I agree with Seeker and Abaddon. There are many things I love about my country(U.S.), current administration's handling of the "Prisoners of war" or whatever designation they are being given is not one of them! It saddens me and fills me with both shame and a healthy dose of fear to see Bush just running rough-shod on basic human rights. Anyones! The other thing that strikes me is that who is to say that these people are even guilty....of anything, let alone the Al-Quaida business. And I unfortunately, would not be surprised if they are being treated less than fairly and less than what a normal person would consider humanely.....I hope I am wrong. There was a time when I thought I could be sure this would not happen...then '"resident" Bush took over and things have never been the same.
He is not only making up the rules as he goes with regards to the prisoners over in Cuba; he is breaking/changing the rules as he goes here and it is really freaky how he is getting away with it. Not all Americans are the closed-minded, self-centered citizens that some on this board seem to feel. There are many, many who are not in agreement with Bush and are doing all they can to let him know about it.....not that it means squat to him. Various civil rights groups and prominent political spokespersons have gone to Washington to air their concerns and grievances at the trampling of human rights, both in and out of our country. Yes, many of our rights we used to take for granted no longer exist as of 2001. He told the press he would "graciously give them an audience but that it would in no way change his mind or his actions"....because "desperate times call for desperate measures"! Somehow, I guess that means it gives him special liscense to do whatever the hell he wants. "We" currently have no right whatsoever to get on China's back with regard to how they treat people.
I just hope that people around the world realize that Bush does not speak for every American and that like ANY country, (Jan H. please take note :)....there are good and bad people here; informed and caring about people at home and around the world and people who just dont seem to care about any atrocity or disaster as long as it doesnt hit too close to their home. That is one of the things I love about this board: there are so many friends to make and viewpoints to share from all around the world. I find that very exciting, stimulating, and enlightening.
Sincerely, Windrider