Monday, January 12, 2004

Do as I say, not as I do.

OK, so we go around the world, telling governments to shape up and protect the rights of citizens or else we'll do things that aren't pleasant. In theory, using the force for good. One of the things we (USA) are rather adamant about is the importance of due process. Yet, in our own country, this is a very limited right. If you are not actually from our country, you are not entitled to due process; you can be detained without access to a lawyer for as long as the US government wants to hold you. Meanwhile, the countries we're trying to convince of the goodness of human rights are thinking, "you don't treat our citizens according to your standards... why should we?"

I recognize that this is complicated in military matters. However, given our government's issues with matters of evidence, I think they should have to make a case to representatives of the public that there is a significant security risk involves in divulging names of "material witnesses" being held in Guantanamo, and in allowing them representation.

Let me be clear: this would have to be above and beyond manageable risk. I know there is a chance that allowing more people into the detention camps increases likelihood of collusion from within. However, we have managed this problem within our own correctional facilities for years. The camp is on a military base located on an island nation. The wall between Cuba and the base is already highly guarded. This is a highly defensible position, not one that is ripe for national security breaches.

We damage our relations with the world each time we put away our values because they're inconvenient. Vet the lawyers, if you have to. Strip search them at the airstrip. Step up perimeter security. Increase intelligence contacts with people whom detainees might try to communicate -- hell, you should have done that anyway. Do what you have to to deal with possible consequences, America. It's time to walk your talk.

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