By Jessica Reed
Another 'Terror law' was voted by the US Congress yesterday. Its vagueness and lack of precise definitions makes room for the 'tough questionning' of various detainees, and may involve the practice of waterboarding - many see it as a form of torture. Andrew Sullivan, fervent opponent of the new legislation, posted a 'waterboard' picture on his blog, with an accompagning description which might make your stomach turn. However since no permanent physical damage is made, many Republican supporters reply that such devices do not constitute 'torture'.
"The prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cellophane is wrapped over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. Unavoidably, the gag reflex kicks in and a terrifying fear of drowning leads to almost instant pleas to bring the treatment to a halt."
Not pretty - I can't disagree with this comment found on this metafilter thread:
(...) it passed under the mockery of "protecting Americans" when all it will do- literally, the only thing it will actually do- is kill more American troops.
Elsewhere: Waterboarding on Wikipedia + David Corn: "This is what waterboarding would look like".
