Wrong with a capital W

To the editor: A basic idea that we can all agree on is that you don’t eliminate terrorism by becoming a terrorist. You don’t eliminate torture by torturing others. You can’t stop extremism by being an extremist. Some of our most respected leaders: Colin Powell, Senator McCain , Senator Warren, Democratic leaders, our generals, the Supreme Court -- all agree that the President is wrong with a capital W! His desire to torture, to use electronic surveillance on citizens without court approval, to keep evidence secret, to use secret prisons, to assume guilt without trial, to bend to “interpret “ the Geneva Conventions, to allow America to do whatever it wishes to suspected terrorists, is wrong with a capital W! Our allies question the moral basis for this and for the war. If this is so among our friends imagine the inspiration Bush’s ideas give our enemies. His faulty reasoning continues to create terrorists, to breed hatred against Americans and to erode our prestige around the world. We do know the difference between right and wrong! We were horrified by those pictures we saw of our troops engaging in torture. We are horrified by the stories reported in the press again and again. Experts tell us that information gotten using torture is often inaccurate and misleading. Let us not let this dirty little war destroy the moral fiber of our great country. We will not accept “peace at any price.” We can not accept “information at any price.” Carole Orleman Lackawaxen