Maine Civil Liberties Union:

Because Freedom Can't Protect Itself.

We just met with Mark Winter and Mackenzie Eaglen from Senator Collins’ office. What we heard about the military tribunals bill was extremely disturbing. They promised that a military tribunals bill would be passed by the end of the month.

Contacting Senator Collins only takes a minute. Click here to send her an e-mail.

They refused to promise that the use of secret evidence, evidence coerced by torture or abuse, or even hearsay would be banned from such proceedings. They also refused to agree that Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions should apply. They couldn’t tell us that the so-called “enemy combatants” would be allowed to be present at their own trial. And they couldn’t promise us that the legislation wouldn’t allow the President to designate an American as an enemy combatant.

Even the military’s Judge Advocates Generals agree that the safety of our soldiers depends on adherence to the rule of law in our treatment of detainees. If we validate cruel and inhuman treatment of prisoners in U.S. custody, how can we expect that captured American soldiers will be treated any better?

Take action. Click here to send her an e-mail.

Then, give her a call and tell her that Congress must not pass any law that allows for secret trials, secret evidence, or evidence obtained through cruel and unusual treatment of detainees. Remind her that the Supreme Court has ruled the Geneva Conventions do apply to everyone. Ask her to stand up for freedom and the rule of law in opposing the President’s military tribunals bill.

Senator Collins: (202) 224-2523

Then, call Senator Snowe and tell her the same thing.

Senator Snowe: (800) 432-1599

It only takes a few minutes to stand up for democracy and human dignity. Click here.

Thanks for all you do.

Take care,
Rachel

Rachel L. Myers
Field Organizer
Maine Civil Liberties Union
www.mclu.org

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