Stop U.S. Torture

It is now a battle between the White House and the Congress over torture, not a battle between Democrats and Republicans. With the President's approval ratings in the tank, Senatorial Republicans are not as wary of disaggrement with the Administration. This is the context in which the McCain Amendment banning "cruel, inhuman or degrading" treatment of prisoners of war and "enemy combatants" was passed. The White House opposes the amendment because they say it would "tie the president's hands" while continuing to assert that the U.S. doesn't torture. It would tie the president's hands, but in a way that is completely reasonable. The White House's main objection (besides the fact that the no torture pledges are meaningless lies) is in Congressional oversight of the Executive Branch. The White House has worked hard throughout the Bush Administration to strengthen the Executive Branch and free it from Legislative and Judicial oversight. While Cheney and Bush (particularly the former), probably believe torture is legitimate in the "War on Terrorism", they feel particularly offended by the effort by Congress to set boundaries for Executive Branch conduct.

In another vein, here are statements made in support of the McCain Amendment by prominent Republicans:

"If we are viewed as a country that engages in torture ... any possible information we might be able to gain is far counterbalanced by (the negative) effect of public opinion... This battle we're in is about the things we stand for and believe in and practice. And that is an observance of human rights, no matter how terrible our adversaries may be."
Senator John McCain (R-AZ)

"I think the administration is making a terrible mistake in opposing John McCain's amendment on detainees and torture."
Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE)

"I'm a strong supporter of Senator McCain's amendment. I don't think the White House should veto it."
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell

"The United States can win the war on terrorism without sacrificing our values."
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)