Torture: For or Against?

That's right... there are only 2 sides to this coin.

From Will Samson, word for word:

Take Your Stand Against Torture

It seems indeed silly that as a nation we require a National Religious Campaign Against Torture. Imagine a national religious campaign against robbery or murder, values that are not only imbedded in all three predominant religious traditions but are also cornerstone legal values of almost all organized societies. Torture has been perceived through the ages as an offense on the level of robbery, murder and so many other obviously condemnable actions. Yet, here we find ourselves, in 2006, having to remind people that torture is a violation against God, our religious values and our ability to live as moral citizens of the planet. Such is the state of our times.

This Tuesday there will be a demonstration at the White House, just prior to the time when the President is to sign the Military Commissions Act of 2006, legislation that legalizes torture of prisoners. Further, this bill would eradicate the the writ of habeas corpus for detainees, meaning that we have eliminated the process for determining if the prisoners we are torturing are even individuals of interest. God help us (and I mean that quite literally). This is a terrible piece of legislation and ranks the United States with some of the cruelest and most barbaric cultures.

I have contended for some time that the greatest offense of this administration is hubris, a value antithetical to the gospel and the Judeo-Christian tradition. Given the President's use of his faith for electoral gain, this makes his arrogant moves toward violence doubly-damnable. This bill is clear evidence of President Bush's rejection of important Christian values like community, accountability and counsel, to say nothing of how he little he values life. It is time for individuals of conscience to object.

Lisa and Ty will be heading to Washington, DC to demonstrate in opposition to this bill. Their efforts and the efforts of others will likely not deter what appears the inevitability of this bill. But, as cliche as this might sound, we do not want to tell our grandchildren that we could have taken a stand against this act of terror but were too busy.

Below is information on the demonstration from the NRCAT. Please consider joining Lisa and Ty in DC, or click on the link to find out how you can speak out in your area:

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Dear Friends of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture,

The President is expected to sign the Military Commissions Act of 2006 at 9:35 A.M. this coming Tuesday, Oct. 17.

We write to ask you to display your commitment to an end of U.S.-sponsored torture.

IF YOU ARE IN THE WASHINGTON, DC AREA: The Washington Region Religious Campaign Against Torture invites you to join them in a demonstration/vigil at the White House to protest the signing of the Military Commissions Act. On Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 9:00 A.M., they will gather in front of the White House on the Lafayette Park side of the White House. The National Religious Campaign Against Torture, PeaceAction Montgomery, the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International, the Center for Constitutional Rights, The Shalom Center, and Rabbis for Human Rights have asked to join in this demonstration.

There will be several speakers, a mock coffin depicting the demise of our most cherished values, and a choir. And, there will be a People's Signing Statement, rejecting the Military Commissions Act, which everyone can sign. Please be advised that we may learn at a late date that the time for the signing has changed, so we will need to be prepared to shift gears if that happens. Please check the WRRCAT website on Monday for any updates.

More information is available from the NRCAT website, including a place to add your name to a petition against this savage legislation.

 

 

Comments

[Idi Amin]

Do not be so quick to point fingers. Torture is necessary to defend the people from danger.

[Mao]

We may occasionally use harsh methods but it is necessary to protect our citizens.

[Stalin]

so we torture... Want to make something of it?

[Jesus]

excuse me, may I say something?

[david]

can we make a t-shirt from the dialogue above?

brilliant. Robert - congratulations on channeling such diversity! from Idi Amin to Jesus in 4 lines. A record, I think.

-d