Never again!

Political or not, patriotic or not, love or hate our President - the memos released yesterday were shocking, horrifying and nauseating. As well they should be - if we were living in a nation where torture didn't disgust us, didn't make the bile rise in our throats, I would be terribly afraid. The intricacy of the memos details clearly that those who wrote them sought to justify their actions, in whatever way necessary. It is undeniable that our government sponsored the torture of prisoners. Whether you believe those prisoners should have been there or not, the fact is we TORTURED people!! Our tax money went to paying for this, the American Red Cross and the AMA did nothing to stand out against it when that is their JOB! Physicians, trained in America, watched as we mimicked the experience of drowning. Take a day where you accidentally 'swallowed wrong' and the fear and coughing - now multiply that by a conservative 10,000 degrees of fear. This is what we did to people.

I have tears in my eyes because the idea that MY government did this disgusts me and makes me feel like less of a person. Because, in all fairness, what did we do? We knew at some point this was happening - the leaks from Guantanamo, the slips from CIA, the word from an appointed defender. Yes, we yelled and maybe cursed the administration, but did we do ANYTHING! No. We should have marched on Washington, we should have protested, we should have protected those people because they are HUMAN. But we didn't. I honestly don't know why I didn't. I have fought for human rights for over half my life. I've marched on capitols and even trained people in the Amnesty International campaign that focused on America (back in 1999). I spoke out against our country and never feared, but under the previous administration, I was terrified. It is far from an excuse, but it may be an explanation. In so many ways, the fear of 1984 was upon us. We were being monitored, watched, listened to.....but we didn't know why or who they would target next. We regularly joked about making the wrong statement online or searching the wrong terms and ending up in Gitmo. But underlying these jokes was the truth - we were afraid. Our rights were being stripped from us and we sat frozen like a beaten child - afraid that if we moved or did something wrong it would only get worse.

This damn administration turned America into a weapon of mass deception - we lied, over and over and over, to the world. We lied about why we went to Iraq, we lied about Abu Gharaib, we lied about Guantanamo, we lied about secret CIA facilities overseas, we lied about bids on contracts, we lied about what was going on, we lied about so, so much. It is time to stop lying, damnit, it is time to stop pretending that because we have the power we must use it! My God, we TORTURED people . What for? To get answers? Well, numerous studies have shown that torture does not yield reliable answers. People put under that pressure will say or do anything to make the pain stop, to make the torturing STOP. So again, why did we do it? The only answer I can find is "because we could" and that is so completely irrational that I shudder when I type it.

I'm glad that the memos were released...but now what? Obama and Holder have both made it clear that what they stated was not a blanket immunity, that those who did things outside of what they were told to do will be prosecuted. What about those 'inside the law' - well, the laws that were being made up as we went along - what about them? They still tortured, they still defiled another human being in the name of 'duty'. Nuremberg proved that 'following orders' is an inadequate defense. But then, what about us - all of us - we were complicit to this. If you know a crime is going to happen and you don't report it, you're complicit to the crime. We knew what was going on...oh, we may deny it now and feign our shocked looks, but we knew. Just as a parent knows when their child has done something wrong, that gut feeling from our animal side, the warning in our brain that things aren't adding up, we knew.

I can't even imagine what the world thinks of us now. Actually, yes - we're thought of as massive hypocrites! We scream about stopping weapons of mass destruction and threaten countries for building bombs, but we're the ONLY country that's ever used such a weapon. We raise our fists against the torture of our troops in every war (or conflict) but then we do the same. Wait, no, that's not entirely correct. Most of the people we did it to weren't troops, they weren't fighters, they weren't part of an organization, they just were the wrong ethnicity hanging out with the wrong people. I don't deny that there are people in these prisons who deserve to be locked away. Don't misunderstand me there - but there are many, many more who were turned in by neighbors who wanted their land, or by governments trying to get rid of dissidents.

I am an American, and I have always been proud of that. But right now, I want America to demonstrate the amazing capacity for correcting wrongs that I know we are capable of. I want us to learn, to discuss and to make sure that this can NEVER happen again. Never again.

Update:
In response to an email sent by a friend, here are some clarifications:
I can understand that torture has been a part of war - but that doesn't make it right. I understand that your brother was at Gitmo and saw no torture, however much of the torture did not occur at Gitmo but rather occurred at CIA centers in other countries. It was conducted by NSA and CIA employees - not military guards. (This comes straight from the memos)

My hopes for the current administration are based on the fact that these memos were released and that we are taking ownership of what was done. The attack on the towers was horrific and many innocent people were killed, but we cannot use it as an excuse for everything. If that was the case, the Japanese would have had every right to attack us as well. We may have bombed in response to a military attack (a military target, which killed 2400 Americans), but we bombed and killed innocent civilians (199,000) too. Since beginning our military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq, more military have died than all the people from the 9/11 attacks. I had no problem with going after Osama Bin Laden, but when you send fewer soldiers than the number of police on the island of Manhattan, you can't actually expect to be successful. Iraq was never involved in Al Qaeda and while Hussein was a terrible man, none of that had anything to do with 9/11. The fact is much of the world wasn't significantly impressed by the number of deaths on 9/11 because they lose that many people each day to famine, bad water, disease, war and terrorism. We could have used the money spent on many of our contracts in Iraq to provide safe drinking water for most of the world. That would have done much to stop terrorism by simply improving our 'persona' in the world.

What, to me, is the absolutely baffling part about pushing for torture in this case is that it has been clearly shown that information gained by torture is rarely reliable and has often cost lives (as in the bombings of London tubes) by sending police and military into ambush situations.

I understand and respect your opinion on this and I agree I would do whatever was necessary to protect my family - actually, anyone I loved and cared about - but that mentality as policy can never lead to good.

Olbermann on Prop H8

Let Freedom Ring

In joining with A Modern Matriarch for the Let Freedom Ring posts. Here is my contribution:


No one should be denied the right to marry the one they love! No One!

If you want to add your picture to the post go visit Let Freedom Ring

Califonian Schizophrenia

Once again, I am shocked by the California voters’ seemingly multiple personalities. We’re clearly seen and act as a liberal state. Our state was called for Obama without any data, because it’s just obvious that we would vote Democratic. But when it comes to our own propositions, California cannot seem to make up its collective mind!

While I seemed to vote opposite to the results of nearly every proposition, the one that just kills me is Proposition 8. For those of you who live out of state, or for those that had their head under a rock for the last year, let me explain Proposition 8 to you.

Prop 8 was designed to add an amendment to the State Constitution that states that marriage must be between a man and a woman. If that doesn’t sound preposterous to you, please go read another blog, because the rest of this one will probably piss you off!!

The fact that this passed only shows one clear thing…too many people are voting their religion. This is ONLY a religious issue. There is no group of people that should be denied the most basic human right of marriage. The people who were involved in the Yes on 8 campaign were mostly Catholic (specifically the Knights of Columbus – FROM MINNESOTA by the way) and they fought an evil campaign filled with vicious lies in their ads. They continually stated that if the proposition was denied that children would be taught about gay marriages in school. What??? Let’s be really clear about this, a NO vote means nothing changes….nothing! We don’t teach that now, why would we suddenly start! They wrapped these lies in comments about “saving the children” like there was some dangerous psychopath on the loose by the name of Homosexuality….oh dear. Oh my, if we don’t protect the children, they’ll be turned GAY!!! What are these people smoking???

If you think homosexuality is a sin, that’s your prerogative. I would like to point out that there are A LOT of other mentions of things that are sins in the bible that I’m sure you partake in, but hey, if you want to be a hypocrite, that’s your choice. See, I try to keep an open mind to even those with closed minds, but sometimes, on some topics, it is nearly impossible. I was substituting at my old high school this week and the kids were really involved in the election. Since it was clear that absolutely nothing was to be accomplished on Tuesday, most of the teachers turned on CNN in the classrooms and made it all about open discussions. We ended up focusing on the Presidential election and Prop 8 because they were all concerned about those issues. I was thrilled that so many students had been really listening to the information and positioning themselves based on an intellectual choice. However, when asked why they wanted Yes on 8 – most gave one of two responses, “Being gay is against my religion” or “They’ll start teaching about gay marriage in school” – UGH!! I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs for them to give me a reasoned opinion rather than rhetoric. But they couldn’t!

So this was clear to me, I asked both sides to give me reasons why to vote a certain direction on this issue:

Yes on 8 – why? Because my pastor told me so. Because being gay is against God. Because they’ll change what we learn in school if they have their way.
No on 8 – why? Because no group of people should have their rights refused by anyone, especially the government. Because it’s their life, they should be able to do what they want as long as it doesn’t impose on someone else’s rights. Because they should have the same rights as anyone else in this state.

Hmmm…..see the difference? Look, I’ll clearly state, I do not identify myself as a Christian. In my most basic, I’m a deist. I believe in a higher power and call it “God” for simplicity. I would never, ever, never decide that others should believe like me. That is a deeply personal decision and something that all people should wrestle with in their time. At the same time, don’t you dare put your Christian ‘family values’ on a damn ballot!! I hate it when people state that we’re a country formed on Christianity. NO! Read your history book, we are a country formed on “freedom of and freedom from religion!.” Granted, many of the Pilgrims actually came over to escape taxes or bad financial situations and not seeking freedom at all. But generally, they came over to get away from the overwhelming presence of the Church of England. Why? Because they believed it wasn’t right for a church to make the rules for the people! Hmmmm….that sounds like good advice!!

Now, this fight is FAR from over! Yesterday papers were filed by the ACLU to block the amendment. These suits stated that this is a revision, not an amendment, so it must first pass with a 2/3 majority in the congress. Finally, there is always the challenge that a state constitution can not deny rights that the Federal Constitution does not restrict. So there are many legal battles up ahead. I just wish it had been resoundingly defeated instead, as it should have been. I don’t want this decision made by judges and courts – I want Californians to scream at the top of their lungs that this is ludicrous and we will not stand by while people are denied this basic right.

So once again, I’m disappointed by the Californians. I was born in this state and have lived here for most of my life. I was raised to treat all people equally and thought that most Californians felt the same. I was sadly mistaken.

So to all you who voted No, well, it’s not over yet damnit! And if anyone who voted Yes is still reading at this point. Think, really examine yourself, and decide whether your choice is being made on a logical or purely religious level? I am married to a wonderful man and I feel truly blessed that we are allowed to marry, to be joined in a state recognized marriage, to obtain those rights granted to all married people in California and in the Country. I just cry at the fact that others are keeping that right from so many incredible couples who just happen to be same-sex. I really thought you were better than that California, apparently, I was wrong.

WFMW: Google Street View

Today is Works for Me Wednesday over at Rocks in My Dryer. I have been quite lax in my posting lately, but this is a tip I simply MUST share.

Did you know that Google Street View has uses OTHER than spying on your neighbors, amusing yourself with people passed out on the roadside in Australia, or houses on fire? Yes my friends, I have found a fabulous new use for it.

How many times have you been thinking of a restaurant or store - you know where it is located, but the name simply escapes you? Ugh - you know the feeling. Well, now that Google Street View is nearly everywhere, you can use it. I'll give you an example...

I was trying to remember the name of this fabulous restaurant in Palm Desert. I knew it was on Cook and Country Club - but the name.....aaackkkk....not a clue. So I opened Google Maps and typed in "Cook Street 92260" (the name of the street and the local zip code). Once it popped up, I clicked on the button "streetview". At that point it shows a little orange outline of a man that you can move anywhere on the map. I moved him in front of where I thought the restaurant was and clicked. Sure enough - the street view came up, I shifted the view to the location exactly, zoomed in and:

Cork Tree Restaurant

I've already used this tip for restaurants, grocery stores and even gas stations. I absolutely LOVE it!

For more fabulous ideas, head on over to Rocks in My Dryer...you don't need a map for that one! (wow, that was a really lame joke....sorry)

Resumes speak volumes

While none of us prefer to be judged by our resume, we really can't argue that it is a good starting point when beginning a candidate search. So maybe we should look at the resumes of the current candidates for president:

Looking at these four educational resumes*, without knowing their race or their gender, who would you give an interview to?

Obama

Occidental College (Los Angeles) - 2 years studying Politics and Public Policy.
Columbia University (New York) - B.A. Political Science with a specialization in International Relations. Harvard Law School - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude, Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Law Review

Biden

University of Delaware - B.A. in History and a B.A. in Political Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

McCain

United States Naval Academy - Class rank 894 of 899

Palin

Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester - Business Administration.
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - General Studies.
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - Journalism.
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester.
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism

Hmmm......well, I know who'd I'd interview!! How about you?

**Information gained from Momocrats - go check them out! **

Some interesting links about Sarah Palin

I have to say, as a woman, I was actually quite insulted by the choice of Sarah Palin as McCain's running mate. There are so many more qualified Republicans that would have been valid choices. However, this choice seemed to be pandering. A woman with little experience? It seems to me that this choice is made as a token and an insult. Assuming that a woman will vote for a ticket simply because of a woman vice presidential candidate is just condescending (we're all just such weak willed creatures)! And who knows, maybe it'll work. Actuary tables show that the chances of McCain (well any 72 year old) surviving to the age of 76 is approximately 85%. Are Americans really willing to risk someone so inexperienced as President, particularly at this dangerous time?

However, there is another problem with picking a candidate that people know little about ... people go looking for information. With only about 2 months until the election, this leaves little time for damage control and correction.

So here are some of the interesting reddit postings today ...
Is Todd Palin a shadow governor?
It doesn't look like she'll pull the evangelical vote either
She was in support of the 'bridge to nowhere' when she ran for Governor in 2006
Some odd behavior of hers with regard to a Dairy
She seems to have some misunderstandings about history
She doesn't want Polar Bears listed as endangered
She has five children - why is she only holding her youngest in this People pic (This pic just creeps me out - McCain looks so uncomfortable and even Sarah looks odd holding her own child) She may have used her power to (try to) fire someone other than her brother-in-law
A nice summation of what many reporters are finding
And of course, the tabloid-esque question: Is her youngest son actually her grandson?

I know that many of these tales could be false or merely misleading. But it does beg the question, did the RNC really look into Mrs. Palin's background prior to the nomination? Or is that the intent? Are all of these distractions in the campaign to take the focus off of the issues? Either way - the next two months should be VERY interesting...

Disclaimer: Let it be known that I would not have voted for McCain. Let it also be noted that if the Democrats had nominated someone with the issues of Sarah Palin as VP - I wouldn't be voting for them either.