Misblog

Originally Published August 20, 2007; Updated and Republished August 16, 2008:

Yesterday, the American Psychological Association (APA) limited the role its members can play in terrorists’ interrogations. The APA resolution specifically named prohibited interrogation techniques and placed an affirmative duty on psychologists to report usage of the prohibited techniques.

The APA is following the lead of the American Medical Association (AMA) and American Psychiatric Association (APA) which have passed similar resolutions.

Why has it taken the American Psychological Association so long to take even these baby steps to improve their adherence to an oath of improving the lives of human beings?¹

Web:

• UPDATED 08/16/2008 NYT, Psychologists Clash on Aiding Interrogations.
• WP, APA Rules on Interrogation Abuse

-----notes-----

1. If your doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist has actively, knowingly, and willing participated in any terrorists or terrorism related interrogations and you have a choice get a different doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist!

UPDATED 08/16/2008 A psychological professional voluntarily participating in terror or terrorism related interrogations (coercive or non-coercive) lacks sufficient insight into their own psyche to provide insights that would routinely help non-captives figure out their psyche.

UPDATED 08/16/2008 A strong case can be made that persons participating in coercive terror or terrorism related interrogations are themselves mentally ill.

One of the early professionals to complain bitterly about the health profession's participation in torture was Steven H. Miles MD.

He published his complaints in the excellent book entitled Oath Betrayed: Torture, Medical Complicity, and the War on Terror