This week is the 8-year anniversary of the opening of the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Next week is the deadline to close it. By all accounts we are not going to make it. In fact, the Obama administration has asked for another full year to do so.
So what is going on? Granted, there are some really tricky legal issues at play, but the other major factor is that the fear mongers are still trying to convince people that they will be less safe if the detainees at GITMO enter the federal court system.
We need to stand up to them. Publicly, and in large numbers. If we really believe in American values like human rights, justice, and the rule of law, they must be upheld regardless of circumstance. I'm inviting you to take a stand for America by standing up to the fear mongers and participating in this campaign:
Created with flickr slideshow.
All you need to do is sign the petition to close GITMO. Then make a sign that reads 'I signed' on the top line and then include your signature big and proudly on the bottom. Then send it to HumanRights1st@yahoo.com.
The facts are clear:Our courts can handle GITMO detainees.Our prisons are capable of holding convicted terrorists.GITMO is a recruiting tool for Anti-American forces abroad.You can help create the political will to Close GITMO.
*Nathan Havey works as a consultant to Human Rights First*