Reply #23: If we had a functional press it would be labeled "drowning torture". . . [View All]

[pat_k]

Words hide or expose reality. "Waterboarding" is one of the many euphemisms being bandied about to obscure the realities of our national crisis. (Like calling corruption of elections "shenanigans" or saying Bush and Cheney are "pushing the envelope" of executive power).

The media's lack of "truth in labeleing" should be challenged. And we should stop echoing their euphemisms. Call it what it is: "drowning torture" and the so-called "quesiton" or "debate" is exposed as the ludicrous thing it is. (How about this for a headline: "Congress to hold hearings on whether or not drowning torture is torture.")

There is, and never was, a "question." All we need to do is call it what it is and challenge those who label it anyting else when the opportunity arises. Who knows? Perhaps some in the media will follow suit. (Like calling the civil war in Iraq a civil war)

http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2007/11/09/01">Word Watch: "Waterboarding"