THE BLOWBACK FILES

Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC)

Statement by Survivors of Torture

The Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC), each member of which is a survivor of torture, denounces the Military Commissions Act of 2006 and calls for its repeal .

This legislation constitutes an attack on the constitutional right to habeas corpus the Geneva Conventions, the War Crimes Act, the U.N. Convention Against Torture and protection from punishment derived from coerced testimony. In addition, it grants immunity to those who have ordered and practiced torture. It is a disgrace to the basic values proclaimed by the people of the United States.

The members of TASSC know torture from the inside out. We also know from our own lived experience what it means to have a friend or family member disappeared or held by a government that permits no avenue of return.

We know as well what it is to live where government officials are granted impunity, rather than held accountable for the crimes they have committed.

We who are survivors of torture call upon all those who believe in justice and human decency to work on behalf of human decency and against the undemocratic, anti-human rights provisions of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 enacted by the U.S. Congress.

Support justice and human decency by:

Calling President George W. Bush and urging him not to sign the Military Commission Act 2006, because it violates human rights and puts all of us at risk, not simply “foreigners” but U.S. citizens as well. If you are affiliated with one of the treatment centers, be sure to tell the President about the effects this bill has on survivors of torture.

Making a moral commitment to work with TASSC in its effort to repeal the Military Commissions Act of 2006 by calling your members of Congress:

For those who voted against the bill:
Express gratitude to them for their vote and their commitment to human decency. Remind them the struggle against government-sponsored torture has only begun.

Ask them to commit to work with torture survivors and others to repeal the disgraceful Military Commissions Act of 2006.

For those who voted in favor of the bill
Voice your regret that they chose to align themselves with those who advocate torture
Advise them that their votes will be followed closely in the future and express your hope that they will end their support for this crime against humanity

During this election campaign, attend public meetings held by candidates and question them on their position on U.S.-sponsored torture and the Military Commissions Act of 2006.

Encourage organizations of which you are a member to denounce the Military Commissions Act of 2006.

With others or by yourself, visit the candidate’s local offices and request appointments specifically to discuss torture with them. If you are not granted such a meeting, make public that the candidate is attempting to avoid the subject.

Encourage church, university and/or social groups to sponsor Teach-Ins so that others may learn more about the law, torture, and the implications for the people of the U.S.

TAKE ACTION – Call, Fax, or Email U.S. Decision makers

White House Comment Desk:
Tel: (202) 456-1111 ~ Fax: (202) 456-2461
Email: comments@whitehouse.gov

U.S. Capitol Switchboard:
Tel: (202) 224-3121

For other ideas contact TASSC at: (202) 529-2991 or repeal-it@tassc.org