Why Jose Padilla’s 17-Year Sentence Should Disgust all Americans
By Andy Worthington, AlterNet
This sentencing sends a message to the President that torture is justified for little more than thought crime.
Greetings, AlterNet readers. I’m proud to introduce myself as the new editor of our Rights & Liberties section, where our work has never been more pressing. This week’s articles are a good overview of what we face these days, at home and abroad, from the Oval Office to the remotest fronts of the so-called War on Terror: CIA torture tapes; the impeachable offenses of Dick Cheney; political show trials like the case of Jose Padilla; and, of course, guns.
A line about me: I’m a writer and anti-death penalty activist who has written for AlterNet, the Nation and other publications. In the coming weeks, visit Rights & Liberties to read more about the FBI, CIA, DOJ, et al, as well as criminal (in)justice, immigration, that gulag down in Cuba — and how to fight back against the repressive government policies of our day. Thanks for reading!
Liliana Segura
Editor, Rights & Liberties
One Step Closer to a Cheney Impeachment
By Marjorie Cohn, AlterNet
More than a third of the House Judiciary Committee’s Democratic members want to see Cheney ousted.
Who Will Take the Fall for the CIA Torture Tape Scandal?
By Roberto Lovato, AlterNet
The actions of three key Latino government officials may determine whether the torture tape investigation reaches the White House.
The Freedom We Seek
By Eliseo Medina, Gerry Hudson, AlterNet
Forty years later, Dr. King’s dream of a more just society is a long way from being realized.
New Book Makes Dangerous Claim That Inequality Is Genetic
By Jesse Reynolds, AlterNet
Gregory Clark’s book A Farewell to Alms suggests that race- and class-based inequality is inherent — perhaps even deserved.
Computer Hackers Allege That Notorious Neo-Nazi Radio Host Is on FBI Payroll
By Mark Potok, Hate Watch
After allegations emerge that key white supremacist figure Hal Turner may be a government informant, experts warn FBI crossed the line.
Guns in Your Workplace Parking Lot? Thanks, NRA!
By Martha Rosenberg, AlterNet
The NRA is reviving its campaign to prohibit businesses from forbidding employees from keeping firearms in their cars.
PEEK and Video: The hottest buzz and videos on the web
Keeping Up the FISA Fight: Just Say “No” to Immunity
By Jayne Lyn Stahl, AlterNet
Dr. King’s words especially resonate in light of the fact that the Senate will take up the contentious issue of how to reform FISA this week.
High School Track Star Disqualified from Meet Because of Muslim Clothing [VIDEO]
By Adam Howard, AlterNet
It’s outrageous,” says Juashaunna’s mother Sarah. “She hasn’t done anything to anyone. She just wanted to go out there and compete.”
For Women Behind Bars Conditions Couldn’t Be Worse
By Bean, Lawyers, Guns and Money
While women are being incarcerated in record numbers, the abuse they face in jail remains invisible.
Six Years Since An American Gulag Was Created 90 miles Off Our Shore
By Cliff Schecter, Cliff Schecter’s Blog
Today marks the 6th Anniversary of when our democracy was officially put in shackles under cover of the night.