JMM hits it out of the park with this piece. Being bold means taking responsibility for being bold. As I’ve argued before, I think the answer to the ticking time bomb rationale for torture is this: that in the extremely unlikely circumstance that government officials ever found themselves in that position of having a ticking time bomb ticking away, they might have to make the decision to break the law. Not fudge it or keep their actions hidden, but take the decision on their own responsibility that it was the best thing to do in the situation — despite it…
“O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? As I cannot see you through this all encompassing tent I am forced to wear”
“Alas, poor Abdul! I knew him Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy and trim beard.”
“As soon go kindle fire with snow, as seek to quench the fire of love with words, and saute the kebab with onions.”