Torture Bill

As has been said in many other places, it's instructive that we're even having this discussion at all.

Negotiating torture?

This is an indication of just how much American culture has deteriorated into a primitive tribal state. As I've said before, American's have gone from being some of the most courageous people on earth to some of the most fearful. And I do blame the American public. The government could not get away with this without the tacit approval, via indifference, to the torture being conducted in our name.

But I digress.

This from USA Today:

Compromise on torture ban said to be close

WASHINGTON — Congressional negotiators are close to agreement on anti-torture provisions of a defense spending bill, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said Monday in an interview with USA TODAY.

But what about this statement:

McCain said Sunday that he would not accept anything less than a ban on torture. He is a member of the House-Senate panel.

So what's to negotiate? Then again, knowing McCain's tendencies to waffle in service of his political ambitions, who knows. Or it could be the conservatives turning the screws on McCain, painting him as rigid.

Either way. It's sad to even be having the discussion.