It is to cause extreme physical or mental pain for punishment or to extract a confession or information. Our government officials are now saying we do not torture because we follow the Geneva rules. That is a teenager's method of reasoning. Our government as a matter or policy endorses torture of war captives. And they expect us to accept their mealy-mouthed explanations.

Those MPs in the photos may not have done anything to the prisoners. The 205nd Military Intelligence Brigade officers - up to Col Pappas - were in charge of the torture and setting up the humiliating photos. The MPs were ordered to stand in the photos. Now our government is covering up the torture by the officers and allowing young enlisted kids to take the rap.

Our country has come down a long road. I cannot believe Americans would learn of this stuff 10 years ago and shrug it off as just the daily news. We have become dulled to our own atrocities. I grew up with people wondering how the Germans could have allowed a Hitler to arise among what is a good nation. Well, this is how it happens. One week at a time with increasingly horrifying acts. We adjust to them gradually as we go about our daily lives - working and trying to just live.

Torture is barbaric. No matter what approved or novel methods are used. Sleep deprivation, being forced to kneel or stand for long periods, being bombarded with loud noise, being stripped naked, being forced to wear a hood over your head, being subject to heat or cold, being isolated, being made confused - all are inhumane and barbaric.

The new commander of the Iraqi prison was in charge of the base in Cuba - Gitmo. There he oversaw torture of prisoners and prevented any photos from leaking out. He is an expert in torture and how to keep it secret. Sending him to Iraq is how our government addresses this problem.