An Amnesty International representative with a clipboard came to my door yesterday, wanting me to sign a petition.

We had an amicable conversation, despite our differences. One unexpected thing she said is that her own personal belief is that some forms of torture might be permissible under the ticking time-bomb scenario. I pointed out that waterboarding has saved innocent lives, and she said “Oh, but AI doesn’t endorse that.” I also pointed out that I strongly disagree with AI on their anti-death penalty stance.

I also told her I think AI should focus more energy on the oppression of women in Islamic countries. She assured me they are, although the brochure she showed me does not stress this. But she spent a lot of time trying to convince me to join AI to work on the Islamic female oppression issue, even if I don’t agree with other issues.

So now I’m curious, fellow Lizards. What are your thoughts about Amnesty International? Do they do good, bad, or both?