As Election Day approaches, I am troubled by the "agreement" reported to be formulated between Senators McCain, Graham, and Warner on the treatment of detainees. For weeks, we have heard how they were fighting the good fight, promoting American values. A letter from Colin Powell underlined the point.
As discussed by many commentators, especially legal analysts, the agreement is a danger to such values. It removes the right of those detained, many shown to be so wrongly, from bringing claims to court via habeas corpus. This is especially egregious in respect to Geneva Convention protections, including mistreatment and torture. It sets up an (imperfect) right without a remedy, a right left largely to the discretion of President Bush. Other questionable provisions have been pointed out by major newspapers, including the New York Times and Washington Post.
As with Sen. Specter's shameful NSA bill, which repays presidential lawbreaking with immunity, such a bill is unconstitutional, unAmerican, and unconscionable. It must not be passed and Democrats must firmly voice their opposition.
As my representative [senator], I hope you are among those who do so.
-- [Name/location]