Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture (WSRCAT), along with other justice organizations, organized 3 special events, coordinated with the expected ACLU lawsuit against “torture psychologists” Mitchell and Jessen. Although the defendants, torture victims and family of a torture victim who died due to his torture, settled the case out of court, the case drew attention to CIA torture of prisoners, and was a step toward accountability for torture.
As Rob Crawford, facilitator of WSRCAT said, “These events contributed to our principal goals of continuing to confront the violence of torture, the violent rhetoric of torture along with the language and acts of violence coming from the president, his administration, and populist-militarist right-wing movements and media.”
HERE ARE SOME LINKS to what occurred at the 3 WSRCAT events, plus a radio panel about opposing torture.
Sept. 5, 2017, Roundtable Discussion on THE ILLEGAL AND IMMORAL IMPLICATIONS OF TORTURE on KYRS Thin Air Community Radio (Spokane) with speakers Liz Moore and Audrey Burr of Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane (PJALS), Rob Crawford of WSRCAT, and Karen Dorn Steele, retired investigative reporter with the Spokesman Review. Audio file at
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1eAsaissWQ0OGNpS3JsTWE0R0U/view
“THE MORAL AND POLITICAL OBLIGATION TO RESIST TORTURE” – at UW Seattle - September 26, 2017, featured WSRCAT coordinator Rob Crawford, CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, Professor Lisa Hajjar, Ron Stief of National Religious Campaign Against Torture, former Rep. Jim McDermott, and Liezl Rebugio of the ACLU.
Video of the event is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDdRGea3Akw (thanks to videographer Mike McCormick)
An hour’s portion of this event will air on Mike’s Mind Over Matters radio show Sunday October 8, 2017, 7-8 am, on KEXP 90.3 FM Seattle & http://www.kexp.org. This will be available at the website 2 weeks thereafter.
Text of the talk by Rob Crawford is at http://www.wsrcat.org/resistancecrawford.doc
“WHY TORTURE IS WRONG” – in Spokane WA September 9, 2017, featured Keynote Speaker: Curt Goering, Center For Victims Of Torture, and Commentator: Reverend Rich Lang.
Text of their talks can be read at https://www.cvt.org/blog/healing-and-human-rights/why-torture-wrong-0 and http://www.wsrcat.org/richlang.html
"THE LEGAL OBLIGATION TO PREVENT AND PROSECUTE TORTURE" in Spokane WA took place on Sept. 6, 2017, featured Keynote Speaker JUAN E. MENDEZ, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture (2010-2016); Commentators: LISA HAJJAR, Professor of Sociology, University of California, Santa Barbara, on “The politics of accountability for torture.” and UPENDRA ACHARYA, Associate Professor, Gonzaga University Law School on “The geographic scope of the Convention against Torture as a legal matter.”
Video of this event is at: http://kaltura.com/tiny/dtojb
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Friday, June 23, 2017
US resuming torture? Act to stop it.
President Obama tried to end US torture; now the US appears to be reversing that policy, using surrogate torturers. Please read the message below and take action by contacting your 2 Senators and your Representative in Congress. Phone numbers for the WA state delegation are at the end
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: a WSRCAT activist
Subject: Urgent action - US complicit in torture in Yemen
In a major story, the Associated Press has reported that US officials are interrogating prisoners subjected to torture by United Arab Emirates officials in Yemen. Here is the article.
From: a WSRCAT activist
Subject: Urgent action - US complicit in torture in Yemen
I urge everyone to call their US senators and representative about this issue. Say something like: "The AP has reported that US officials are interrogating prisoners subjected to torture in Yemen. Please demand an immediate end to this practice."
The switchboard is 1-202-224-3121. A menu routes you to your senator or representative.
I left messages with Senators Cantwell and Murray and Representative Jayapal. The staff person at Pramila Jayapal's office seemed very interested, said this was the first he'd heard about this, and promised he would inform Representative Jayapal.
This makes me think that we need to send as many calls as possible.
=======================
MORE PHONE NUMBERS FOR OUR SENATORS AND REPS
See also the League of Women Voters pamphlet "They Represent You" at http://www.seattlelwv.org/
Senator Patty Murray 202-224-2621 toll free: 866-481-9186
Senator Maria Cantwell 202-224-3441
1st DISTRICT NE King, Eastern Snohomish, Eastern Skagit, and most of Whatcom County
Rep. Suzan DelBene 202-225-6311
2nd DISTRICT Bellingham and Island, San Juan, Western Skagit and Western Snohomish County
Rep. Rick Larsen 202-225-2605
3rd DISTRICT Southern Thurston County to Oregon border Klickitat County and west to ocean
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler 202-225-3536
4th DISTRICT Central Washington
Rep. Dan Newhouse 202-225-5816
5th DISTRICT Eastern Washington
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers 202-225-2006
6th DISTRICT Olympic Peninsula, Kitsap, & Northern Pacific County
Rep. Derek Kilmer 202-225-5916
7th DISTRICT Edmonds, Vashon Island & most of Seattle
Rep. Pramila Jayapal 202-225-3106
8th DISTRICT Sammamish to Auburn and SE King, Eastern Pierce, Chelan and Kittitas Counties
Rep. Dave Reichert 202-225-7761
9th DISTRICT Southeast Seattle, Redmond to Kent, Burien to Tacoma
Rep. Adam Smith 202-225-8901
10th DISTRICT Most of Thurston and Western Pierce County
Rep. Denny Heck 202-225-9740
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Petition about a Case of Fatal Torture in a US Prison
WSRCAT has long taken a stand against torture in prisons, including that of prolonged solitary confinement. Below is a link about shocking case of fatal torture in a US prison (5 years ago, no accountability). The text below was offered by the petition presenters as a way to spread the news of this petition. Please consider signing the petition and also passing along the information.
You might also like to check out WSRCAT's homepage http://wsrcat.org/ and see some recent updates; please return soon as we are in the process of adding more updates.
==============================
Dear Friends,
I just signed the campaign: Was Darren Rainey Tortured and Killed by Prison Guards at Dade Correctional Institution in Florida?
I ask you to add your name to this important issue. Every name that is added builds momentum around the campaign and makes it more likely for us to get the change we want to see.
Will you join me by taking action on this campaign?
After you've signed the petition please also take a moment to share it with others. It is quick and easy – all you need to do is forward this email.
Thank you!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Tues June 3, 2014, 7:30 p.m., Program "Exposing the Truth of U.S. Torture: Restoring Human Dignity and the Rule of Law"
The Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture (WSRCAT) invites all to a presentation "Exposing the Truth of U.S. Torture: Restoring Human Dignity and the Rule of Law" featuring Brig. General David R. Irvine of The Constitution Project, and a panel of activists.
Tuesday June 3, 2014, 7:30 p.m., at University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 NE 43rd Street, Seattle, free admission.
Information http://www.wsrcat.org
Flyer at http://www.wsrcat.org/irvineposterweb.pdf
Brig. General David R. Irvine was an Army Reserve strategic intelligence officer who taught prisoner interrogation and military law for 18 years. He is a member of the bipartisan Task Force on Detainee Treatment of the nonprofit organization, The Constitution Project, which spent over two years compiling a 600 page report on U.S. held detainees at Guantánamo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and CIA "black sites". This report is available for the world to see at http://detaineetaskforce.org/read/
In contrast, the Senate Intelligence Committee report on the Central Intelligence Agency’s detention and interrogation program cost the taxpayers $40 million, and has yet to be released to the public.
The MC of this important program will be University of Washington Prof. Rob Crawford, a co-founder of WSRCAT.
Panelists include:
The Rev. Rich Lang, Pastor of University Temple United Methodist Church, a consistent voice for global and local justice.
Professor Beth Rivin, a pediatrician, Director of University of Washington's Global Health and Justice Project
Scott Roehm, Senior Counsel, Rule of Law Program, The Constitution Project.
Sponsors of the event include the national organizations: The Constitution Project; KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights; National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT).
A growing list of local sponsors includes: Amnesty International Group 4, Seattle; Faith Action Network; INOC (Interfaith Network of Concern for the Middle East); Lutheran Peace Fellowship; Philippine-United States Solidarity Organization (PUSO); Seattle Chapter Fellowship of Reconciliation; United Nations Association Greater Seattle Chapter; University of Washington Center for Human Rights; Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Tuesday June 3, 2014, 7:30 p.m., at University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 NE 43rd Street, Seattle, free admission.
Information http://www.wsrcat.org
Flyer at http://www.wsrcat.org/irvineposterweb.pdf
Brig. General David R. Irvine was an Army Reserve strategic intelligence officer who taught prisoner interrogation and military law for 18 years. He is a member of the bipartisan Task Force on Detainee Treatment of the nonprofit organization, The Constitution Project, which spent over two years compiling a 600 page report on U.S. held detainees at Guantánamo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and CIA "black sites". This report is available for the world to see at http://detaineetaskforce.org/read/
In contrast, the Senate Intelligence Committee report on the Central Intelligence Agency’s detention and interrogation program cost the taxpayers $40 million, and has yet to be released to the public.
The MC of this important program will be University of Washington Prof. Rob Crawford, a co-founder of WSRCAT.
Panelists include:
The Rev. Rich Lang, Pastor of University Temple United Methodist Church, a consistent voice for global and local justice.
Professor Beth Rivin, a pediatrician, Director of University of Washington's Global Health and Justice Project
Scott Roehm, Senior Counsel, Rule of Law Program, The Constitution Project.
Sponsors of the event include the national organizations: The Constitution Project; KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights; National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT).
A growing list of local sponsors includes: Amnesty International Group 4, Seattle; Faith Action Network; INOC (Interfaith Network of Concern for the Middle East); Lutheran Peace Fellowship; Philippine-United States Solidarity Organization (PUSO); Seattle Chapter Fellowship of Reconciliation; United Nations Association Greater Seattle Chapter; University of Washington Center for Human Rights; Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Sept.5 in Seattle: What's Next for the U.S. Anti-Torture Movement?
On Wednesday, September 5th, the Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture (WSRCAT), University Temple United Methodist Church, and other anti-torture organizations will feature Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) and Dr. Rob Crawford, co-founder of WSRCAT.
THE EVENT:
"ENDING U.S.-SPONSORED TORTURE FOREVER: SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES. WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?"
DATE AND TIME:
7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2012
PLACE: University Temple United Methodist Church,
1415 Northeast 43rd Street, Seattle.
(next to the UW campus in the University District).
Fireplace Room in the basement.
DESCRIPTION
U.S. Government authorization and practice of torture in the post-9/11 era is now a well-known fact. Even though the Obama Admnistration has rejected that authorization, we are not out of the "dark side" yet. So-called "enhanced interrogation" continues to be defended and advocated by influential voices as a necessary technique of war. Those who authorized and committed torture have not been held accountable. Nor has there been an official commission of inquiry. This event will offer two perspectives on what the public can expect the future to hold, the continuing challenges we face in the anti-torture movement, and how we might most effectively confront these challenges.
RECEPTION FOR REV. RICHARD KILLMER, with light food and non-alcoholic beverages, will be held at 5:45 just adjacent the Fireplace Room in the basement.
NRCAT has been at the forefront of opposition to torture since its founding in 2006. Shortly thereafter WSRCAT became the Washington State affiliate of the national organization. We are especially pleased to have Rev. Killmer join us for this program. From his position as the Executive Director of NRCAT, he has been intimately involved in the anti-torture campaign on the national level and will speak about NRCAT's initiatives in Washington, D.C. Rob Crawford's years of leadership at WSRCAT and his teaching and research have shaped his perspective about the obstacles and possibilities of anti-torture politics.
SPONSORS INCLUDE
Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture (WSRCAT),
University Temple United Methodist Church,
National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT),
Amnesty International USA and AI-WA,
Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation,
University of Washington Center for Human Rights.
INFORMATION. If you have questions, call or email Tom Ewell, tewell@whidbey.com, and (360) 341-1457 or http://www.wsrcat.org
We hope you can attend this event!
THE EVENT:
"ENDING U.S.-SPONSORED TORTURE FOREVER: SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES. WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?"
DATE AND TIME:
7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2012
PLACE: University Temple United Methodist Church,
1415 Northeast 43rd Street, Seattle.
(next to the UW campus in the University District).
Fireplace Room in the basement.
DESCRIPTION
U.S. Government authorization and practice of torture in the post-9/11 era is now a well-known fact. Even though the Obama Admnistration has rejected that authorization, we are not out of the "dark side" yet. So-called "enhanced interrogation" continues to be defended and advocated by influential voices as a necessary technique of war. Those who authorized and committed torture have not been held accountable. Nor has there been an official commission of inquiry. This event will offer two perspectives on what the public can expect the future to hold, the continuing challenges we face in the anti-torture movement, and how we might most effectively confront these challenges.
RECEPTION FOR REV. RICHARD KILLMER, with light food and non-alcoholic beverages, will be held at 5:45 just adjacent the Fireplace Room in the basement.
NRCAT has been at the forefront of opposition to torture since its founding in 2006. Shortly thereafter WSRCAT became the Washington State affiliate of the national organization. We are especially pleased to have Rev. Killmer join us for this program. From his position as the Executive Director of NRCAT, he has been intimately involved in the anti-torture campaign on the national level and will speak about NRCAT's initiatives in Washington, D.C. Rob Crawford's years of leadership at WSRCAT and his teaching and research have shaped his perspective about the obstacles and possibilities of anti-torture politics.
SPONSORS INCLUDE
Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture (WSRCAT),
University Temple United Methodist Church,
National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT),
Amnesty International USA and AI-WA,
Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation,
University of Washington Center for Human Rights.
INFORMATION. If you have questions, call or email Tom Ewell, tewell@whidbey.com, and (360) 341-1457 or http://www.wsrcat.org
We hope you can attend this event!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Protest Indefinite Detention Seattle 1/11/12 on 10th Anniversary of 1st Prisoners to Guantanamo
Candlelight Vigil
Join Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture, Amnesty International USA - including local Amnesty International USA Group-4 of Seattle, Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation, Code Pink Washington, and other justice activists to
**Protest indefinite imprisonment without charges on the 10th Anniversary of the arrival of prisoners at Guantanamo. 171 prisoners remain at Guantanamo. Many have been cleared of any role in combat. Hardly any have been charged with a crime.
**Protest torture and other inhumane treatment of prisoners anywhere
**Protest Congress's action to "legalize" indefinite detention without charges or trial, and other violations of the Bill of Rights (part of the recently passed NDAA, National Defense Authorization Act of 2012)
Wednesday January 11, 2012, 5-6 pm, on sidewalk outside of the Jackson Federal Building, 2nd avenue between Madison and Marion, downtown Seattle; if you can please bring a candle in a container to protect against wind (paper cups with holes in bottom work) and if you can, a sign indicating your opposition to indefinite detention and torture and/or your support of the Bill of Rights.
The Seattle Vigil will be one of many actions around the country. See the National Religious Campaign Against Torture website http://www.nrcat.org/ and also Amnesty International USA's Day of Action website http://www.amnestyusa.org/events/sign-up-day-of-action-against-guantanamo for more information.
The Bill of Rights
Passed by Congress September 25, 1789.
Ratified December 15, 1791.
Amendment I
Freedoms, Petitions, Assembly
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
Right to bear arms
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
Quartering of soldiers
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
Search and arrest
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
Rights in criminal cases
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
Right to a fair trial
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed; which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
Rights in civil cases
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Bail, fines, punishment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
Rights retained by the People
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
States' rights
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
[Thanks to http://www.ushistory.org/documents/amendments.htm ]
Join Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture, Amnesty International USA - including local Amnesty International USA Group-4 of Seattle, Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation, Code Pink Washington, and other justice activists to
**Protest indefinite imprisonment without charges on the 10th Anniversary of the arrival of prisoners at Guantanamo. 171 prisoners remain at Guantanamo. Many have been cleared of any role in combat. Hardly any have been charged with a crime.
**Protest torture and other inhumane treatment of prisoners anywhere
**Protest Congress's action to "legalize" indefinite detention without charges or trial, and other violations of the Bill of Rights (part of the recently passed NDAA, National Defense Authorization Act of 2012)
Wednesday January 11, 2012, 5-6 pm, on sidewalk outside of the Jackson Federal Building, 2nd avenue between Madison and Marion, downtown Seattle; if you can please bring a candle in a container to protect against wind (paper cups with holes in bottom work) and if you can, a sign indicating your opposition to indefinite detention and torture and/or your support of the Bill of Rights.
The Seattle Vigil will be one of many actions around the country. See the National Religious Campaign Against Torture website http://www.nrcat.org/ and also Amnesty International USA's Day of Action website http://www.amnestyusa.org/events/sign-up-day-of-action-against-guantanamo for more information.
The Bill of Rights
Passed by Congress September 25, 1789.
Ratified December 15, 1791.
Amendment I
Freedoms, Petitions, Assembly
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
Right to bear arms
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
Quartering of soldiers
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
Search and arrest
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
Rights in criminal cases
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
Right to a fair trial
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed; which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
Rights in civil cases
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Bail, fines, punishment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
Rights retained by the People
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
States' rights
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
[Thanks to http://www.ushistory.org/documents/amendments.htm ]
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Joshua Phillips to speak in Seattle on Fri. Nov. 18
Joshua Phillips, author of "None of Us Were Like This Before: Reflections on American Soldiers and Torture."
Friday, November 18, 3:30 pm, University of Washington, Thomson 317, Seattle
Phillips will discuss his recent book, None of Us Were Like This Before: American Soldiers and Torture (Verso, 2010). Gen (ret.) Antonio Taguba, author of the Taguba Report on the Treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib, writes: "Joshua Phillips' incredible work in documenting the experience of soldiers who detained and interrogated detainees reflects the huge dilemma and consequences of their actions. His book is about accountability where senior leaders in the military and in the highest level of government failed to account for their actions, failed to protect soldiers who expected clear instructions, and failed the Nation in preventing torture and abuse of the enemy."
Joshua E. S. Phillips has reported from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, Newsweek,The Nation, Salon, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, among other publications. His radio features have been broadcast on NPR and the BBC. Phillips won a Heywood Broun Award and Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Award for excellence in broadcast journalism for his American Radio Works documentary What Killed Sergeant Gray.
Sponsored by the UW Law, Societies & Justice Program; UW Center for Human Rights; and Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture.
Friday, November 18, 3:30 pm, University of Washington, Thomson 317, Seattle
Phillips will discuss his recent book, None of Us Were Like This Before: American Soldiers and Torture (Verso, 2010). Gen (ret.) Antonio Taguba, author of the Taguba Report on the Treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib, writes: "Joshua Phillips' incredible work in documenting the experience of soldiers who detained and interrogated detainees reflects the huge dilemma and consequences of their actions. His book is about accountability where senior leaders in the military and in the highest level of government failed to account for their actions, failed to protect soldiers who expected clear instructions, and failed the Nation in preventing torture and abuse of the enemy."
Joshua E. S. Phillips has reported from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, Newsweek,The Nation, Salon, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, among other publications. His radio features have been broadcast on NPR and the BBC. Phillips won a Heywood Broun Award and Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Award for excellence in broadcast journalism for his American Radio Works documentary What Killed Sergeant Gray.
Sponsored by the UW Law, Societies & Justice Program; UW Center for Human Rights; and Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Tacoma event Nov 16, 2011
Weds Nov 16, 7-8:45 pm, at University of Washington-Tacoma, Carwein Auditorium (Keystone 102), 1990 S. Commerce Street, Tacoma; Joshua Phillips will speak on his book, None of Us Were Like This Before: American Soldiers and Torture. How do torture and abuse affect the perpetrators as well as the victims? Co-sponsored by Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture, United for Peace of Pierce County (UFPPC), Veterans For Peace, Amnesty International, HOPE Network (UWT's human rights organization), Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation. info crawford@uw.edu or Rob Crawford, 253-692-4460
Friday, June 3, 2011
June Is Torture Awareness Month
On behalf of the Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture (WSRCAT) we want to remind friends that June is designated as Torture Awareness Month. This is indeed a difficult topic to address because it so deeply offends our religious and humane principles. But precisely because torture is so deeply offensive to our legal, moral and spiritual bearings, it is all the more important that we attend to its offense by holding it in prayer and our political consciousness. Please consider observing June as Torture Awareness Month by doing one or more of the following three things:
1) Go to the new WSRCAT website http://www.wsrcat.org/ for local articles (see especially our own RobCrawford's http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2014985267_guest09crawford.html as well as links to other end-torture websites;
2) Take a few minutes to view a brief new video, "Repairing the Brokenness," at http://www.nrcat.org [www.nrcat.org], that offers responses to torture from leaders from various religious traditions. After you have viewed the video please consider offering it to a post-worship group or any group audience;
3) and finally, please consider an individual or group letter to your Congressperson and Senators Cantwell and Murray to call for a much needed Commission of Inquiry that would lay bare the full facts of U.S. torture and cruel treatment. WSRCAT's position is that in order to become a nation of law committed to human rights, public awareness of what has happened and accountability for these actions - including criminal investigations and prosecutions - are absolutely essential if we are to prevent torture in the future.
Tom Ewell
tewell@whidbey.com
1) Go to the new WSRCAT website http://www.wsrcat.org/ for local articles (see especially our own RobCrawford's http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2014985267_guest09crawford.html as well as links to other end-torture websites;
2) Take a few minutes to view a brief new video, "Repairing the Brokenness," at http://www.nrcat.org [www.nrcat.org], that offers responses to torture from leaders from various religious traditions. After you have viewed the video please consider offering it to a post-worship group or any group audience;
3) and finally, please consider an individual or group letter to your Congressperson and Senators Cantwell and Murray to call for a much needed Commission of Inquiry that would lay bare the full facts of U.S. torture and cruel treatment. WSRCAT's position is that in order to become a nation of law committed to human rights, public awareness of what has happened and accountability for these actions - including criminal investigations and prosecutions - are absolutely essential if we are to prevent torture in the future.
Tom Ewell
tewell@whidbey.com
Monday, May 9, 2011
WSRCAT Co-founder OpEd in Seattle Times 5/9/11
Rob Crawford's OpEd "In the wake of Osama bin Laden's death, America wrestles with itself over torture" published in The Seattle Times May 9, 2011, can be viewed at
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2014985267_guest09crawford.html
Rob, a Professor at University of Washington-Tacoma, co-founded Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture. He has advocated for accountability for torture as a means to prevent future torture, and has spoken to dozens of religious congregations about the immorality of torture.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2014985267_guest09crawford.html
Rob, a Professor at University of Washington-Tacoma, co-founded Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture. He has advocated for accountability for torture as a means to prevent future torture, and has spoken to dozens of religious congregations about the immorality of torture.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
WSRCAT website now under construction
We have a website!
See http://www.wsrcat.org - watch for increasing content.
That address formerly forwarded to this blogsite. To come directly to the blogsite, use http://stopustorture.blogspot.com/
See http://www.wsrcat.org - watch for increasing content.
That address formerly forwarded to this blogsite. To come directly to the blogsite, use http://stopustorture.blogspot.com/
WSRCAT Activist to Speak on Guantanamo May 22
Seattle Chapter Fellowship of Reconciliation presents
Jamie Mayerfeld of Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture on
"Why Guantanamo Is Important to You"
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Potluck 5 p.m., Announcements 6 p.m., Program 6:30 p.m.
at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N 70 St, Seattle
All are welcome! Free, an offering will be taken. Info 206-789-5565
Human rights advocates held high hopes that President Obama would end the human rights abuses at Guantanamo Prison. Sadly, although torture has decreased, Obama quickly institutionalized indefinite detention without trial for most of the prisoners. Contrary to widespread perception, Obama was not forced into this policy by political circumstances. We will conclude with an action to support the release of one unjustly detained prisoner.
Jamie Mayerfeld is Associate Professor of Political Science and Law, Societies & Justice at the University of Washington. His research focuses on the justification of international human rights institutions and the origins of the U.S. torture policy. His recent articles include "In Defense of the Absolute Prohibition of Torture," Public Affairs Quarterly (2008).
Jamie Mayerfeld of Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture on
"Why Guantanamo Is Important to You"
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Potluck 5 p.m., Announcements 6 p.m., Program 6:30 p.m.
at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N 70 St, Seattle
All are welcome! Free, an offering will be taken. Info 206-789-5565
Human rights advocates held high hopes that President Obama would end the human rights abuses at Guantanamo Prison. Sadly, although torture has decreased, Obama quickly institutionalized indefinite detention without trial for most of the prisoners. Contrary to widespread perception, Obama was not forced into this policy by political circumstances. We will conclude with an action to support the release of one unjustly detained prisoner.
Jamie Mayerfeld is Associate Professor of Political Science and Law, Societies & Justice at the University of Washington. His research focuses on the justification of international human rights institutions and the origins of the U.S. torture policy. His recent articles include "In Defense of the Absolute Prohibition of Torture," Public Affairs Quarterly (2008).
Sunday, January 16, 2011
ANTI TORTURE WORKSHOP Jan 17, 2011, Seattle
The Martin Luther King Celebration Committee presents the 29th annual region-wide Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration with Workshops, Rally, and March, theme "Many Voices United to Build the Beloved Community"
Monday, January 17, 2011,
starts at Garfield High School, 400 23rd Avenue at East Jefferson, Seattle
9:30 a.m. Workshops, see details of ANTI TORTURE WORKSHOP below
11 a.m.-noon. Rally
12 noon March to Federal Building, 2nd & Marion, downtown Seattle
~1:15 p.m. 2nd Rally at March end, time is approximate
Buses will return marchers to Garfield High School
Information: Eddie Rye, Jr., 206-786-2763, or Larry Gossett 206-296-1002 or larry.gossett@kingcounty.gov, or http://www.MLKseattle.org
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
ANTI TORTURE WORKSHOP
Workshop "There Is No Torture in the Beloved Community"
(This is Workshop #13, and will be held in Garfield High School room 205.)
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., often spoke of the Beloved Community, where conflicts would be resolved nonviolently with the goal of adversaries becoming reconciled. War crimes such as torture make continuing violence more likely and reconciliation less likely. Yet U.S. torture continues and torturers of prior administrations have not been held accountable. Besides being morally unacceptable, politically damaging, and ineffective, torture is illegal according to U.S. and international law. Panelists will present information about U.S. torture and lead a discussion of what we can do to end torture - a requisite step in building a truly Beloved Community.
Facilitator
Rob Crawford, co-founder of Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture (WSRCAT), Professor of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, UWTacoma, with specialty in 20th Century History. WSRCAT includes people of many faiths as well as humanists who oppose torture under any circumstance.
Panelists
David Marshall, Seattle attorney who has represented Guantanamo prisoners since 2006. Mr. Marshall has practiced law for 29 years and specializes in child abuse cases.
Bjoern Meinhardt, Pastor at Vashon Lutheran Church, and active member of WSRCAT
Jamal Rahman, Sufi Muslim leader of Interfaith Community Church who works extensively with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim groups to advance interfaith understanding, has participated in WSRCAT activism
These panelists will be joined by Prof. Jamie Mayerfeld with a brief update on WSRCAT's work on Guantanamo and by Tom Buchanan with a few words about solitary confinement as torture. Each will present a quick action participants can perform.
Monday, January 17, 2011,
starts at Garfield High School, 400 23rd Avenue at East Jefferson, Seattle
9:30 a.m. Workshops, see details of ANTI TORTURE WORKSHOP below
11 a.m.-noon. Rally
12 noon March to Federal Building, 2nd & Marion, downtown Seattle
~1:15 p.m. 2nd Rally at March end, time is approximate
Buses will return marchers to Garfield High School
Information: Eddie Rye, Jr., 206-786-2763, or Larry Gossett 206-296-1002 or larry.gossett@kingcounty.gov, or http://www.MLKseattle.org
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
ANTI TORTURE WORKSHOP
Workshop "There Is No Torture in the Beloved Community"
(This is Workshop #13, and will be held in Garfield High School room 205.)
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., often spoke of the Beloved Community, where conflicts would be resolved nonviolently with the goal of adversaries becoming reconciled. War crimes such as torture make continuing violence more likely and reconciliation less likely. Yet U.S. torture continues and torturers of prior administrations have not been held accountable. Besides being morally unacceptable, politically damaging, and ineffective, torture is illegal according to U.S. and international law. Panelists will present information about U.S. torture and lead a discussion of what we can do to end torture - a requisite step in building a truly Beloved Community.
Facilitator
Rob Crawford, co-founder of Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture (WSRCAT), Professor of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, UWTacoma, with specialty in 20th Century History. WSRCAT includes people of many faiths as well as humanists who oppose torture under any circumstance.
Panelists
David Marshall, Seattle attorney who has represented Guantanamo prisoners since 2006. Mr. Marshall has practiced law for 29 years and specializes in child abuse cases.
Bjoern Meinhardt, Pastor at Vashon Lutheran Church, and active member of WSRCAT
Jamal Rahman, Sufi Muslim leader of Interfaith Community Church who works extensively with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim groups to advance interfaith understanding, has participated in WSRCAT activism
These panelists will be joined by Prof. Jamie Mayerfeld with a brief update on WSRCAT's work on Guantanamo and by Tom Buchanan with a few words about solitary confinement as torture. Each will present a quick action participants can perform.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Human Rights Day March & Rally Dec 11, 2010, Seattle
Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture is proud to support this Human Rights Day event!
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY EVENT
Saturday December 11, 2010, rain or shine!
gather 11:30 am at Hing Hay Park, Maynard Ave S at S Jackson St, International District, Seattle
Human Rights Day rally and march 2010 Theme: "Imagine Human Rights" initiated by PUSO (Philippine-United States Solidarity Organization) which has organized successful events around International Day of Human Rights in Seattle for several years. Take a Stand Against Human Rights Abuse and Work Together to Imagine a World Where Human Rights are Valued!
March starting noon through downtown for 1 pm (approximate time) rally at Victor Steinbrueck Park just north of Pike Place Market.
Endorsed by many peace and justice groups including
Amnesty International,
Anak Bayan Seattle,
Arts Kollective,
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA),
Backbone Campaign,
BAYAN-USA,
Coalition of Anti-Racist Whites,
Community Alliance for Global Justice,
Evergreen Peace & Justice Community,
Interfaith Network of Concern for the People of Iraq,
International Action Center,
Philippine-United States Solidarity Organization (PUSO),
Pinay sa Seattle,
Pride at Work,
Sahngnoksoo,
Seattle Chapter Fellowship of Reconciliation,
Seattle CISPES
SNOW (Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War),
Tadaima,
United Nations Association - Seattle,
Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture,
Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation.
information http://pusoseattle.wordpress.com/
PLANNING, TRAINING, AND WORK GATHERINGS BEFORE THE EVENT:
Sat Dec 4, 10 am - 3 pm, at Filipino Community Center, 5740 MLK Jr. Way South, Seattle; Work Party, bring poster making materials and ideas, or just bring yourself!
Tues Dec 7, 6 - 8 pm, at Seattle University, Hunthausen 160. Planning meeting including discussion of security and training
Fri Dec 10, 6 - 8 pm, at Seattle University, Casey Room 517, Planning meeting includes discussion of logistics for the next day
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY EVENT
Saturday December 11, 2010, rain or shine!
gather 11:30 am at Hing Hay Park, Maynard Ave S at S Jackson St, International District, Seattle
Human Rights Day rally and march 2010 Theme: "Imagine Human Rights" initiated by PUSO (Philippine-United States Solidarity Organization) which has organized successful events around International Day of Human Rights in Seattle for several years. Take a Stand Against Human Rights Abuse and Work Together to Imagine a World Where Human Rights are Valued!
March starting noon through downtown for 1 pm (approximate time) rally at Victor Steinbrueck Park just north of Pike Place Market.
Endorsed by many peace and justice groups including
Amnesty International,
Anak Bayan Seattle,
Arts Kollective,
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA),
Backbone Campaign,
BAYAN-USA,
Coalition of Anti-Racist Whites,
Community Alliance for Global Justice,
Evergreen Peace & Justice Community,
Interfaith Network of Concern for the People of Iraq,
International Action Center,
Philippine-United States Solidarity Organization (PUSO),
Pinay sa Seattle,
Pride at Work,
Sahngnoksoo,
Seattle Chapter Fellowship of Reconciliation,
Seattle CISPES
SNOW (Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War),
Tadaima,
United Nations Association - Seattle,
Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture,
Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation.
information http://pusoseattle.wordpress.com/
PLANNING, TRAINING, AND WORK GATHERINGS BEFORE THE EVENT:
Sat Dec 4, 10 am - 3 pm, at Filipino Community Center, 5740 MLK Jr. Way South, Seattle; Work Party, bring poster making materials and ideas, or just bring yourself!
Tues Dec 7, 6 - 8 pm, at Seattle University, Hunthausen 160. Planning meeting including discussion of security and training
Fri Dec 10, 6 - 8 pm, at Seattle University, Casey Room 517, Planning meeting includes discussion of logistics for the next day
Monday, August 16, 2010
Founder of National Religious Campaign Against Torture in Seattle Oct 16 & 17
Mark your calendar for 2 presentations!
Sat Oct 16, 7:30 pm, at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave at Seneca, downstairs, enter on Seneca St, Seattle; Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture presents a talk by Presbyterian theologian and activist George Hunsinger, co-founder of National Religious Campaign Against Torture, on "Unfinished Business: Ending U.S. Torture Forever." Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary's Hazel Thompson McCord Professor of Systematic Theology, is the recipient of the 2010 Karl Barth prize to be conferred in 2011 by the Union of Evangelical Churches in Germany. Co-sponsored by National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Pax Christi Pacific Northwest, Seattle Chapter Fellowship of Rconciliation, Western Washington Fellowship of Rconciliation, and others to be added. Dr. Hunsinger will sign copies of his books after his presentation. Doors open 6:30 pm. Tickets $5 at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/124397 or 800-838-3006, and at the door beginning at 6:30 pm. Nobody turned away for lack of funds. info end.torture.wsrcat@gmail.com or http://www.wsrcat.org
Sun Oct 17, 10 a.m., at Plymouth Church-United Church of Christ, 1217 6th Ave, Seattle; Plymouth's Adult Forum and Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture present Presbyterian theologian and activist George Hunsinger, co-founder of National Religious Campaign Against Torture, on "Violence Finds Refuge in Falsehood". Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary's Hazel Thompson McCord Professor of Systematic Theology, is the recipient of the 2010 Karl Barth prize to be conferred in 2011 by the Union of Evangelical Churches in Germany. info end.torture.wsrcat@gmail.com
Sat Oct 16, 7:30 pm, at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave at Seneca, downstairs, enter on Seneca St, Seattle; Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture presents a talk by Presbyterian theologian and activist George Hunsinger, co-founder of National Religious Campaign Against Torture, on "Unfinished Business: Ending U.S. Torture Forever." Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary's Hazel Thompson McCord Professor of Systematic Theology, is the recipient of the 2010 Karl Barth prize to be conferred in 2011 by the Union of Evangelical Churches in Germany. Co-sponsored by National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Pax Christi Pacific Northwest, Seattle Chapter Fellowship of Rconciliation, Western Washington Fellowship of Rconciliation, and others to be added. Dr. Hunsinger will sign copies of his books after his presentation. Doors open 6:30 pm. Tickets $5 at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/124397 or 800-838-3006, and at the door beginning at 6:30 pm. Nobody turned away for lack of funds. info end.torture.wsrcat@gmail.com or http://www.wsrcat.org
Sun Oct 17, 10 a.m., at Plymouth Church-United Church of Christ, 1217 6th Ave, Seattle; Plymouth's Adult Forum and Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture present Presbyterian theologian and activist George Hunsinger, co-founder of National Religious Campaign Against Torture, on "Violence Finds Refuge in Falsehood". Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary's Hazel Thompson McCord Professor of Systematic Theology, is the recipient of the 2010 Karl Barth prize to be conferred in 2011 by the Union of Evangelical Churches in Germany. info end.torture.wsrcat@gmail.com
Monday, May 31, 2010
Torture Awareness Month
We encourage all congregations and individuals to participate in Torture Awareness Month. In fact, we are working to make it Torture Awareness summer.
WSRCAT supports the National Religious Campaign Against Torture's call for access to all US held prisoners by the International Committee of the Red Cross. We are collecting signatures on postcards to members of Congress, and we hope to deliver the cards in face-to-face meetings with our Washington State elected officials. See http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=440&Itemid=316 for information or download postcards at http://www.nrcat.org/storage/nrcat/documents/icrc_access_postcard.pdf
Both WSRCAT and NRCAT call for a Commission of Inquiry to look into crimes committed since 2001, and we call on Attorney General Eric Holder to appoint a Special Prosecutor to hold accountable those responsible for US torture.
See NRCAT's petition calling for a Commission of Inquiry at http://www.nrcat.org/storage/nrcat/documents/petition_form_3_2_09.doc or http://www.nrcat.org/storage/nrcat/documents/petition_form_3_2_09.pdf or sign on individually via the web at http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=197
WSRCAT is circulating a petition to Attorney General Eric Holder calling for a Special Prosecutor, with this wording:
"We urge you to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate ALL violations of federal law related to torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of prisoners since 2001. Those who authorized illegal policies as well as those who carried them out must be prosecuted. We believe that in order to prevent future torture and abuse, there must be full accountability."
Please contact us for postcards or petitions!
WSRCAT supports the National Religious Campaign Against Torture's call for access to all US held prisoners by the International Committee of the Red Cross. We are collecting signatures on postcards to members of Congress, and we hope to deliver the cards in face-to-face meetings with our Washington State elected officials. See http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=440&Itemid=316 for information or download postcards at http://www.nrcat.org/storage/nrcat/documents/icrc_access_postcard.pdf
Both WSRCAT and NRCAT call for a Commission of Inquiry to look into crimes committed since 2001, and we call on Attorney General Eric Holder to appoint a Special Prosecutor to hold accountable those responsible for US torture.
See NRCAT's petition calling for a Commission of Inquiry at http://www.nrcat.org/storage/nrcat/documents/petition_form_3_2_09.doc or http://www.nrcat.org/storage/nrcat/documents/petition_form_3_2_09.pdf or sign on individually via the web at http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=197
WSRCAT is circulating a petition to Attorney General Eric Holder calling for a Special Prosecutor, with this wording:
"We urge you to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate ALL violations of federal law related to torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of prisoners since 2001. Those who authorized illegal policies as well as those who carried them out must be prosecuted. We believe that in order to prevent future torture and abuse, there must be full accountability."
Please contact us for postcards or petitions!
Monday, May 10, 2010
2 talks by Torture Opponent Matthew Alexander
Fri May 21, 7 - 8:30 pm, at University of Washington, Kane Hall Room #120, Seattle. Amnesty International, Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture, and the UW Law, Societies & Justice Program present Torture opponent Matthew Alexander in "A Chair, A Brain, and A Heart: An Interrogator's Mission to Return America to the Rule of Law." He has written a book and spoken out about the moral and practical objections to torture. Matthew Alexander, a former senior military interrogator in Iraq and the author of "How to Break a Terrorist: The U.S. Interrogators Who Used Brains, Not Brutality, to Take Down the Deadliest Man in Iraq." Matthew Alexander led an interrogation team that refused to use coercive interrogation methods on detainees and gathered the intelligence that directly led to the successful airstrike on Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, who was the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq and mastermind of the suicide bombing campaign that helped plunge Iraq into civil war. Followed by reception with light refreshments. Free and open to the public. Event co-sponsors include American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Washington, UW American Constitution Society, UW Center for Human Rights, UW International Law Society, and Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation. info http://www.wsrcat.org/ or 206-463-5653 or robcrawford2@gmail.com or http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116939868334060
Sat May 22, 7:30 pm, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 5043 9th Ave NE, in Seattle's University District; Matthew Alexander on How To Break A Terrorist. Matthew Alexander is an outspoken opponent of torture. He refutes torture's effectiveness, citing its negative long term effects - such as recruiting for Al Qaida - and argues that torture is contrary to the American principles of freedom, liberty, and justice. His book, How to Break A Terrorist, provides an inside look at the non-coercive interrogation techniques which lead to the whereabouts and targeting of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, the notorious Al Qaida leader. Matthew Alexander served fourteen years in the US Air Force, and is a former criminal investigator and interrogator for the US military. He has conducted missions in over thirty countries, and has personally conducted more than three hundred interrogations, supervising more than a thousand. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his achievements in Iraq. Sponsors include the Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture - WSRCAT, Amnesty International, and the Blessed Sacrament Peace and Justice Committee. Free and open to the public. info Nina Butorac 206-732-7351 or nbutorac@yahoo.com
Sat May 22, 7:30 pm, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 5043 9th Ave NE, in Seattle's University District; Matthew Alexander on How To Break A Terrorist. Matthew Alexander is an outspoken opponent of torture. He refutes torture's effectiveness, citing its negative long term effects - such as recruiting for Al Qaida - and argues that torture is contrary to the American principles of freedom, liberty, and justice. His book, How to Break A Terrorist, provides an inside look at the non-coercive interrogation techniques which lead to the whereabouts and targeting of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, the notorious Al Qaida leader. Matthew Alexander served fourteen years in the US Air Force, and is a former criminal investigator and interrogator for the US military. He has conducted missions in over thirty countries, and has personally conducted more than three hundred interrogations, supervising more than a thousand. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his achievements in Iraq. Sponsors include the Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture - WSRCAT, Amnesty International, and the Blessed Sacrament Peace and Justice Committee. Free and open to the public. info Nina Butorac 206-732-7351 or nbutorac@yahoo.com
Friday, February 26, 2010
quick action needed - phone Sen. Cantwell
Sen. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina has introduced a bill, S. 2977, which prohibits the Dept. Of Justice from using funds to prosecute 9-11 planners or conspirators in Federal Courts. This means that suspected terrorists would be tried in the untested and legally shaky Military Commissions system.
Under Military Commissions, innocent people would not have their rights, and guilty people might have convictions overturned later. Our courts have worked well for over 200 years. Attorney General Holder has called our justice system "one of the most effective weapons available to our government for both incapacitating terrorists and collecting intelligence from them." He called removing the courts foolish and dangerous.
PLEASE CONTACT SENATOR MARIA CANTWELL, today if possible, to OPPOSE S. 2977. She has a mixed record on this issue. Please ask for a response.
CONTACT INFO: DC phone 202-224-3441, DC fax 202-228-0514, email via http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm, Seattle phone 206-220-6400, Seattle Fax 206-220-6404, toll-free (Seattle office) 1-888-648-7328
p.s. At 12:30 pm (Seattle time) on 2/26/10, a staff person said that Sen. Cantwell has not made up her mind yet.
Under Military Commissions, innocent people would not have their rights, and guilty people might have convictions overturned later. Our courts have worked well for over 200 years. Attorney General Holder has called our justice system "one of the most effective weapons available to our government for both incapacitating terrorists and collecting intelligence from them." He called removing the courts foolish and dangerous.
PLEASE CONTACT SENATOR MARIA CANTWELL, today if possible, to OPPOSE S. 2977. She has a mixed record on this issue. Please ask for a response.
CONTACT INFO: DC phone 202-224-3441, DC fax 202-228-0514, email via http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm, Seattle phone 206-220-6400, Seattle Fax 206-220-6404, toll-free (Seattle office) 1-888-648-7328
p.s. At 12:30 pm (Seattle time) on 2/26/10, a staff person said that Sen. Cantwell has not made up her mind yet.
Feb. 27 event Accountability for Torture
Sat Feb 27, 4 pm, at SGI-USA Seattle Culture Center, 3438 S. 148th St., Tukwila;
Culture of Peace Distinguished Speaker Series What do we do now? VALUES, DIALOGUE AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESPONSE TO U.S. TORTURE.
A talk by Rob Crawford, Ph.D., Professor, Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, University of Washington, Tacoma.
Sponsored by Soka Gakkai International-USA www.sgi-usa.org Free and open to the public. Free parking. info sboyd@sgi-usa.org
Rob Crawford is one of thirteen founding faculty of UW Tacoma and is a recipient of UWT’s Distinguished Teaching Award. He is a member of the core faculty of the IAS Master’s program, teaches in UWT’s Global Honors program, and served as Chair of the Faculty Assembly. He is also a Faculty Associate at the University of Washington Center for Human Rights. He currently teaches an undergraduate course on Torture and Human Rights and a graduate course on Torture and Ideology. In 2007, Dr. Crawford co-founded the Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture (WSRCAT), a multi-faith and secular organization committed to ending U.S. torture.
Culture of Peace Distinguished Speaker Series What do we do now? VALUES, DIALOGUE AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESPONSE TO U.S. TORTURE.
A talk by Rob Crawford, Ph.D., Professor, Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, University of Washington, Tacoma.
Sponsored by Soka Gakkai International-USA www.sgi-usa.org Free and open to the public. Free parking. info sboyd@sgi-usa.org
Rob Crawford is one of thirteen founding faculty of UW Tacoma and is a recipient of UWT’s Distinguished Teaching Award. He is a member of the core faculty of the IAS Master’s program, teaches in UWT’s Global Honors program, and served as Chair of the Faculty Assembly. He is also a Faculty Associate at the University of Washington Center for Human Rights. He currently teaches an undergraduate course on Torture and Human Rights and a graduate course on Torture and Ideology. In 2007, Dr. Crawford co-founded the Washington State Religious Campaign Against Torture (WSRCAT), a multi-faith and secular organization committed to ending U.S. torture.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)