Torture erodes U.S. values, military leaders say

Torture erodes U.S. values, military leaders say
Jay Hamburg | Sentinel Staff Writer
October 16, 2008
Retired Army Col. Lawrence Wilkerson understands why some think torture should be used to gain vital information to keep us safe, but the Vietnam veteran said it is morally wrong and, ultimately, counterproductive.

"It's the struggle between our security and our soul," Wilkerson said.

The one-time chief of staff to former Secretary of State Colin Powell thinks torture injures the nation's security and its moral standing.

Wilkerson and other military leaders will take part in a forum tonight to highlight a national campaign to ban torture.

They will be joined by local religious leaders, including the Rev. Joel Hunter, pastor of Longwood-based Northland, A Church Distributed; and Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando.

Wilkerson said his concern started in 2004 when Powell asked him to investigate abuse of Iraqi detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison.

He came to the conclusion that torture was being tolerated by some along the chain of command.
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