I'm not a Christian, but every year, I hope xmas will make us better, anyway
In honor of a holiday I only somewhat celebrate, but which brings business-as-usual to a halt here in the US, I'd like to step away from my usual patter to talk politics.
This fall, we have heard numerous reports of appalling torture techniques used against detainees in the "war on terror" that the Bush administration has adopted as its legacy program. As a person who loves her own freedom and holds out hope for humane treatment between individuals and nations in the future, I have been deeply troubled by these reports, and by VP Cheney's ongoing support of such activities.
Naturally, we all want to feel safe in our daily lives, and it seems to be human nature to dislike and/or fear change, especially in the day-to-day. The events on and since September 11, 2002 have certainly impacted each of us in different ways, and each person will have to decide for themselves what changes are reasonable. I hope, though, that we will all come down on the side of right treatment of all people, with torture falling well outside the definition of right treatment.
Tomorrow, I will return to my normally entertaining reports and commentary on the online dating scene, but today, when millions of Americans celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, I'd like us all to consider expressing our outrage over these and other troubling political matters, wherever you are or whatever your leanings.
