Psychologists Adopt Anti-Torture Policy (but...)

[Rose Siding]

NEW ORLEANS -- The American Psychological Association took a stand against torture Thursday but kept an existing policy saying that it's ethical for psychologists to assist in military interrogations.

Critics said the new policy, adopted at the group's convention, does not go far enough to keep its members from becoming embroiled in practices that could violate the principles of human rights.

"The ultimate question is, should psychologists participate in national security interrogations, and the answer is no," said Leonard Rubenstein, executive director of Physicians for Human Rights. "It's a question that other medical groups have addressed and the APA has not."
...
The American Medical Association has adopted what many view as a stronger stand against physician involvement in prisoner interrogation, echoing a position held by the American Psychiatric Association, whose members are medical doctors. The U.S. military has indicated it will therefore favor using psychologists, who are not medical doctors and are not bound by the other groups' policies.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/10/AR2006081001428.html

[drduffy]

1. not a member, never will be a member again

there are many reasons I chose years ago to not maintain my membership in the APA. It is nice to realize I made the right choice then. And now.

[distantearlywarning]

2. They'll probably tell detainees

to take ownership of their feelings about being tortured. "Remember, you are making a CHOICE to be hurt by sleep deprivation and water boarding. Set some boundaries and stop playing the victim with your interrogators!"