LETTER: Sadists who carried out CIA torture should be fired, prosecuted

Updated: Jan. 03, 2019, 12:05 a.m. | Published: Feb. 24, 2015, 4:26 p.m.Facebook ShareTwitter ShareBy Express-Times Letters to the Editor

Were the atrocities committed by the CIA following the horrific events of 9/11, which have now come to light, enhanced interrogation or torture? They were neither. They were unmitigated sadism and unabashed sexual sadism committed by opportunistic psychopaths employed by the CIA.  These individuals included CIA officials, government contractors and psychologists.

The psychologists who designed and implemented these abhorrent and bizarre techniques need to lose their government positions as well as their professional licenses. Their actions were the antithesis of a mental health professional.  A sane mind could not, nor would not, design nor implement these atrocious tactics.

All of the CIA officials and contractors involved in development, implementation, and supervision of these atrocities need to be removed from government employment and denied future positions. Psychopathy is a defect that is incurable and unstoppable. To not prosecute these individuals for their hideous actions serves to condone them and demonstrates hypocrisy on the part of the U.S. Government and the Justice Department.

The argument that “our enemies do worse things” is a pathetic excuse.

In order to support and demonstrate America’s values and to retain strategic allies, the United States must always take the high ground regardless of the circumstances. To prevent a recurrence of these despicable policies, there must be accountability and consequences for the inhumane, immoral and unethical tactics employed.

Barbara Sussman
Bushkill Township