Today President Obama ordered Guantanamo Bay detention camp closed a decision that is being rejoiced by some and condemned by others. Various Human Rights organizations have complained about prisoner conditions at the detention camp, but the fundamental questions remains of where these prisoner will be sent?
Some would argue that relocating Guantanamo Bay’s prisoners is absurd. If interrogation methods, under the previous administration were called into question, and are currently being revised by this new administration, then why close the detention camp? Granted it is a symbolic gesture, insofar as closing the detention camp sends a very clear message that interrogation tactics and CIA leadership have changed. The physical structure, however, the building as such is positioned such that is a good location to house war criminals.
What is of importance is not the actual detention center, as a physical structure, but the rules and regulations that govern that building. Since the current administration has done everything in its powers to break from the policies and practices of the former administration, closing the detention camp is, some would argue, little more than a symbolic gesture and signal to the world that times have changed.
Others, however, may argue that it would be impossible to overcome or undue the horrible associations with Guantanamo Bay despite the best of intentions, despite a new administration and new policies governing the care of prisoners. The stigma, then, has so horribly tarnished Guantanamo Bay that no amount of political reform will ever be able disassociate that structure with Human rights violations.
I’m not sure how I feel about Guantanamo Bay being closed. In one sense I understand the need to make a clear break with the past, but I also understand the redundancy in relocation and the strategic location of the building itself.
Jason J. Campbell
jasonjcampbell.org
Showing posts with label Guantanamo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Guantanamo. Show all posts
Friday, January 23, 2009
Cinderella’s Glass Slippers
Over the last eight years the American taxpayers have bought two wars, helped finance China’s market dominance, and ballooned corporate bailouts to new levels of absurdity. We, as a people, elected Barack Obama for the values and change he said he would bring, not only to “Wall Street,” but to “Main Street,” as the old adage goes.
Barack’s unprecedented ability to generate capital through simple donations, coupled with the power of the internet, and charisma to match, will all be for naught if the glass slipper is not returned to its rightful owner. The glass slipper is the idea and belief that we weren’t the worthless, torture-endorsing, bastardized nation our wicked stepsisters would have us believe we were. The glass slipper represents the idea that we have something to be desired, to be yearned for, to be sought. It is our freedom, our sense of tolerance and the inherent belief that, in America anyone has the ability to succeed.
The DNC has accomplished its goal of electing Barack and gaining a much needed majority by the small donations that I and countless others were willing to make. I think it is fair to say that requests for donations have reached their conclusion. We have financed the party, got our guy elected and now we’re awaiting the return of Core American Values.
1. Guantanamo should be closed
2. Since torture and water boarding, which is a form of torture, are violations of the Convention against Torture and against basic Human Rights, our government, though it assumes legal prosecution will be difficult for an amorphous entity like, “the government” we should demand prosecution. It shouldn’t be a witch hunt but someone or some group of individuals should be held accountable.
3. We need to invest in education and fund grants
4. And so on and so on…..
Like Cinderella’s glass slippers, our values are fragile, they are to be protected and revered. Any fortune 500 company CEO will tell you that corporate identity is paramount. It is the good name of the corporation where consumers place their trust. We need to reestablish our name, our brand and seek to regain the trust and faith of the American people. Our trust has been damaged and abused for too long. Barack and his administration should put that at the top of their infinitely long things to do list.
Things to do:
1. Regain the trust of the American People.
Jason J. Campbell
jasonjcampbell.org
© 2009
Barack’s unprecedented ability to generate capital through simple donations, coupled with the power of the internet, and charisma to match, will all be for naught if the glass slipper is not returned to its rightful owner. The glass slipper is the idea and belief that we weren’t the worthless, torture-endorsing, bastardized nation our wicked stepsisters would have us believe we were. The glass slipper represents the idea that we have something to be desired, to be yearned for, to be sought. It is our freedom, our sense of tolerance and the inherent belief that, in America anyone has the ability to succeed.
The DNC has accomplished its goal of electing Barack and gaining a much needed majority by the small donations that I and countless others were willing to make. I think it is fair to say that requests for donations have reached their conclusion. We have financed the party, got our guy elected and now we’re awaiting the return of Core American Values.
1. Guantanamo should be closed
2. Since torture and water boarding, which is a form of torture, are violations of the Convention against Torture and against basic Human Rights, our government, though it assumes legal prosecution will be difficult for an amorphous entity like, “the government” we should demand prosecution. It shouldn’t be a witch hunt but someone or some group of individuals should be held accountable.
3. We need to invest in education and fund grants
4. And so on and so on…..
Like Cinderella’s glass slippers, our values are fragile, they are to be protected and revered. Any fortune 500 company CEO will tell you that corporate identity is paramount. It is the good name of the corporation where consumers place their trust. We need to reestablish our name, our brand and seek to regain the trust and faith of the American people. Our trust has been damaged and abused for too long. Barack and his administration should put that at the top of their infinitely long things to do list.
Things to do:
1. Regain the trust of the American People.
Jason J. Campbell
jasonjcampbell.org
© 2009
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