As Americans, we need to ask ourselves which is more important: principles or human life?
America was founded upon certain principles. These principles include rule of law, democracy & liberty, justice, transparency in government and the rights as stipulated in the first 10 Amendments.
It is these principles and rights which make life fulfilling, joyful, fair and worth living. When these principles are sacrificed, life becomes a harsh experience which for some is brutal and short.
The current Administration and policy makers within and without government, the military and think tanks have determined that principles are subordinate to the lives and security of the America in which we have grown up. Yet it is these rights which have made this nation the pinnacle and bright shining light of the world that we as Americans have become accustomed to living in. Therefore, to sacrifice these principles is sacrificing America.
Life is not more important than principles. Life is not more important than security. Life is not more important than freedom, the rule of law or the democracy in which we live. If it was, wars would be meaningless - why fight if life itself is paramount? Instead, principles are more important than life. Democracy is a greater calling than life. The rule of law is more important than living. If we get forget this, then living is meaningless, for it is only these principles which make life worth living. That is why torture in any form is wrong, regardless of the results it may create, because the side effect is so odious.
America is a nation founded upon principles because it is these principles alone which make life worth living. Forgetting that reverts America to the rule of the jungle.
