Persuasive Essay On Torture
In discussions of ticking time bombs, one controversial issue has been how to deal with the alleged guilty terrorist once he is captured. On the one hand, some people, including Michael Levin, a libertarian writer and educator, argue that it is in the US government’s right to torture the guilty terrorist because his knowledge could be used to save the lives of millions. On the other hand, others, such as Philip Heymann, who is a writer that had worked in the government field, firmly states that torture should never be used because the chance that it will produce true and useful information is nearly impossible and it is vastly more crucial to preserve the international bans on torture. Shirley Jackson elaborates on Heymann’s view when she
…show more content…
Levin acknowledges this when he writes, “Torturing the terrorist is unconstitutional? Probably. But millions of lives surely outweigh constitutionality” (532). Basically, Levin admits that the methods of torture may not be legal and civilized, but he still promotes its use because the lives of innocent people has more value than rules and regulations. The Constitution is only a guideline and its purpose is to serve the people, which, Levin deems, is the purpose of torture. Although I agree with Levin that millions of lives are important, I think that it is a mistake to disregard the Constitution. With this document, arise carefully written laws, a clear justice system, and order among all people. If Levin dismisses one part of the Constitution then he is essentially abandoning the American way of life, social order, community, and promoting instead chaotic anarchy, in which individual decide whether they want to follow laws or not. Following the Constitution is crucial because it aids the United States in keeping high moral standard in which other countries can follow, this means that the document sets undisputable rules that everyone must obey and regulates the government’s control. In other words, I believe that millions of lives do not outweigh constitutionality because the rules and regulations it establishes serve to protect billions of
Levin acknowledges this when he writes, “Torturing the terrorist is unconstitutional? Probably. But millions of lives surely outweigh constitutionality” (532). Basically, Levin admits that the methods of torture may not be legal and civilized, but he still promotes its use because the lives of innocent people has more value than rules and regulations. The Constitution is only a guideline and its purpose is to serve the people, which, Levin deems, is the purpose of torture. Although I agree with Levin that millions of lives are important, I think that it is a mistake to disregard the Constitution. With this document, arise carefully written laws, a clear justice system, and order among all people. If Levin dismisses one part of the Constitution then he is essentially abandoning the American way of life, social order, community, and promoting instead chaotic anarchy, in which individual decide whether they want to follow laws or not. Following the Constitution is crucial because it aids the United States in keeping high moral standard in which other countries can follow, this means that the document sets undisputable rules that everyone must obey and regulates the government’s control. In other words, I believe that millions of lives do not outweigh constitutionality because the rules and regulations it establishes serve to protect billions of