavoidable and advocated them as a fact of war, or would he have deplored them?
Also, you seem to suggest I am arguing against us invading, which we really aren't discussing. I had mixed feelings about the invasion, and in retrospect consider it to be a mistake. Also, remember the dozens of far more brutal dictatorships the US has financially supported and politically bolstered, including Iraq when Sadam was in his heyday of bloodlust. Don't buy into this "we're better off without him, this our job to get rid of people like that" argument without carefully considering history and the politics surrounding teh current war. Have a look at Cambodia, Chile, and so many more. In terms of war, invasion, and mass death, the 'right thing to do' is hardly ever black and white. And once again I might add, that torturing Iraqis levels us with old Sadam quite evenly, and rather explains why they're so violently opposed to our presence right now. A congressional probe is under way to investigate the full extent of abuses, and they are being called abuses.
So far as me having mercy in battle, I would do my duty as a soldier and defend myself and my country, and execute my orders. Would I sick dogs on blindfolded prisoners and pose for pictures? Never. Sympathy for the enemy and respect for human lives is different friend, war is no excuse to toss morality out the window. The situation when you and another are pitted on the battlefield attempting to protect yourselves, and that of golding a prisoner who is at your mercy are different. Anybody that cannot see the distinction boggles me.
) and who does not. 
MoS Notifier:
