Bad enough that we are second only to Russia in the percentage of our citizenry that we keep in prison. Now we also lead the world in running offshore prisons for non-citizens. But, you know, the rest of the world hates us for our freedom.
So how do we convince the majority of voters that even if every single person who is locked up in one of these places is a genuine Bad Guy who deserves some sort of incarceration, the very existence of this network of secret prisons is a dark stain on the soul of America? Why is this not self-evident?
If we won't put ourselves out for an American citizen who hasn't been charged or tried, but has still been detained for three years, we're not going to do it for ferr'ners. And 'we' here absolutely includes the Democratic leadership.
As long as it never happens to them or someone they know, people won't care. Statistically, you can lock up a lot and torture a lot of people and still win elections.
I'm afraid that until the public learns about a demonstrably innocent, white, young woman detained and tortured at one of these "black sites" it will be near-impossible to gin up the necessary outrage.
I weep for my country.
Posted by Chopper | Link to this comment | 11- 2-05 1:03 PM
Bad enough that we are second only to Russia in the percentage of our citizenry that we keep in prison. Now we also lead the world in running offshore prisons for non-citizens. But, you know, the rest of the world hates us for our freedom.
Posted by apostropher | Link to this comment | 11- 2-05 1:18 PM
We're trying to drive up its value by making it scarce.
Posted by LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 11- 2-05 1:32 PM
That's the problem with supply-side economics.
A Liberal would say we should drive up the value by giving more people the opportunity to pursue it.
On a serious note thanks for linking to ogged's old post, it's worth remembering.
Posted by NickS | Link to this comment | 11- 2-05 1:47 PM
So how do we convince the majority of voters that even if every single person who is locked up in one of these places is a genuine Bad Guy who deserves some sort of incarceration, the very existence of this network of secret prisons is a dark stain on the soul of America? Why is this not self-evident?
Posted by My Alter Ego | Link to this comment | 11- 2-05 1:59 PM
If we won't put ourselves out for an American citizen who hasn't been charged or tried, but has still been detained for three years, we're not going to do it for ferr'ners. And 'we' here absolutely includes the Democratic leadership.
Posted by SomeCallMeTim | Link to this comment | 11- 2-05 2:10 PM
As long as it never happens to them or someone they know, people won't care. Statistically, you can lock up a lot and torture a lot of people and still win elections.
Posted by SP | Link to this comment | 11- 2-05 2:47 PM
I'm afraid that until the public learns about a demonstrably innocent, white, young woman detained and tortured at one of these "black sites" it will be near-impossible to gin up the necessary outrage.
Posted by Matt #3 | Link to this comment | 11- 2-05 2:50 PM
Her whereabouts will have to be unknown for a while first, of course. Just to whip up the necessary media frenzy on Station WTWWA.
Posted by LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 11- 2-05 2:57 PM
There you have it. If we ship Ashlee Simpson off to Gitmo, everybody wins!
Posted by apostropher | Link to this comment | 11- 2-05 2:57 PM
apostropher, taht is more true than you know.
Posted by bostoniangirl | Link to this comment | 11- 2-05 3:10 PM