U.S. Human Rights Violations

On several occasions in the past year President Bush has used public appearances to chide nations about their blatant violation of citizen's civil rights. Simultaneously, American interrogators were using brutal methods to coerce information from Guantanamo Bay detainees. Is America's schizoid policy on human rights alienating our allies abroad?

Prior to the opening of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, President Bush delivered a speech in Bangkok, Thailand. As reported by CNN, the President said that, "American stands in firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents, human rights advocates, and religious activists."

On September 12, 2008 the Associated Press reported that in President Bush's final address to the General Assembly of the United Nations he cited the UN's charter defining "equal rights for nations large and small."

These statements made by President Bush while he has the world's attention are at odds with the behavior of the American military, which continues to detain people suspected of terrorist activities in Guantanamo Bay, in clear violation of their civil rights.

Guantanamo Bay Detainees

Despite continued demands by human rights organizations for the closing of the detention center at Gitmo, and assurances from various government officials that progress is being made to that end, horrible treatment of people incarcerated there continues. One example of which is the trial of Salim Hamdan, Osama bin Ladin's driver, on July 21, 2008.

Hamdan’s trial took place after he was detained at Guantanamo Bay for more than six years. Julia Hall, senior counsel, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Program for Human Rights Watch, observed the video evidence of Hamdan being interrogated with tactics that, if employed by any civilian police force in the United States, would trigger internal affairs investigations and likely criminal prosecution. Charles Manson received better treatment and a more expeditious trial.

Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, as well as millions of American citizens see the Guantanamo Bay detainees as suspects at the very least but, also they are seen as victims of torture. All American's want to see justice for the 9-11 attacks but, not at the cost of our most valued freedoms.

The World's Opinion of America

Could any nation take seriously the admonishments of a society willing to set aside its principles when they become inconvenient? Considering that this behavior has been the inspiration for revolutions over the course of human history it is fortunate that U.S. citizens have the opportunity to vote their leaders out every four years. Provided that the voting machines work and the Supreme Court doesn’t intervene.

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