wallydownundy

The confirmation hearings for USA Attorney General candidate Mukasey offered an interesting twist on language and legality. It all revolves around waterboarding.

Sadly this is not at all like wakeboarding. That sport involves slicing across the wake of a fast-moving speedboat then grabbing air in gravity-defying acrobatics. 

Instead waterboarding simulates drowning. Candidates are tied to a board with a hemp bag tied over their heads. Water is streamed over their faces making breathing nearly impossible. “Simulated drowning”. Who thinks up this stuff?

When asked his opinion on waterboarding, Mukasey said the practice was not considered torture so therefore was legal. Yet - and here come the weasel words - he said if he were subjected to waterboarding it would feel like torture. 

Frankly the subtlety is lost on me.

To gain a greater understanding of the issue, see The New York Times. Their article starts explaining the differences:

Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey said Wednesday that while he would consider it torture if he underwent the harsh Central Intelligence Agency interrogation technique known as waterboarding, the practice was not necessarily illegal, and he would not rule out its use in the future. (Source: The New York Times 31 January 2008)

So while it may FEEL like torture, waterboarding is not necessarily torture - so therefore not illegal. Or legal. Or not?

See why I’m confused?