when is torture not torture?

In this article, it is revealed that the White House staff - up to and including "Dick" Cheney - discussed, and received Justice Department approval for, various types of torture.

Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) said, "Long after President Bush has left office, our country will continue to pay the price for his administration's renegade repudiation of the rule of law and fundamental human rights." I have to agree with his assessment, including the catchy and alliterative phrase "renegade repudiation".

Though I have never had a high opinion of John Ashcroft, he did make a good point when he said during one meeting, "Why are we talking about this in the White House? History will not judge this kindly."

Gee, do you really think so? Yes. Yes I do.