Truths about torture

RE: “The Fear Factor” [Jan. 29].

Yes, sadly, as the article points out, torture scenes proliferate on television and the big screen but fail to acknowledge the true ramifications of extreme pain. At the Program for Torture Victims, where we treat hundreds of survivors each year, we’ve seen firsthand the long-term consequences to physical and mental health.

What the story fails to address is that in pop culture, torture “works.” When Jack Bauer of “24” needs information to save the world, torturing the suspect produces the necessary intelligence.

In real life, experienced interrogators, including those from the FBI, know that innocent people who are being tortured will say anything the torturer wants to hear to make the pain stop. Committed terrorists with real knowledge, as in the so-called ticking time bomb scenario, will lie and stall to give the conspiracy time to succeed.

As long as the public believes torturing the bad guys will keep us safe, I fear the U.S. will continue blurring the lines of acceptable moral conduct. When we torture, we don’t save lives, we destroy them, along with America’s standing in the world.

ANDREA GALL SCHMITT

Los Angeles

Schmitt is director of development for the Program for Torture Victims