Regarding Thomas Sowell's column, "U.S. must not be squeamish about torture" (Sept. 21): I read this title with the thought, "What an insult to all who have fought to preserve this great democracy and the standards it has upheld."

The United States, in its debate on the issue of treatment of people under its custody, has not exhibited "squeamishness" or weakness. Upholding the rule of law for exactly those who we want to exclude from it — people who really are barbaric — is what makes us a great country. Defending that principle is courageous. Sowell also does not mention that adhering to the Geneva Conventions is supported by a great many people in the military — hardly a "squeamish" group.

The central debate is not how reprehensible our enemies are. A focus on that is the beginning of terrible acts. The debate is upholding the rule of law, even when we are frightened or outraged. The rule of law is in place because many brave men and women have known, over the years, that in times of great national stress there will always be Thomas Sowells, writing from their desks, saying, "Go ahead, don't be weak."

David Talbot
Greensboro