Before You Vote: Some Thoughts from a Military Family

In my work for UUSC to eliminate the use of torture by the United States I have been privileged to meet many remarkable people. Suzanne O'Hatnick, whose words follow these, is one.

The Military Commissions Act of 2006, according to the president, gives him the tools he needs to fight terrorism. I think it makes us all less safe.

Here are some of the most worrisome parts -- the act:

• Allows anyone anywhere, including Americans in America, to be detained as “enemy combatants.” The term is loosely defined and can include someone who writes a check to an organization. These detainees have no right to see all the evidence against them, no right to a speedy trial or any trial at all – they can be detained – forever - without trial. Most have no right to challenge their detention in court.
• Appears to assume that anyone detained is guilty. We have already released 400 people from Guantanamo. Several high profile cases of innocents grabbed in error have been reported. They were released after court review, something no longer allowed.
• Allows the president to decide what is torture and what is not, without any oversight from the courts.
• Grants immunity from prosecution to the president, his administration, and all civilian Americans who authorized or committed acts of torture, retroactive from 9/11/01 – 2005, which is when the Supreme Court ruled that such acts already authorized were in violation of our own War Crimes Act and international law.
• Allows the use of secret prisons or what is called "rendition" – using another country known for using torture to interrogate prisoners.

As Americans we have historically said that we presume someone is innocent until proven guilty; that everyone has the right to a fair trial; that we treat all humanely; and that our government is one of checks and balances, of accountability and transparency. This act contradicts all of these principles.

It might surprise you to learn our armed forces have most opposed this bill, in addition to many in the religious and human rights communities. Experts in interrogation say coercive techniques do not work, destroy morale, and create enemies. Granting retroactive immunity makes a mockery of our system of accountability. It does nothing to protect us.

Who am I? I am an American citizen. I once was proud of American standards of fair play. I have family in the military serving in Iraq. I am a woman of faith, faith in my country and faith in an informed citizenry. I think we have made a terrible mistake and we need to rectify it.

Read the bill for yourself. Sign the statement, Torture is a Moral Issue, online. Thanks for listening.

-- Suzanne O'Hatnick