It is undeniable that America and its allies face a grave threat from international terrorist organizations. It is also undeniable that the U.S. government's decision to employ torture to meet this threat has had dire consequences.

Using torture has not made America safer. It has fueled anti-Americanism around the world, recruited new conscripts into the ranks of terrorists, and placed captured U.S. personnel at special risk. It has lowered our nation's moral standing, frayed our alliances, and undermined our ability to promote freedom and democracy abroad. Torture has badly damaged American credibility. Who believes us when our leaders say "America does not torture," or "we must keep our interrogation methods secret for reasons of national security," or "waterboarding is not torture"? Our use of torture has had its damage on the home front as well. It has diminished pride in our country, confidence in who we are as a people, and our belief that America can contribute to a more humane world. In times of terrorism and violence, just as in times of peace and prosperity, we must remain steadfast and uphold the sacred values of freedom, respect for human rights, and the rule of law on which American democracy was founded.