The Torturing of America's Soul

Dear Mr. President,

I know, as almost all Americans, that you had absolutely nothing to do with the use of torture by our government. I would hope that you, and all Americans, would take the time to view the many documentaries regarding our government’s torture of detainees .

No, let me go one step further, before the ‘apologists ‘chime in with the ‘few bad apples ‘argument. It is known, by many investigative accounts, that the very highest levels of the Bush administration, right up to the President, Vice President and Secretary of Defense, either ordered or allowed torture.

These men sought out, from underling attorneys like Bibey , Yoo and Gonzales, legal ( and unconstitutional ) arguments to circumvent the Geneva Accords. Sadly, they still do. Yet, now, sir, you are President of the United States….. And must look closely at that statue of Lady Liberty standing in New York harbor. The gift of the French people long ago, she represented the hope in ( finally) a ‘Land of the free and home of the brave .’

Mr. President, I can sense that you are a good and decent man. You love your family and respect your country…… Every country in this world. You have partial family roots in Africa, where, generations ago, black brothers of your ancestors were extraordinarily renditioned in chains to our shores. They were systematically brutalized, separated from their loved ones, and …. Well you know the rest.

Yet, you as our President must not allow this practice of extraordinary rendition and its resulting use of torture to go on. Even if you finally end this terrible affront on civil and sovereign nation liberties, you need to address what has already been done by the previous administration.

Most Americans, whether they be scholars or folks of simple education, realize what went on at Gitmo and throughout the secret USA operated or condoned prisons throughout the Middle East.

This was not just the plan of a few rogue elements of our government! No, sir, you know it and I know it…. Many Americans already realize that there was a scheme originating from within the highest levels of our government. For the sake of the future of our very society, sir, do something about it…… Now!!

What happens when a society sees that their leaders disobey and disregard laws? It trickles down throughout a whole system of government and business. How can we expect law enforcement to not become brutal and insensitive, when they see that our leaders do as they please? Most law enforcement officers are decent folks, we all know that… Or should.

Yet, when the very system allows and justifies torture and inhuman treatment, many may go outside the very laws they have sworn to uphold. First, it can start with a suspect being stopped and searched. Then, it can move into intimidation and beating. Soon, anyone who dissents against the government becomes a target for police or military brutality.

Torture: ‘The infliction of severe pain as a means of punishment or coercion.”

Mr. President, let’s ‘cut to the chase ‘as we say in sales. Do me a favor: Have the White House maintenance staff set the air conditioning in your bathroom at 50 degrees. Now, that is cold. Go into your bathroom, strip naked, and have them darken it so you can hardly see. Sit on the tile floor, naked, in the dark. Then have them pipe in very loud heavy metal music. Stay there for a few hours….. If you can even stand it. Then we can continue our discussion on what needs be done. My bet is that you will not even last in that environment for one hour! Yet, read over the research on what was authorized by the Bush.

Do you want to get the whole world’s opinion of our country to change? You want to make peace with our adversaries, or at least the more rational members of their governments and societies ? Then urge the Congress to begin real and viable ‘Hearings of Inquiry ‘into the abuses of the Bush administration, beginning with torture. Ask the major networks to broadcast them live.

This will begin a process whereupon many nations and their populace will start to see America in a different light. A great deal must be done, but this could be a start.

Mr. President, you can do only so much. I know that as well as you. You are not God, or even some savior. Many supporters out there hold you on too high a pedestal, thinking that you will ’solve ‘all their problems. These folks need to speak up. You need the ‘voice of the people ‘to be loud and clear….. And focused.

Let us hope that one such focused voice will be to demand that the rule of law be followed regarding torture of detainees. If the people’s voice remains mostly silent, then we both know that there is only so much that you can accomplish. Perhaps you may have to place a For Sale sign on Lady Liberty…… Our nation will not deserve her anymore!