|
Yesterday Barack Obama became President Barack Obama -- and among the millions who poured into the National Mall to catch a glimpse of history, there remained an enduring feeling of wonder and disbelief. Finally, the Bush years are over, and finally we have a president who does not appear to take pleasure in insulting our intelligence while implementing murderous, law-flouting policies.
This morning, headlines inform us that hours after the inauguration, Obama called on military prosecutors to halt the military commission trials at Guantanamo Bay. This is very good news.
As Gabor Rona, the international director of Human Rights First said: "The suspension of military commissions so soon after President Obama took office is an indication of the sense of urgency he feels about reversing the destructive course that the previous administration was taking in fighting terrorism." Human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith, who has defended dozens of prisoners at Guantanamo, called Obama's move "a wonderful and historic first step."
During his inaugural speech, people cheered when Obama stated that "we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals." It has been widely interpreted to be a repudiation of the Bush administration and proof he will put an end to the human rights violations of the so-called 'War on Terror." Indeed, such statements matter -- but actions matter more. Obama's halt on military commissions is a significant first step.
Be sure to visit AlterNet for more coverage of the inauguration and the days to come.
Thanks for reading,
Liliana Segura,
Editor, Rights & Liberties Special Coverage
|
Back to newsletter list
