"The use of torture as a function of terror, or its equivalent in sadistic behavior, has been historic de facto U.S. policy... Our European ancestors' shameful, sadistic treatment of the indigenous inhabitants based on an ethos of arrogance and violence has become ingrained in our values. 'Manifest destiny' has rationalized as a religion the elimination or assimilation of those perceived to be blocking American progress--at home or abroad--a belief that expansion of the nation, including subjugation of natives and others, is divinely ordained, that our 'superior race' is obligated to 'civilize' those who stand in the way...
