My dissertation is an in-depth critical discourse analysis of the Bush administration legal memos that led to state-sanctioned torture. I can see clearly how the systematic setting aside of the foundations of domestic and international law--that is, the disregarding of basic human rights--has reverberated throughout our military, and in the collective consciousness of our country. Part of that process was the invocation of military tribunals as a way of getting around the fundamental checks and balances that made this country (in its ideal, at least) a beacon of freedom and justice for all.
We are at a point where the rule of law seems secondary to the rule of fear, vengeance and retribution. The genie is already out of the bottle, and I am not sure we can ever put it back. But I AM sure that a strong demonstration of trust in our legal system and our federal courts will help defuse the demonization and dehumanization of our enemies, and also set a powerful example for the rule of law. Do NOT allow 9/11 politics to sway you away from the preservation of all that we stand for, all that we should be.
Keep the trials in the courts where they belong!
torturingdemocracy.org
Core texts
Level of Formality I: Official Documents
Level of Formality II: Official Responses (Mainstream and alternative media)
Level of Formality III: Official Commentary (Columns, Blogs, etc.)
Level of Formality IV: Inofficial Responses (Blog comments, etc.)
Important links
My blog