Political Quotes

“the report released today by the Intelligence Committee is an important addition to the public's knowledge about the CIA's use of torture, euphemistically described by some as ``enhanced interrogation techniques'' in the period following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The use of these techniques was a failure, both moral and practical. These tactics violated the values this Nation has long stood for, while adding little benefit to our security. As GEN David Petraeus and others have pointed out, their use has placed U.S. personnel at greater risk of being tortured. They have tarnished America's standing in the world and undermined our moral authority to confront tyrants and torturers. I am glad this report will fully inform a public debate with facts that have remained classified for too long, and I hope it ensures that our Nation never again resorts to such brutal and misguided methods. The report lays out clearly that, contrary to claims by former CIA and Bush administration officials, these techniques did not produce uniquely valuable intelligence that saved lives. The report examines 20 such specific representations that were used frequently by the CIA to make the case to policymakers for continued use of abusive techniques. In all 20 cases, the CIA's claims about the value of intelligence gathered through torture were inaccurate.…”