The situation with the ACLU demanding investigation into torture of enemy combatants provides this generation with a perfect litmus test to see whether we will hold ourselves up to the inspired principles and beliefs of our founding fathers. We have the choice to become participants in the political process and encourage enforcing those laws or of becoming subject to men, turning our backs without taking proper measure to discover who violated the law and who should be prosecuted for it. -- Michael Edwards, The Daily Universe
I was pleased (and shocked) as punch to read this editorial from the BYU Daily Universe's news editor, Michael Edwards: Torture Revisited: Why the ACLU is right about a torture probe [the subtitle is from the print edition, but doesn't show up online]. Basically the DU agrees with the ACLU that the people in the Bush administration who authorized American torture should actually be held accountable for the laws they broke. Right on!
The main reason I'm writing this post is to encourage members of BYU Amnesty to write in and thank Michael Edwards for writing this excellent editorial, especially as I fear the backlash among torture-defenders who may start writing in to the DU. So write the Daily Universe a letter [email] at letters@byu.edu or just respond with a comment to the online version of the editorial. Rock on, Daily Universe!
Showing posts with label torture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label torture. Show all posts
1.14.2009
It's Official
When the Bush administration starts admitting it's torture, then it's most definitely torture. The senior Pentagon official in the Bush administration, Susan Crawford, says that the US government's treatment of Mohammed al-Qahtani "met the legal definition of torture." It's a very interesting article, I recommend reading it.
And speaking of recommended reading, I got The Dark Side for Christmas (I love my parents) and it is an amazingly detailed, thorough, and well-written account of the legal and political wranglings behind the United States' decisions to use "enhanced interrogation techniques", perform extraordinary renditions, and operate "black sites" around the world where prisoners are tortured. It's chilling and disheartening, but it's a story that needs to be told. One thing that I found really interesting was the behind-the-scenes look at exactly how Dick Cheney managed to be the most powerful vice president in American history, and how he and his staff were able to prevent any meaningful discussion of our morally dubious methods to combat terrorism even within the Bush cabinet.
I strongly hope that with a new administration we, the American people, can turn a new chapter in our history. Or rather, that we can turn back to the chapter we used to be on; you know, the one about being a moral beacon for the world, liberty and equality for all, etc. It's going to take a lot of work, and I hope you all are committed to doing something, no matter how small, to help out.
And speaking of recommended reading, I got The Dark Side for Christmas (I love my parents) and it is an amazingly detailed, thorough, and well-written account of the legal and political wranglings behind the United States' decisions to use "enhanced interrogation techniques", perform extraordinary renditions, and operate "black sites" around the world where prisoners are tortured. It's chilling and disheartening, but it's a story that needs to be told. One thing that I found really interesting was the behind-the-scenes look at exactly how Dick Cheney managed to be the most powerful vice president in American history, and how he and his staff were able to prevent any meaningful discussion of our morally dubious methods to combat terrorism even within the Bush cabinet.
I strongly hope that with a new administration we, the American people, can turn a new chapter in our history. Or rather, that we can turn back to the chapter we used to be on; you know, the one about being a moral beacon for the world, liberty and equality for all, etc. It's going to take a lot of work, and I hope you all are committed to doing something, no matter how small, to help out.
11.18.2008
Close Gitmo
Sign the ACLU's open letter to President-elect Barack Obama encouraging him to follow through on his promises to close Guantanamo Bay if you care about ending our government's use of torture and disregard for basic human rights. He's stated many times that he wants to, most recently just this week on 60 Minutes, so let's remind him that it is a top priority as he takes over in the White House.
9.18.2008
America's Use of Torture in the War on Terror
Thanks everybody for the great turnout, we had a lot of people and some thought-provoking discussion! I've posted a little embedded version of the powerpoint presentation I put together for it, so you can click through it right here:
Here on the blog is a great place to share that last thought you didn't have time to say at the meeting, a rebuttal to my horrible arguments, a dissertation on the moral/philosophical issues involved, or a link to a good resource. Just click on the link below to leave a comment and join in the discussion. Please respond to one or more of the following:
Do you feel that the interrogation techniques we're employing in the war on terror are torture? Which ones?
Do you think we are justified in our actions towards the prisoners we've captured?
What would you like to see BYU Amnesty do this semester to help promote dialogue, awareness, and understanding of this human rights issue?
Here on the blog is a great place to share that last thought you didn't have time to say at the meeting, a rebuttal to my horrible arguments, a dissertation on the moral/philosophical issues involved, or a link to a good resource. Just click on the link below to leave a comment and join in the discussion. Please respond to one or more of the following:
Do you feel that the interrogation techniques we're employing in the war on terror are torture? Which ones?
Do you think we are justified in our actions towards the prisoners we've captured?
What would you like to see BYU Amnesty do this semester to help promote dialogue, awareness, and understanding of this human rights issue?
9.11.2008
Opening Social!
We had our opening social Thursday, and it was pretty awesome. Sure, the tech side of the meeting didn't come together so we ended up video-less, but that just means you can watch the introductory movie whenever you want and however many times you want here:
Carl Hoiland, our beloved club President, led us through an overview of what Amnesty International is and how we can learn more about the issues, engage in dialogue, and make a difference--all right here in Provo. Between munching on delicious fresh fruit and chips/salsa, we came up with topics that we all decided would be important to get involved with. They include, but are not limited to:
And that's just what I could remember off the top of my head! The point is, there's a lot of human rights issues that need our attention and this semester is going to be an amazing opportunity to put charity into practice and make our world better.
So what do you think? What would you like to see the club doing this semester? Was the food okay? Do you know anybody who would be good to have come in and speak to the club? Leave a comment here on this post and let us know, because this is YOUR club!
Carl Hoiland, our beloved club President, led us through an overview of what Amnesty International is and how we can learn more about the issues, engage in dialogue, and make a difference--all right here in Provo. Between munching on delicious fresh fruit and chips/salsa, we came up with topics that we all decided would be important to get involved with. They include, but are not limited to:
- The War on Terror/Torture
- Genocide (e.g. Darfur)
- Domestic violence
- The Death Penalty
- Human trafficking
- Child Soldiers
- LGBT Rights
- Euthanasia
And that's just what I could remember off the top of my head! The point is, there's a lot of human rights issues that need our attention and this semester is going to be an amazing opportunity to put charity into practice and make our world better.
So what do you think? What would you like to see the club doing this semester? Was the food okay? Do you know anybody who would be good to have come in and speak to the club? Leave a comment here on this post and let us know, because this is YOUR club!
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