the sanctity of life

from yesterday's senate torture hearings:  october 2002.  jonathan fredman, a lawyer for the cia's counterterrorist center, visits guantanamo to discuss "aggressive" but acceptable interrogation techniques like "the wet towel technique," also known as waterboarding. 

referring to what the law permitted when it comes to interrogation, fredman said:

"it is basically subject to perception. if the detainee dies, you're doing it wrong."

to that, guantanamo chief of staff, lt. col. diane beaver added: "we'll need documentation to protect us."