A Sadder Day indeed

I'm pleased to see a psychologist taking responsibility for the actions of other psychologists.
The argument that if psychologists stay to assist with torture, the prisioners stand a better chance is a thinly veiled justification for condoning abuse. Only by declaring abusive behavior as unacceptable and refusing to participate in it in any way does a message get sent to those who would abuse. Some prisioners may die, and that is truly regretable. Only a refusal to participate will save the lives of others.

by Diana Madison (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 5 comments) on Sunday, September 2, 2007 at 8:34:01 AM
 

It IS hard to fathom.

How could the APA NOT take a stand against torture?

Their double-speak declaration is nothing but empty bullshit.

Words mean nothing if one's actions don't back them up.

Congrats on speaking out!  I wish more shrinks would. 

by Wolverines (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 8 comments) on Sunday, September 2, 2007 at 12:12:27 PM
 

APA blew it

The first APA, the American Psychiatric Association, is clear...no participation at all by psychiatrists. Why ? Because, even if the object of torture is not your client, you can never serve a torturer. There's a secondary benefit to this stand. That comes in the form of client attitudes toward practitioners. Psychologists are one group of many, the most prominent for sure, who provide therapy. However, at some point, there will be an accounting; a cyber "The Sorrow and the Pity." Where will these Psychologist/tough guys be when that storm hits?  It's one that will damage the good name psychologists have worked so hard to develop. Now that's a pity.

by Michael Collins (79 articles, 11 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 283 comments) on Monday, September 3, 2007 at 3:23:48 AM