That's what torture does: it creates a miasma of…
“That's what torture does: it creates a miasma of unknowing, about as dangerous a situation in wartime as one can imagine. This hideous fate was made possible by an inexperienced president with a fundamentalist psyche and a paranoid and power-hungry vice-president who decided to embrace "the dark side" almost as soon as the second tower fell, and who is still trying to avenge Nixon. Until they are both gone from office, we are in grave danger the kind of danger that only torturers and fantasists and a security strategy based on coerced evidence can conjure up.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Torture creates ignorance and danger, especially when leaders with extremist views control security policy.
In simple terms: Torture leads to dangerous ignorance.
Key Takeaway
Beware extremist leaders.
Themes
politics
security
ethics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
analytical
warning
When to use this quote
- government policy
- civil liberties
- media analysis
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
information control
war
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the long‑term effects of torture on society?
- How can democratic oversight prevent abuse?
A Different Perspective
Torture can be justified as necessary;