A motion is on the floor of the Canadian parliament to dissolve the Liberal Party party government and hold new elections. Very amusing.

We can all agree that Sen. John McCain is a great American hero. He is a model of courage and patriotism for a new generation of American warriors.

However, I still believe his recent amendment, which categorically bans coercive interrogation techniques, torture and inhumane treatment, is deeply flawed. There is no question that torture is immoral and attended with many evils. But this does not negate the fact that sometimes torture and coercion are absolutely necessary to prevent another catastrophic, 9-11 style terrorist attack . In the war on terror, it is the duty of the American government to defend its citizens. In extreme cases, where a terrorist prisoner witholds information that could potentially save millions of American lives, we have no choice but to utilize coercion - and torture if necessary - to obtain such critical information. Again, these are extreme circumstances, but given the nature of the enemy we face, they are not so hypothetical. Torture is a moral imperative in cases where prisoner information could prevent mass death. By banning coercion and torture in every situation - even extreme instances where terrorist information will save lives - the McCain Amendment gravely endangers our entire nation.

McCain’s support for the “no torture ever” policy should remind us that he is unfit to lead America as President of the United States. President Bush and Vice-President Cheney, in their staunch opposition to this resolution, have demonstrated that they are willing to endure the moral scruples and political fallout associated with coercive interrogation and torture policies. They accept the harsh consequences of these measures so that the American people can live in peace , freedom and security. This is sacrificial, principled leadership at its finest. If Sen. McCain is really serious about winning the White House in 2008, he will also have to exhibit such fortitude and courage, just as he did in the Hanoi Hilton some 40 years ago.

Charles Krauthammer has a tremendous article on this very topic in the recent issue of the Weekly Standard. I suspect his piece will re-ignite this necessary debate in our country. I encourage all Savethegop.com readers to peruse it here.