While reading the BBC online news this morning I was stunned to learn that, in a world-wide survey, some 29% of those surveyed support torture in some circumstances. That more than a quarter of those surveyed felt that way is incredible! While there is still almost 2/3rds who oppose it in any circumstances, it makes you wonder why the world is still in the state it is.
The question was framed with two differing positions and you would choose the one that was closest to your position on torture. Basically the two positions are 1) Opposed to any torture and 2) because terrorists are such an extreme threat governments should be allowed some torture if it will save innocent lives. Ah yes, terrorists. We could allow torture because terrorist aren’t us. I mean they are some of those people. Oh okay, I understand now.
I noticed that the numbers for the United States were some 58% opposed and 36% supporting torture, ranking it right up there with such luminaries of human rights as China (37% for), Indonesia (40% for), Russia (37% for) and Kenya (38% for). While I was happy to see Canada fall in at number four on the list with 74% opposed it is still quite disturbing that some 22% find torture acceptable. That is more than one person in five.
Look around, at four other people. Is it one of them? Or you?
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You haven’t had my wife’s cooking. That’s torture.
Civilisation is only a very thin veneer on a large proportion of the world’s population Clare, primitive savagery is not far below the surface in too many of us.
Hey there! I followed a link to your blog from nunablog. I enjoyed reading through your posts. A cop to an innkeeper/eco-tourism leader…somehow, being mid career myself, I can see the connection! Anyway, until today, sitting as a proctor for one of my employees as he suffers through an exam, I have had a chance to read many blogs from the north. I really know what you mean about the intrepid ravens. But, I had a visit, right in my driveway, by an arctic owl last week. Honestly, I didn’t know that there were others out there blogging on the tundra! Odd, I know, but, as a seasoned northern yourself, you know how fast things are changing up here.
Anyway, I am thinking of linking up to other northern blogs. If you wouldn’t mind, I would like to do so with you. Please feel free to browse through my ramblings to help you make up your mind.