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Resisting torture

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 14, 2009

In 1964 I was commissioned a second lieutenant and navigator in the U.S. Air Force. I was assigned to the Strategic Air Command, and my first training assignment was to the Arctic Survival Escape & Evasion School at Stead AFB, Reno, Nev.

I have seen the 10 methods of harsh interrogation called "not torture" by now Judge Jay Bybee. Except for the insects, we were subjected to the remaining nine on the list. Forty-five years later I still remember very clearly that whole experience, especially the water boarding! My very brief encounter with that and the other methods convinced me that the last round in my pistol was for me. The country I did this for has decided to change its tune and put the good government seal on all 10 of the procedures once listed as torture. The country I loved and served did not countenance torture but trained its warriors to resist it.

I don't begin to know the way out of this conundrum for our country, but I feel better that the matter is under discussion.

SAMUEL C. HAZELRIG

Tampa

The writer is a former captain in the U.S. Air Force.

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