From the passage of the USA PATRIOT Act (Uniting and Strenghtening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act) to Military Commissions Act of 2006, the U.S. has taken steps backwards from its pre-9/11 era.
Now, one may argue that the post-9/11 era gives us no choice but to resort to torture. However, torture lowers the credibility of U.S. and prevents individuals from cooperating with the U.S. How can the U.S. call for action in improving human rights globally when it detains individuals without a trial and tortures to receive intelligence?
At the Speakers' Panel last Wednesday, former interrogator Matthew Alexander noted that the qualities that make a good person are the same as the qualities that make a good interrogator. Torture is unnecessary. Rather than obtaining valuable information, the image of U.S. is tainted by such brutal tactic.
To take action:
- Call the White House (M-F 6AM – 2PM PST): 202-456-1414
- Leave this message:
Hello, my name is ___ and I live in ___. I’m calling to urge President Obama to respect the law and:
--ensure that an independent commission of inquiry into torture is set up;
--ensure that anyone who broke the law is prosecuted
--and ensure that victims receive legal remedy.
Thank you.
For more information:
