'This would draw a lot of negative attention.'

That's about all the Pentagon got right regarding the use of torture on detainees. From a just released Senate Armed Service Committee report, a 'top military lawyer' at Gitmo spews policy poison like a leaking landfill:

"Officially it is not happening," Lt. Col. Diane Beaver said in the meeting. "It is not being reported officially. The ICRC is a serious concern. They will be in and out, scrutinizing our operations, unless they are displeased and decide to protest and leave. This would draw a lot of negative attention."

Not un-American enough for ya? Here's a sample of putrid CIA rationale:

A senior CIA lawyer at the meeting, John Fredman, explained that whether harsh interrogation amounted to torture "is a matter of perception." The only sure test for torture is if the detainee died.

"If the detainees dies, you're doing it wrong," Fredman said.