The Moral Dilemma of the Terrorist

A Jihad terrorist who has threatened to explode several bombs in crowded areas in the United States has been apprehended. Unfortunately, he has already planted the bombs and they are scheduled to go off in a short time. It is possible that thousands of people may die.

The authorities cannot make him divulge the location of the bombs by conventional methods. He refuses to say anything and requests a lawyer to protect his fifth amendment right against self-incrimination. In exasperation, some high level official suggests torture. This would be illegal, of course, but the official knows the terrorist is susceptible and there is a good chance he would divulge the location.  The situation is desperate?

What would a liberal like Barack Obama do? 

What would a conservative like Fred Thompson do?

What would you do?

Borrowed and modified from Friesian.com