"Surely We Can Do Better..."

"Surely We Can Do Better..."

Originally shared by Rugger Ducky

Whatever your feelings about Chelsea Manning (formerly known as Bradley Manning for those confused), you've should be appalled by this.

If she is only getting toothpaste from the prison supply store, chances are it was expired at the time. Who doesn't go through a tube of toothpaste in 2-3 months?

Solitary confinement should only be used in extreme situations, and then for very limited times.

I broke my rule about reading comments, and for once I'm glad. This commenter (user New Mexico Mark) summed it up perfectly for me:

Approved torture degrades a nation

As a vet, I understand military discipline. However, like hazing and other forms of "discipline" there is a point where it simply becomes sadistic abuse. In fact, one of the differentiators between legitimate punishment and torture is a clear communication to the convicted of the sentence / punishment, including duration.

Studies have shown that isolation beyond a few days is psychological torture designed to break minds. In extreme cases it is the "clean hands" equivalent of a lobotomy. It may be arguable whether Manning's behavior in a military prison setting merited punishment. However, legitimizing torture as acceptable for any reason is indefensible. It degrades its practitioners and advocates along with its victims. 

Some might make an argument based solely on perceived efficacy. My response is that "The ends justify the means" for otherwise horrific behavior is the stock rationalization of the craven and the cowardly. Surely we can do better as a nation.


https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150813/06275831928/chelsea-manning-threatened-with-indefinite-solitary-confinement-expired-toothpaste-having-copy-vanity-fair.shtml

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