Reconsider stand on torture

To the editor;

I cannot believe my country is even discussing that the CIA should have the legal right to torture prisoners. Have we become our enemy? To rid Iraq of a dictator who used torture rooms was one justification given for going to war.

My husband sent the following e-mail to U.S. Sen. Kit Bond, who is one of nine senators (out of 99 who voted) opposing the first McCain amendment, which bars torture by our military personnel:

"I am at a loss for words to convey the depth of my dismay over your vote in support of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of prisoners under control by our military. ... I spent a year at ground zero in Germany in the U.S. Ordnance Corps (climbing on my footlocker I could see an atomic cannon). I consider this current mess a reflection on my country and a stain on my own service to our country. I urge you to reconsider if you get the chance to vote again on this urgent piece of legislation. Sincerely, George E. Counts."

We are opposed to any government use of torture.

RITA COUNTS, Scott City