This should be simple:
U.S. doesn't OK torture
Does President Bush really want to be on record against language passed overwhelmingly by the U.S. Senate that would ban torture?
By a 90-9 vote, 43 Democrats and 46 Republicans voted last week to prohibit U.S. soldiers from torturing prisoners. It bans "cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment of persons under custody or control of the United States government."
The measure would serve two purposes:
It would clarify rules for U.S. troops serving around the world by requiring use of only those interrogation techniques allowed by a new Army Field Manual.
And it would tell the world that America does not stand for torturing military prisoners.
Now the measure goes to a conference committee. House legislation did not contain the anti-torture language. It is up to U.S. representatives to decide whether they, too, believe in prohibiting torture.
It shouldn't be a difficult choice.