Open letter to Connecticut Senators and Representatives **
Senator Chris Dodd,
Rep. Rob Simmons,
Rep. Nancy Johnson,
Rep Chris Shays,
I would like to call on you, as my Representatives in the Federal Legislature, to put an end to the human rights violations (torture) that is happening in my name around the world.
Preferably, in one bold voice, all the representatives of the people of Connecticut need to say, "We condemn what's happening and we demand that it stop immediately."
Because of urgency, this is not a time for commissions, hand-wringing and deal-cutting. Human lives and the credibility of the United States are on the line. We need to ensure that we are in compliance with every accepted human rights norm and that our process is so transparent that any human rights inspector would be satisfied. We should be so beyond reproach that not only the United Nations should be satisfied, but Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and other nongovernmental organizations, as well. This is, after all, America.
Politicians and citizens alike have become experts in outrage over Supreme Court nominees and hurricane aid. Where's the outrage over an administration that plays shell games with congressionally funded prisons and deprives prisoners of their human rights - indefinately? What happened to the principle that every one - without exception - is innocent until proven guilty?
We need to insist that during wartime - even when the foes are skyjackers and roadside bombers - that we the people are conforming to universal standards of decency. And if we do not, we must demand change - and replace the representative, the senator and the president who refuses to change on this issue. We the people are accountable.
We are not powerless. Otherwise, we wouldn't be we the people.
The time for change is now. What will you do?
Sincerely, SB_Gypsy
This was emailed (with my correct name) to the above on 11/14/05
** most of this was shamlessly lifted from Stephen Barnes' very worthy article Damage Control: The world takes note when the United States abuses human rights — and we the people must hold our leaders accountable. Feel free to copy as much as you'd like of it, if you would like to send it to your own reps...
hattip to Shakespere's Sister
posted by SB Gypsy | 4:45 PM
2 Comments:
What a very good letter. Thank you for the suggestion and the offer to let us copy same. It is worth the effort to do so. My supposed representation need some mail.
Hey, OWL,
They ALL should stand and be counted in this most basic of American issues.
I thought that it was decided long ago: Torture is indefenseable. Torture does not produce reliable info. Torture is unamerican.
I thought that's what we were spending billions of dollars to wipe off the face of the earth. Instead, our president has joined the list of the willing to do anything at all to advance his agenda - he's now as bad as Saddam Hussain. Should he be removed from office and prosecuted as criminally insane?? OMHO, yes.
Post a Comment
<< Home