Angelic Faith
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Have you been labeled?
As we sit in our homes with the warmth of the heater, knowing that tomorrow is another day, facing the daily grind of our own existence, crawling into bed, we as a nation may not know if our freedoms will exist tomorrow. Somewhere on the other side of this world that we share there are many who cannot do that. They are stuck in a place where others determine their daily activities. Their actions are dictated by others: when to go to the bathroom, when to eat, when to pray, when to sleep, all while waiting for a trial upon their guilt or innocence.
Somewhere there is someone who has been labeled and is being held as an “enemy combatant”. First let us look at the definition of an “enemy combatant” according to the United States Government.
`(3) LAWFUL ENEMY COMBATANT- The term `lawful enemy combatant' means an individual who is--
`(A) a member of the regular forces of a State party engaged in hostilities against the United States;
`(B) a member of a militia, volunteer corps, or organized resistance movement belonging to a State party engaged in such hostilities, which are under responsible command, wear a fixed distinctive sign recognizable at a distance, carry their arms openly, and abide by the law of war; or
`(C) a member of a regular armed force who professes allegiance to a government engaged in such hostilities, but not recognized by the United States.
`(4) UNLAWFUL ENEMY COMBATANT- The term `unlawful enemy combatant' means an individual engaged in hostilities against the United States who is not a lawful enemy combatant.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c109:1:./temp/~c109oaWAvy:e4945:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/11/print/20011113-27.html
For these circumstances, you also have to know what the Military Commissions Act is because of the connection of both that has created a situation in Guantanamo Bay.
"The Military Commissions Act establishes a process for prosecuting terrorists that strikes the important balance of protecting the way in which our country gathers sensitive intelligence, while providing detainees with basic legal protections. With the passage of the Military Commissions Act, we can finally move forward with bringing suspected terrorists to justice and peace of mind to the families of the fallen."
http://thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=354&Month=9&Year=2006
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c109:1:./temp/~c109oaWAvy:e4945:
This is the paperwork from President Bush on the Military Commissions Act.
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_cong_bills&docid=f:s3930enr.txt.pdf
In recent years, many people have not been aware of the Military commission act or what an “enemy combatant” until the current talks of Guantanamo Bay and waterboarding. Right now the question is, is or is not waterboarding torture? It is up to you to determine how far we push people before it is considered torture or whether it is simply necessary interrogation for getting important tactical information.
Maybe you are sitting there saying no; you don’t have the right to determine these men’s fate. Yes, you do. Your tax dollars pay for the Government that supports Guantanamo Bay. This is a United Republic and the people of this Republic are the reason why this Government exists.
What you may consider torture is not torture to other cultures. It is of course up to you in your own mind how far you might take the torture if your children or family members were involved. This is perfectly understandable however, because there are limits as to what the world considers torture and what interrogation is. It is up to you in the end to make your choice as to what is presented if you would compare the extremities of punishment and the nature of the crime: do they balance? Perhaps you are one like many who state very simply that these people get what they deserve, however if you were the one administering the punishment, would you be so quick to make that statement?
I want you to put yourself in the situation, realizing that at any time you or one of your family members could possibly be considered an “enemy combatant” simply because of your religious beliefs, affiliations, friends, or words you may say or place on the computer.
Now when you think back to where you were September 11th, 2001, the horror in your mind must have been as to the fact of how such an action could have been made, let alone in the United States, in such a historic city; the bomb that rocked the world. Granted, this does not mean that this singular form of terrorism only affected the United States. It also affected many of those around the world. The intensity of terrorism has created its own destabilization in America.
A lot of people don't know the history of Guantanamo Bay or the purpose behind it. Guantanamo Bay or GitMo has been around for quite a while and it is important that we keep this base alive and well for military reasons. What Guantanamo Bay is being used for right now, is not the purpose for which it was built.
Many have been sent to GitMo for very good reasons. Others simply because they spoke out about the government, and others because of associations with which they were connected, much like in the 40’s and 50’s when people were labeled for “Un-American” Activities” in the United States because of perceived personal and political association with the Communist Party. This nation has hidden GitMo until it was spoken about by the Government who was questioned, the ACLU, and others who saw the injustices that are being accepted in this little space of Cuba that the United States rents.
This does not mean that those who are truly terrorists do not deserve to be locked up, prosecuted, and held accountable by the highest form of courts that are provided. This is about those who are innocent and affected because the government has labeled certain people as "enemy combatants," including those who are United States citizens because of their religious beliefs, birth rights, or affiliations. These people held in GitMo have been with out trials, legal aide, or the outside world to speak for them until recently.
At a recent protest on January 31st, 2008, held in New York City, standing in front of the CNN building as police showed up, in cars, on foot, and motorcade. As we stood there, I noticed that there were more police than protestors. Perhaps the police were concerned that this could be a demonstration much like those held in the 60’s and 70’s.
This small protest held by www.worldcantwait.org and had about 30 people in front of CNN. From there were going to travel around the city to let New Yorkers know what was going on in GitMo, to let the world know what could be done to change the circumstances of the situation where so many feel powerless to help. After a demonstration of waterboarding, the march began, escorted by police both on foot and motorpeds as they looked on.
As the protesters walked, they chanted in unison,
"1, 2, 3, 4. We won't stop ‘til we end this war. 5, 6, 7, 8. We won't live in a torture state."
Moving through the streets of New York City for all to hear, cars passed by and people listened, but many did not stop. As we hit Broadway, there were eight police who joined the protesters who continued to walk.
Moving on to the Fox News tower, we stopped and a woman stood and spoke of her son who had been twice to the war and come home. She spoke of the injustice; however because of her son's loyalty to the United States, if he were called forth, he would serve again. Her passion and outcry was for relief of the pain, on both parts fully: the soldier sent to war and the mother left at home. Knowing that our freedoms must be protected, that we as a nation must come together to make us one, and knowing that the ultimate sacrifice may be her son coming home in a body bag only to be buried under the wood of the tree that shields him.
The protest brought forth many things, including the announcement that there will be another protest in Washington DC on March 19th, 2008. You are welcome to join in this peaceful protest if you can make it.
After the speeches of both the mother of a soldier who has served, and a woman so passionate about the cause that she is willing to risk her freedom in Washington D.C. knowing perfectly well that her time may end up in a jail cell that night for exercising her 1st Amendment rights, one cannot help but wonder, if you were in the situation at hand, would you participate in this movement?
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVWlNQxjIsc
As we turned onto Amsterdam and 65th St, the chant came across, "There is a killer in the White House, time to drive his ass out."
Perhaps some would find that inappropriate as the police walked in cadence to protect the protesters who demonstrated on this day. There were comments tossed out from bystanders, and the people who wanted to know more asked. Some onlookers accused the protesters of being un-American, but there were also those who supported the demonstration as we moved towards the National Guard station located in Times Square itself. However they were closed and no one was home. Perhaps they knew about what was coming and just did not wish to deal with the protest itself.
As we moved to a building to get warm, a gentleman explained the true definition of what happens during waterboarding. It is a slow drowning process that is administered for one to be forced to speak the truth and betray their country. We must remember there are proper interrogation actions and there is torture. We train our soldiers under the same situations. However in such a situation, it is name, rank, and serial number. What makes those who are being tortured any different from those of our own soldiers who become P.O.W.'s?
After warming up, the group headed to Bryant Park to protest in front of Verizon. The head office had been moved to New Jersey; however the group of demonstrators remained to get the word out.
As I left to go home and write my story, the question in my mind was what I could take away from this to share with the American public and others who were not able to demonstrate on this day.
I ask you, if this was you, if this was your children or your husbands and wives...Would you not question the humanity of the procedures that are enacted upon the detainees at GitMo? You don't have to do the walk as I did; you don't have to do the getting to know you part of meeting people. Your control is in your own hands and your phone. It is not about defending the terrorist. Under no circumstances should any terrorist be protected. It is about the humanity of such prosecutions, receiving a fair trial, and if the shoe were reversed, would you want fair justice or would you choose to be waterboarded and tortured in other adverse ways?
It is a simple act of humanity to request the humanitarian backings of people to support not torture, but humane actions against those being detained. You may be asking why about the humane actions against detainees. Perhaps it is about making sure just desserts are served, but not in such a way that others must be horrified to remember the actions taken against the detainees, no matter of innocence or guilt. Remember, is it not about defending the terrorist; it is about humanity and defending those who must protect our freedoms. It is so that those who come home do not have to suffer the nightmares of what they have had to do to protect our freedoms, but also for those who are innocent to be treated humanely. As a United Nation, we should not place ourselves in the position that if the situation were reversed, this would be done to us.
There could be any one of a dozen people you know who may be taking care of GitMo and other situations in the United States. It is not only the terrorist and his or her family affected, but also those who must defend the rights to freedoms.
It is time now to stand, speak, and allow justice to be served.
Somewhere there is someone who has been labeled and is being held as an “enemy combatant”. First let us look at the definition of an “enemy combatant” according to the United States Government.
`(3) LAWFUL ENEMY COMBATANT- The term `lawful enemy combatant' means an individual who is--
`(A) a member of the regular forces of a State party engaged in hostilities against the United States;
`(B) a member of a militia, volunteer corps, or organized resistance movement belonging to a State party engaged in such hostilities, which are under responsible command, wear a fixed distinctive sign recognizable at a distance, carry their arms openly, and abide by the law of war; or
`(C) a member of a regular armed force who professes allegiance to a government engaged in such hostilities, but not recognized by the United States.
`(4) UNLAWFUL ENEMY COMBATANT- The term `unlawful enemy combatant' means an individual engaged in hostilities against the United States who is not a lawful enemy combatant.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c109:1:./temp/~c109oaWAvy:e4945:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/11/print/20011113-27.html
For these circumstances, you also have to know what the Military Commissions Act is because of the connection of both that has created a situation in Guantanamo Bay.
"The Military Commissions Act establishes a process for prosecuting terrorists that strikes the important balance of protecting the way in which our country gathers sensitive intelligence, while providing detainees with basic legal protections. With the passage of the Military Commissions Act, we can finally move forward with bringing suspected terrorists to justice and peace of mind to the families of the fallen."
http://thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=354&Month=9&Year=2006
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c109:1:./temp/~c109oaWAvy:e4945:
This is the paperwork from President Bush on the Military Commissions Act.
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_cong_bills&docid=f:s3930enr.txt.pdf
In recent years, many people have not been aware of the Military commission act or what an “enemy combatant” until the current talks of Guantanamo Bay and waterboarding. Right now the question is, is or is not waterboarding torture? It is up to you to determine how far we push people before it is considered torture or whether it is simply necessary interrogation for getting important tactical information.
Maybe you are sitting there saying no; you don’t have the right to determine these men’s fate. Yes, you do. Your tax dollars pay for the Government that supports Guantanamo Bay. This is a United Republic and the people of this Republic are the reason why this Government exists.
What you may consider torture is not torture to other cultures. It is of course up to you in your own mind how far you might take the torture if your children or family members were involved. This is perfectly understandable however, because there are limits as to what the world considers torture and what interrogation is. It is up to you in the end to make your choice as to what is presented if you would compare the extremities of punishment and the nature of the crime: do they balance? Perhaps you are one like many who state very simply that these people get what they deserve, however if you were the one administering the punishment, would you be so quick to make that statement?
I want you to put yourself in the situation, realizing that at any time you or one of your family members could possibly be considered an “enemy combatant” simply because of your religious beliefs, affiliations, friends, or words you may say or place on the computer.
Now when you think back to where you were September 11th, 2001, the horror in your mind must have been as to the fact of how such an action could have been made, let alone in the United States, in such a historic city; the bomb that rocked the world. Granted, this does not mean that this singular form of terrorism only affected the United States. It also affected many of those around the world. The intensity of terrorism has created its own destabilization in America.
A lot of people don't know the history of Guantanamo Bay or the purpose behind it. Guantanamo Bay or GitMo has been around for quite a while and it is important that we keep this base alive and well for military reasons. What Guantanamo Bay is being used for right now, is not the purpose for which it was built.
Many have been sent to GitMo for very good reasons. Others simply because they spoke out about the government, and others because of associations with which they were connected, much like in the 40’s and 50’s when people were labeled for “Un-American” Activities” in the United States because of perceived personal and political association with the Communist Party. This nation has hidden GitMo until it was spoken about by the Government who was questioned, the ACLU, and others who saw the injustices that are being accepted in this little space of Cuba that the United States rents.
This does not mean that those who are truly terrorists do not deserve to be locked up, prosecuted, and held accountable by the highest form of courts that are provided. This is about those who are innocent and affected because the government has labeled certain people as "enemy combatants," including those who are United States citizens because of their religious beliefs, birth rights, or affiliations. These people held in GitMo have been with out trials, legal aide, or the outside world to speak for them until recently.
At a recent protest on January 31st, 2008, held in New York City, standing in front of the CNN building as police showed up, in cars, on foot, and motorcade. As we stood there, I noticed that there were more police than protestors. Perhaps the police were concerned that this could be a demonstration much like those held in the 60’s and 70’s.
This small protest held by www.worldcantwait.org and had about 30 people in front of CNN. From there were going to travel around the city to let New Yorkers know what was going on in GitMo, to let the world know what could be done to change the circumstances of the situation where so many feel powerless to help. After a demonstration of waterboarding, the march began, escorted by police both on foot and motorpeds as they looked on.
As the protesters walked, they chanted in unison,
"1, 2, 3, 4. We won't stop ‘til we end this war. 5, 6, 7, 8. We won't live in a torture state."
Moving through the streets of New York City for all to hear, cars passed by and people listened, but many did not stop. As we hit Broadway, there were eight police who joined the protesters who continued to walk.
Moving on to the Fox News tower, we stopped and a woman stood and spoke of her son who had been twice to the war and come home. She spoke of the injustice; however because of her son's loyalty to the United States, if he were called forth, he would serve again. Her passion and outcry was for relief of the pain, on both parts fully: the soldier sent to war and the mother left at home. Knowing that our freedoms must be protected, that we as a nation must come together to make us one, and knowing that the ultimate sacrifice may be her son coming home in a body bag only to be buried under the wood of the tree that shields him.
The protest brought forth many things, including the announcement that there will be another protest in Washington DC on March 19th, 2008. You are welcome to join in this peaceful protest if you can make it.
After the speeches of both the mother of a soldier who has served, and a woman so passionate about the cause that she is willing to risk her freedom in Washington D.C. knowing perfectly well that her time may end up in a jail cell that night for exercising her 1st Amendment rights, one cannot help but wonder, if you were in the situation at hand, would you participate in this movement?
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVWlNQxjIsc
As we turned onto Amsterdam and 65th St, the chant came across, "There is a killer in the White House, time to drive his ass out."
Perhaps some would find that inappropriate as the police walked in cadence to protect the protesters who demonstrated on this day. There were comments tossed out from bystanders, and the people who wanted to know more asked. Some onlookers accused the protesters of being un-American, but there were also those who supported the demonstration as we moved towards the National Guard station located in Times Square itself. However they were closed and no one was home. Perhaps they knew about what was coming and just did not wish to deal with the protest itself.
As we moved to a building to get warm, a gentleman explained the true definition of what happens during waterboarding. It is a slow drowning process that is administered for one to be forced to speak the truth and betray their country. We must remember there are proper interrogation actions and there is torture. We train our soldiers under the same situations. However in such a situation, it is name, rank, and serial number. What makes those who are being tortured any different from those of our own soldiers who become P.O.W.'s?
After warming up, the group headed to Bryant Park to protest in front of Verizon. The head office had been moved to New Jersey; however the group of demonstrators remained to get the word out.
As I left to go home and write my story, the question in my mind was what I could take away from this to share with the American public and others who were not able to demonstrate on this day.
I ask you, if this was you, if this was your children or your husbands and wives...Would you not question the humanity of the procedures that are enacted upon the detainees at GitMo? You don't have to do the walk as I did; you don't have to do the getting to know you part of meeting people. Your control is in your own hands and your phone. It is not about defending the terrorist. Under no circumstances should any terrorist be protected. It is about the humanity of such prosecutions, receiving a fair trial, and if the shoe were reversed, would you want fair justice or would you choose to be waterboarded and tortured in other adverse ways?
It is a simple act of humanity to request the humanitarian backings of people to support not torture, but humane actions against those being detained. You may be asking why about the humane actions against detainees. Perhaps it is about making sure just desserts are served, but not in such a way that others must be horrified to remember the actions taken against the detainees, no matter of innocence or guilt. Remember, is it not about defending the terrorist; it is about humanity and defending those who must protect our freedoms. It is so that those who come home do not have to suffer the nightmares of what they have had to do to protect our freedoms, but also for those who are innocent to be treated humanely. As a United Nation, we should not place ourselves in the position that if the situation were reversed, this would be done to us.
There could be any one of a dozen people you know who may be taking care of GitMo and other situations in the United States. It is not only the terrorist and his or her family affected, but also those who must defend the rights to freedoms.
It is time now to stand, speak, and allow justice to be served.
Please contact your Senators, Congressmen, and State Representatives and I have listed the links to the offices below. Thank you.
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/
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