America used to stand for something. Does it still? Are we still the shining beacon of hope, the protector and defender of human rights around the world? I believe most Americans wish and believe this to be true. However, in recent times, our actions around the world have lead to a decline in our stature, our influence and our ability to take the higher moral ground, especially as it relates to human rights and basic decency in our treatment of others.
I think it’s pretty self-evident that the following is a list of very unAmerican activities. In fact, this list would pretty much match a list of things we were warned about; things that we fought totalitarian regimes to try and prevent from happening across the globe.
And now they’re being done in our name.
And just to forestall one criticism, no, 9/11 did NOT change everything! We’re still Americans and that still means something. It means we are an honorable people and strive to do the right thing. The right thing certainly does not include the activities oulined below.
List of Must Dos to Restore America’s Civil Liberties
- Restore Habeas Corpus
- Stop Illegal Spying
- Ban Torture, Really
- Close the C.I.A. Prisons
- Account for “Ghost Prisoners”
- Ban Extraordinary Rendition
- Tighten the Definition of Combatant
- Screen Prisoners Fairly and Effectively
- Ban Tainted Evidence
- Ban Secret Evidence
- Better Define “Classified” Evidence
- Respect the Right to Counsel
Thanks to Tom for the tip; there is an expanded version of the list available.