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These congress people , once in a position to decide, continue to believe the myth represented in the "24" scenario. There is a catastrophic (bomb, nerve gas, germ) ready to go off and destroy part of the nation. We just happen to know who did it and who has information about it (thanks to the writers). It will go off in a matter of hours unless we get the information so we must use coercive measures. Even in this scenario, the Jack Bauer character crosses the line and then later must pay a price for doing so. Even the writers of this sensationalist show know that there may come a time that one feels they need to cross the line for a greater good. They also know that you must then be ready to accept the consequences.
Feinstein needs to realize that torture is not wrong because a Repub administration is performing it, It is wrong because torture is wrong. The treaties and agreements on torture do not have exceptions for when the good guys do it. You can not maintain moral clarity with we only attach electrodes to the genitals of really bad people, or we only water board serious enemies. You are either a country of high moral standards or you are not.
