Why, Vandal, what a pleasant surprise to see you again! It's been at least a year since you left a comment in my LJ. I didn't have any idea you were still reading me.

I wish torture was never defensible. But I also find it hard to argue with it's very pragmatic application in certain situations.

There is a part of me that understands what you are saying. But there is also the part of me that knows that aside from the humanitarian value of not allowing torture to be admissable as evidence, there are any number of experts who testify (and they have opponents and dissenters, I am sure) that information gained through torture is usually far less reliable.

I pray that your sibling will return home safely.