It doesn't matter because of the Geneva convention that the US signed and use as a measuring stick for what is ok and what is not. It doesn't matter because the US condemns countries that torture.

This issue is NOT about the effectiveness of torture. It is about our ethics, our law and our humanity. Folks need to understand. There is no legal, no moral, no ethical excuse for torture. This should not be a debate. The US should not torture, anyone, ever, for any reason.

If you are on the fence, I would ask you to read the transcripts. Would you ever condone the use of these techniques on a US service member? Or a US citizen? Or your neighbor? Or you family member? It's wrong on so many levels, it's just unimaginable.

I have no idea why this could be the source of debate. This is the one issue where Omaba and McCain were in agreement. All Americans should agree.

At least he gave a reasoned, abeit politically correct, answer to the question. Image our previous president answering the same question? Or answering many of the pretty challenging questions posed tonight.

The questions are extremely difficult. Two wars, economy in the toilet, major corporations on the brink, hundreds of thousands unemployed, a flu epidemic. It's been 100 days.

If nothing else, tonight showed that our president has a brain, even if you (and me) didn't agree with what he had to say of the various subjects tossed his way.

The US signed the Geneva Convention (actually version 2-4, the latest in 1949)and the US signed the Convention Against Torture in 1984. These conventions state was is and was is not appropriate treatment of prisoners.

If you read the International Red Cross report of the treatment of 14 detainees in Cuba, waterboarding was only one of the many violations we committed.

What the US -- President Reagan signed reads -- No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat or war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture. . . Each State Party shall ensure that all acts of torture are offences under its criminal law.

How can Dick Cheney and others state that 9/11 -- which could be considered a threat of war or a public emergency or whatever -- justifies the breaking of international law or justifies torture?

This isn't politics... it's law. And our elected leaders broke the law. I really don't understand the debate.

Personally, I don't give a rat's rear end if she knew or not. TORTURE IS AGAINST THE LAW. Torture violates international laws and conventions that the US signed. Torture is wrong. Torture in inhumane. Torture cannot be justified, never, no matter what.

Even if Nancy Pelosi knew about it and didn't act as a whistle blower, her actions are not illegal, even though they may be immoral.

I guess it is way too much to ask our media to remain focused on the point of the conversation and that point is, our President, Vice President and others broke the law. If Pelosi didn't blow the whistle, it's a shame, but it's not the point.

Our media, our politicians, our public are so focused on politics that we're throwing the baby out with the bath water. Let's forget Dem/Rep, Blue/Red and try to remember what matters and what doesn't regardless of party or political gain.

Sometimes I think we're all going to hell on a greased pole.