by John McCarthy
Tomorrow, one of my favorite members of Congress, Jim Moran (D-VA) will be shining a light on the long-forgotten issue of Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Congressman Moran will be hosting a briefing on Capitol Hill to address the growing concerns of the 100 or more detainees who are presently on hunger strike. Countless medical experts have agreed that the conditions in which these individuals are held is a form of psychological torture. Countless legal experts have agreed that their detainment is still in clear conflict with international law. Despite review boards clearing the vast majority of these individuals for release, the US taxpayers are still paying upwards of $800,000 per detainee.
It is important that we as people of faith bring focus back to this important issue. Please consider taking the moment to call your representative today.
The Sisters of Mercy have put together a wonderful script that can be used to call your member of Congress and urge them to go to the hearing. You can find out who your representative is, and how to contact them Here
Sample Text:
I am a constituent calling out of concern for the situation at Guantanamo Bay. At least a hundred men are on hunger strike there to call attention to their detention, which appears to be indefinite and thus a violation of international law and a form of psychological torture, according to medical experts. I want to ensure that Representative _________________ sends a staff member to a hearing on the current conditions at Guantanamo and options for moving forward. The briefing, sponsored by Rep. James Moran, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday in B-354, Rayburn House Office Building. I look forward to hearing from the Congresswoman/man about how she/he plans to respond to the conditions reported at this briefing.
