Torture: An Issue for People of Faith
[Cross-posted at Versus & Buck Naked Politics] At Slacktivist, Fred Clark wrote a searing response
to Mona Charen's distressing recent column on
torture. Thanks, Slacktivist, for doing this---so other blogs don't have
to. 
And since it's Christmas, I also found via Slacktivist this site: The National Religious Campaign Against Torture. For some reason, the group limits membership to organizations (i.e., to churches), but you can sign a statement and get other information on opposing as immoral the government's use of torture. Speak Truth to Power, people! Read NRCAT's statement below and then please go there and sign it. After all, it's Christmas.
"Torture is a Moral Issue" Statement of Conscience (NRCAT)
Torture violates the basic dignity of the human person that all religions, in their highest ideals, hold dear. It degrades everyone involved -- policy-makers, perpetrators and victims. It contradicts our nation's most cherished ideals. Any policies that permit torture and inhumane treatment are shocking and morally intolerable.
Nothing less is at stake in the torture abuse crisis than the soul of our nation. What does it signify if torture is condemned in word but allowed in deed? Let America abolish torture now -- without exceptions.
Why Should You, as a Person of Faith, Endorse NRCAT's Statement of Conscience - "Torture is a Moral Issue"
- It is always important to take a public stand on clear issues of right and wrong. As Nobel Laureate, Eli Wiesel proclaimed, "I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation."
- It is important to support each other, to join hands with like-minded people of all faiths, in the effort to end U.S.-sponsored torture.
- Numbers make impressions on policymakers and the media - NRCAT shares the number of endorsers with members of Congress, the press, and other religious organizations.
- Our elected representatives are pledged to be responsible to their constituents. Your endorsement sends a message to your Congressperson, and once again, numbers speak loudly.
- As the number of endorsers grows, NRCAT will continue to provide the opportunity to endorse the Statement of Conscience, therefore it is important to spread the word and urge others to add their endorsement.
- We all want to effect positive change. Like the story of the butterfly that fluttered its wings on one side of the globe, inducing a tsunami on the other, your endorsement is one way to create the climate for change.
READ RELATED BN-POLITICS POSTINGS
Torture Tapes: Rodriguez May Sing (and Implicate the White House)
"Necessary Torture": The Interview of John Kiriakou (Updated)
ALSO:
US Military & Intelligence Officials Weigh in on Torture Issue (Deaf Ears Dept)
Bush Administration Blocked Critic Who Experienced Waterboarding
Giuliani: Is Waterboarding Torture? "It Depends on Who Does It."
Romney's Pick for National Security Adviser Would Torture 'in a Heartbeat.'
I say 'Torture'; You Say 'Harsh Interrogation Techniques'.... (Updated)
ALSO:
I am reading this on the same day I read that the CIA destroyed video tapes of its interrogations of high-level terror suspects. As always, how we behave reflects who we are; if we're so sure the other guy is so terrible, then why do we allow Other Guy to dictate our standards of behavior?
Thanks for calling attention to this. I'll go now to that other site and sign.
Posted by:SandyCarlson | January 04, 2008 at 10:37 PM