The Beatitudes and Torture

Dick Cheney said this week that although the Bush administration doesn't engage in torture (yeah, right -- see here for a different opinion), the administration needed an exemption from any legislation banning "cruel, inhuman or degrading" treatment.

Funny, I always thought that "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment" was the actual definition of torture. Perhaps Cheney should spend some time reviewing the Gospel, specifically Matthew 5:1-12.

5:1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After he sat down his disciples came to him.
5:2 Then he began to teach them by saying:
5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me.
5:12 Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

Yessir, I can see right away where Jesus would be a supporter of Bush and Cheney on this one. How about you? Let's see -- merciful, peacemaker, pure in heart -- yeah, that sounds like Bush and Cheney to me...