A recent Associate press poll shows that more than half of Americans believe that torture is sometimes justifiable to prevent a terrorist attack. The results of this poll are a minor victory for those who believe that water boarding and other interrogation treatments are justifiable. More importantly though, it shows a divide between the current White House administration and the American people on how the country should be protected.

The attacks on the World Trade Center forever changed America. Eight years is both, such a long and a short time. The attacks were a wakeup call for America, for the government, and the American people. Within the span of a couple hours, the ignorance that blinded the American populace was stripped away. Before such time, terrorism was viewed as an issue that happened abroad and predominantly to other troubled countries. Israel suffered terrorist attacks almost daily, bombings frequently occurred in third world countries, and kidnappings for political gain were rampant. The American homeland and the civilian population were viewed as insulated and protected. September 11th pulled the veil away from our eyes and showed us the truth. There are individuals in the world, who are consumed with hate, and will do violence to all; and American had a bulls eye on its back.

The results of the poll shows that the majority of America are willing to go to great lengths to protect the country and her people; that the well being of an American is more important than a terrorists. This is a hard decision for some, and for others, an easy one. Regardless of your opinion on the torture issue, it is the responsibility of the federal government to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the nation. There is an argument to be made, that if the torture of a terrorist would prevent an attack on the United States, the federal government would be justified and obligated to carry out any interrogation necessary to provide for the common defense of the country. That argument however, does have a lot of holes and assumptions.

It is important to realize that when the safety of the country is at stake, the American people need to know and believe that government officials they elected, will do anything in their power to protect them. It is important that those in charge of defending this nation, do not go about their duty with one hand tied behind their back; whether they tied it their themselves is inconsequential.