"A time comes when silence is betrayal." And that time has come for us ..." - M. King 1964
I am a classic case of a lurker. So, although I've been following DKos for quite some time, this is my first diary. I am hoping that my action will spur others to do the same. As is well known, my state's Senators: Snowe and Collins are key in today's battle on the "Torture Bill". Below the fold is the letter I sent to them this morning....
Remember, today is the day that "Silence is Betrayal".
Dear Senator [Snowe|Collins],
Today you will be asked to cast a vote on the Senate version of what has been dubbed the "Torture Bill".
I hope I need not explain to you the heinous, monstrous, immoral, and un-American nature of this bill. This bill proposes to:
Allow the use of "Extreme Interrogation", a euphamism for "Torture"
Allow indefinate detainment of any person by attaching the label "Unlawful Combatent"
Remove the opportunity of a detainee to challenge the legality of his or her detainment
Allow information gained through torture to be admitted against the accused
Remove the right of the accused to face his or her accuser
Remove the right of the accused to see the evidence against him or her
Absolve the past actions and crimes of all persons involved in interrogating current prisoners
This bill strikes at the bedrocks of our great country by allowing that "all men are NOT created equal", and by denying their "unalienable rights to life, and liberty". Attacking the principals upon which this country was founded is patently un-American. Voting in favor of doing so is a vote against America.
Further, this bill is immoral. It is a gross violation of all that I have been taught in my faith. Please take a quiet moment, and reflect upon these topics:
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." - Matthew 7:12
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." - Matthew 25:40
And finally the simple question: "Who would Jesus torture?"
Also today, you will be debating Sen. Specter's "Amendment on Habeus Corpus" to the bill. I urge you to support this amendment from the depths of my soul. The bill in it's current form must not become law. The country must be allowed time to properly review and debate this issue.
In 1964, Rev. King said:
"... I found myself in full accord when I read ...: "A time comes when silence is betrayal." And that time has come for us ..."
That time has again come for us. To remain silent in the face of this attack on our American values it to betray America.
I feel so strongly about this point, that I will no longer be able to support, either financially or with my vote, any candidate that supports this bill. Please do not disappoint me. I know you are strong enough in your principals to see that the right thing is done.
Respectfully,