musicians for torture

The latest issue of The Nation focusses on the US torture complex - from creators to methods to participants. The piece I found hardest to read was about the use of music in American torture techniques - blasting western music at victims so that, in the words of one, "I thought my head would burst."

Metallica's James Hetfield was asked by Terry Gross, on NPR's Fresh Air, how he felt about his music being used for torture. He responded with "pride that my music is culturally offensive" to Iraqis. "If they're not used to freedom, I'm glad to be a part of the exposure."