At a recent breakfast with reporters, Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean was asked what position the Democratic party has taken on Guantanamo Bay. Dean's response, relayed by
The Nation's Ari Berman:
"'We don't have a Democratic Party position,' Dean admitted. 'I've never had a discussion about it with [Harry] Reid and [Nancy] Pelosi.'"
This is a disgrace. Gtmo is, as Berman points out, a major moral issue. It is also emblematic of the Bush administration's disdain for human rights, domestic and international law, the nation's standing in the community of nations, and basic tansparency in government. If the Democrats fail to take a position on this issue, Gtmo will stand as yet another example of the Democrats missing (or spurning) a huge opportunity to stand for something.
If Dean won't talk to Pelosi and Reid about Gtmo, someone needs to. It is time to fill the mailboxes and light up the switchboards at the offices of Pelosi, Reid, and Dean. Some addresses follow after the jump.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi
United States House of Representatives
2371 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0508
DC Phone: 202-225-4965
DC Fax: 202-225-8259
e-mail: sf.nancy@mail.house.gov
Hon. Harry Reid
United States Senate
528 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-3542
Fax: 202-224-732
E-mail webform: http://reid.senate.gov/...
Chairman Howard Dean
Democratic National Committee
430 South Capitol Street SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
Phone: (202) 863-8000
FAX: (202) 863-8174