It is unimaginable that the United States would resort to using torture. After all, our country is based on freedom, human decency and civil society. Given that torture has no value in extracting reliable information, its only uses are sadism and terrorizing people.

Yet, it appears that we have engaged in torture. Even worse, our president has been involved in twisting the law to justify torture.

And now this: the Senate voted Oct. 5 to amend the defense appropriations bill to reaffirm our commitment to refrain from torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, as is required under international treaties. But, unbelievably, the president has threatened to veto the bill because of the amendment, and the vice president has requested that the CIA be exempted.

We should pass the amendment without any CIA exemptions, and establish an independent commission to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment to keep further abuse from occurring. Anything less would not be in line with American principles or the rule of law.

Ed Outlaw
Peachtree City, Ga.