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Americans Spent Valentine’s Day Thanking Spain for Prosecuting Bush Lawyers
By David Swanson, WarIsACrime.org
On Valentine’s Day 2011, yet another U.S. judge agreed with yet another claim that President Obama has the right to protect members of the Bush-Cheney administration from prosecution for torture.
But a coalition of human rights groups spent the day visiting the Spanish Embassy in Washington, D.C., and Spanish colsulates around the United States to share some love for a country that is working to prosecute former top Bush officials for torture.
The coalition thanking and encouraging Spain to enforce laws when the United States will not has gathered 8,400 signatures on a letter, a love letter of sorts, to the people of Spain, and has raised $6,000 so far for purchasing newspaper and street advertisements in Madrid.
The delegations that presented the letter on Monday to Spain’s representatives in the United States reported that their visits seemed to be accepted in the spirit of friendship and gratitude in which they were made. Visits to Spanish diplomatic offices were made in Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Dallas, and Phoenix.
Spanish media outlets, and Spanish-language U.S. outlets, are reporting widely on this effort, while the rest of the U.S. media, and even the blogosphere, could hardly be less interested.
At the Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C., Ray McGovern and Ann Wright led a meeting with a Spanish diplomat, thanking and encouraging Spain to prosecute former Bush officials for torture on behalf of a large coalition. Ron Fisher reports that they gave the embassy personnel Valentine’s Day balloons and cookies.
In New York City, a delegation of a dozen New Yorkers gathered outside the Consulate General of Spain. They went upstairs together to the Consulate and delivered the letter, roses and a box of chocolate. They were interviewed by Univision and EFE.
Terry Rockefeller of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows made this additional remark to me on the importance of what Spain is doing:
“I would add that in my communications with Iraqis who are working on the Justice for Fallujah campaign, these developments in Spain have been a tremendous inspiration to belief that international law can be a force for positive and nonviolent change.”
In Chicago the delegation to the Spanish consulate included two Veterans for Peace, representatives from Psychologists for Social Responsibility, Catholic peace and justice activists, and representatives of Amnesty International and World Can’t Wait.
Jay Becker reports:
“The vice consul at the Spanish consulate in Chicago met with us. We presented the 120-page petition with the picture of the billboard in Spanish on the cover and the letter to the Spanish people, signed by all of us.
“Ray Parrish from Vets for Peace read a short letter pointing out that Bradley Manning is being held in conditions amounting to torture (with no charges or conviction), while Wikileaks cables reveal real crimes committed by our government.
“Michael from PsySR conveyed the seriousness of the material CCR has compiled and urged the Spanish judiciary to take the lead the way they had in pursuing Pinochet of Chile. I read from the letter and underscored that President Obama and Eric Holder had acknowledged that torture has been committed by the US government but failed to prosecute and in fact pressured other countries not to pursue charges, which is a crime under international law.
“The vice consul accepted the petition and letter, and flowers and chocolates presented by Chris and Mary Fogarty, Irish-American anti-war and justice activists. He assured us that he will convey them all to the Consul General as soon as he returned to the consulate, and we urged him to convey our appeal to the people of Spain. The vice consul said we were brave to take this action, but we replied that we are asking Spain to be brave and uphold international law and justice in the face of pressure from this government.
“We all felt afterward that we had conveyed the seriousness of the action that needs to be taken now, and this was another important step in developing the political movement that can make these long-overdue prosecutions a reality. I hope we’ll have photos shortly, and perhaps more impressions from other participants.”
Susan Harman reports from San Francisco:
“Just home from ours in San Francisco. Eleven of us, in the rain. They said they’d heard about the rest of our actions around the country. They weren’t allowed to accept the beautiful white roses (peace), and wouldn’t let us take pictures of them or inside the lobby, so we made do out in front. Notice (in photo at top of article) Tom, an 80-year-old Korean War vet, and Juanita (with dog), who lives across the street from John Yoo in the Berkeley hills. Felt good to be able to say something nice, for a change!”
Leslie Harris reports from Dallas:
“We visited the Spanish Consulate in Dallas today. We were greeted by Jennifer Zimmer, assistant to the Spanish Consul, Janet Kafka, who welcomed us into the consulate. Holding a banner that read, “Gracias, Espana,” we explained that we were there to express our heartfelt thanks for Spain’s efforts in upholding the rule of law.
“We took turns reading the letter of thanks, support, and encouragement to the citizens of Spain for their interest in investigating U.S. officials’ roles in authorizing torture. We expressed our sincere hopes that they and their judiciary will dispel the notion that any country is above the law.
“We wished everyone a Happy Valentines Day and presented a bouquet of flowers, some heart-shaped balloons, and a hefty stack of papers – a photocopy of a billboard planned to go up in Spain which read, “Por favor, hagan lo que los EEUU no hara – procesar a los torturadores,” and a petition, signed by over 8,400 people, asking Spain to do what the U.S. won’t: prosecute torture! Ms. Zimmer smiled, thanked us, and agreed to pass on our message.
“Even as we remembered those whose hearts and bodies have been broken by torture and violence, our hearts were warmed at the thought of people around the world working together to uphold justice and restore the rule of law. New friends. Smiles all around. The perfect day for a heartfelt expression of love for humanity.”
Sandy Davies of PDA-Miami and the author of “Blood On Our Hands: the American Invasion and Destruction of Iraq,” reports from Miami:
“We delivered the letter, plus chocolates, roses and a vase of flowers from Chip’s garden (including “Bleeding Hearts”) to Cristina Barrios Almazor, the Spanish Consul General in Miami. I felt that the message was received very much in the spirit in which it was delivered, as a heartfelt thank you from the people of the United States to the people of Spain on an important matter.
“I explained to the Consul General that we represented hundreds of thousands of Americans who belong to the 29 organizations listed as signatories on the letter. I told her that we are embarrassed and ashamed by our country’s failure to prosecute these crimes, and that we are grateful that, of all the countries in the world that could prosecute these crimes under universal jurisdiction, Spain has stood up to actually pursue these cases.
“Our delegation included Jim Goodenow, Diane and Ellie (South Florida Impeachment Coalition), Catherine De Leon (PDA), Chip Sullivan (PDA & VFP), Orlando Collado (President, VFP Chapter 032 – not in picture) and me.
In all the work we do, it’s rare that I feel I’ve been part of something as important as this, that what we did today may make a real difference to the prospects for accountability and justice, and thus to deterring such crimes in the future. Peace!”
Sharon Tipton reports from Los Angeles:
“A representative from the Spanish Consulate wrote to me that this issue was not under their jurisdiction but that they would forward the letters to the Spanish Embassy. This did not stop our expression of love for the Spanish people and their wonderful pursuit of international justice! A number of grateful citizens, including Karen and Sharon from the Orange County Peace Coalition; Michael Haas, 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, and author of “George W. Bush, War Criminal?”, and John, Jennifer, and Adela from World Can’t Wait visited the Consulate this morning bearing gifts!
“We told the Consulate representative who greeted us behind a pane of glass why we were there and that we had a gift for the Spanish people! She graciously came out to us and accepted our flowers and letters, but seemed a little uncomfortable being in our video and photos!
“Mike Haas spoke to us afterward and shared a great analysis of the state of U.S. torture accountability (which I have on video). In part he shared that the US won’t prosecute torture – but that when one of these cases against a prominent American wins, it will finally get the attention of the American people. So, Spain’s judges and people give us Hope! Gracias Gente de Espana!”
2011 copyright – David Swanson
Short URL: http://www.veteranstoday.com/?p=80714
Posted by David Swanson on Feb 15 2011, With 0 Reads, Filed under 9/11, WarZone. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
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“Americans Spent Vanetine’s Day…” not accurate folks. A handful of hold over hippies and left leaning types managed to act out a comedy. Hardly represenative of America. Their counterparts in the various Tea Party type of organizations do get a lot of entertainment from antics as described in the article. These folks are a close act to the women that run around wearing pink that try and shut down Marine Recruiters. They are absoulutly funny.
Regards
Dale R.Suiter
Event is beyond foolish. Small group of far left of left types with no concept of law. Not woth a mention of print – in my view – maybe they could relocate to Spain in a yellow submarine. President Bush is a “former” president. American policy is now set by President Obama. It is not difficult to understand that Attorney Genral Eric Holder has decided to not pursue prosecution for this silly issue. Mr. Holder is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the United States of America. The law folks, the law. It is really that simple.
Old and new hippies – different century, same old – peace – love – dope – refrain. There are bad people in the world that must be hunted down and as a matter of national policy, killed. Go to Iran, China, North Korea, Sryia and coordinate with the peace groups there. When you accomplish this, see if your keepers will allow you to send us a letter from the pit they throw you in, so we will know how you left of left silly people are!
Spain (or England, or Chad, or Jordan, or Mexico, or Peru etc.) has no legal jurisdiciton over American citizens. Follow the law!
Best wishes
Dale R. Suiter
Dale, Italy just convicted a bunch of CIA people in one of the stupidist operations they (CIA) have even done. I am waiting for all of them to protest in Italy about the lack of jurisdiction.
The rendition program was naturally going to spark blow back like this. It’s a win, win for the Left. Even if they are ignored, it still carves in stone the basic US position that ‘we can do this, but you can’t because we are better at using a corrupt system to do what we want.’
They are still having trials in the Hague last time I looked. Sure, they are ‘selective’ on who gets chosen…when they could crank it up to an industrial scale if they wanted.
This is typical poor leadership on the part of the US. The do stuff for short range benefit, trying to make up for past screw ups, and they are just manufacturing a new screw up to dump onto someone else’s table to be dealt with later. And they actually get paid to do this
Jim
True. Fact is there are trials in the Hague. Regarding Italy and the CIA – so what? The United States recognizes, I believe the jurisdiction of the Hauge and international justice for war cirmes. This silly pursuit for so called torture has been blown way out of proportion. How many Americans must die so the left can have warm fuzzy feelings of peace and love? How many Americans must die before the conservatives get voted to darkest pit of politicaly banishment before every day people say enough.
Our military defends the United States. Once committed the full force of the nation needs to be directed to the destruction of the enemy. It is really that simple. Part of the Afgan Campaign was fought with a grenade shortage. During TET 68 there was a shortage of handgrenades. The Battle of the Buldge in World War II was fought with a shortage of artillery shells. Prior to World War I, World War II and Korea the United States was very unprepared for warfare. The M14 rifle was replaced with a piece of junk that jammed repeatedly. Troops have gone hungry, found the enemy of the United States with inadequate weapons and without support of the population – but – they have never given in to despair and deserted folks that live in this country.
Oganizations and silly people like those referred to above directly contribute to enemy propagand. They directly contribute to the death of Americans and Allied forces in the field against the enemy. They are cowards with no concept of the horror they are protected from by the naitons’ first responders and military.
Final notes – successive Italian governments have refused to extradite CIA officials that were convicted in absentinia by an Italian court. Very brave and dedicated Americans will continue to sacrifice their physical well being and lives for the protection of our people and way of life.
The world of peace the left invisions will not happen. There are simply to many awful people in the world that must be killed – in accordance with “The Rules of Land Warfare” regarding the use of military forces. Secret operations conducted by espionage agencies need to continue. The enemy does not fear us. Sad, is it not?
Regards
Dale R. Suiter
Our military hasn’t defended the United States since the War of 1812.
You are one messed up individual if you really think that. Stick your head further in the sand, you might reach Bush’s ass so you can give it a proper kissing.
President Bush – following the events of September 11, 2001 – said, words to the effect that enemy forces would be hunted down and destroyed, no matter where they were at. He failed to follow up on that committment. The enemy has sancturaries in Paskistan, Iran and other countries. They build explosive weapons, recruit, rest, obtain equipment and supplies and plan military operations out of reach of conventional forces.
Warfare must be waged to the destruction of the enemy with the full support of the nation and the nation’s resources, or not fought at all. It is as simple as that. Silly people waving signs and getting warm fuzzy feelings give the enemy a good laugh and propaganda.
Rememeber, President Bush is “the former President”. There is a new Commander in Chief, President Obama. He is now directing U.S. operations.
Warfare is a horrible situation. Any nation needs to pursue any reasonable course before sending its military to implement national policy. Once the decision is made to use the military, destroy the enemy quickly and end the war, as soon as possible. Less killing occurs, there are fewer wounded to care for and destruction of critical infastructure is reduced.
I wish you well.
Respectfully
Dale R. Suiter
Bush,Obama and those who assist, enemies domestic (xxxx them) are return to the Law.
Former President Bush and our President, President Obama act within a lawful framework called the United States Code and ultimately, the Contsitution of The United States of America. Disagree with their policies, goals, methods of obtaining their objectives and challenging them in court, O.K. Naming them enemies, no way. Just wrong.
This type of article must be printed. Our free system and the First Admendment demand this type of literature – beyond unreasonable be published. Americans are a great, good and genereous folk. This article is an insult to our way of life.
D.R. Suiter
More hasbara from Tel Aviv.
Your English doesn’t even rise to the level of a 3rd graders. Stick to Hebrew or Russian.
Or stick to yiddish, most Americans and Brits are Hebrews; not Karzar fake jews like Bush(Scherff)etc.
The word Brit is Hebrew(Covenant)
In Tahiti, at the age of sixteen, a young man was allotted a plot of free land, and free to marry. The land was his until he died, when it reverts to the next recipient or wife/family. And they had no national debt.
I suppose the khazars have ruined this years ago, like they do everywhere.
O.K. “Hasbara” Israel’s public diplomacy efforts – a noun that litteraly means “explnation” and may also be spelt “hasbarah”. My Hebrew is not as good as my Russian. I perfer English or pehaps French. I can get around in Vietnamese but still perfer English.
Best personal regards
Dale R. Suiter
The sad thing is that there are only nurds commenting on this article and I suppose “intelligent” people wont be bothered because it is all a bit “lamish”…it is also a bit cockeyed because if Spain wants to prosecute Bushco and thats allright by me but then first, they must prosecute Aznar the former president before Zapatero…because he is a “bushie” also and took Spain into the conflict along with UK for principally the oil.
The other problem is, who in Spain is going to be the prosecuting Judge because the man they really need was politically ousted by the political mafia last year for trying to prosecute Civil War Crime individuals…he was a very courageous man but his own kind scuppered him for an apparent misdemeanour of procedure.
What happens now is anyones guess but when somebody has the balls to do it then good…but Spain needs to get Aznar first and that wont be easy cos he’s part of the political mafia.
February 7, 2011
Alex Jones speaks with retired CIA officer and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, Ray McGovern. Ray presented morning intelligence briefings at the White House for a number of presidents during nearly three decades in government. Upon retirement, McGovern was awarded the Intelligence Commendation Medal from Bush. He ultimately returned the award. Ray talks with Alex about George Bush’s cancellation of a visit to Switzerland amid concerns that he could be arrested for allegedly authorizing the torture of prisoners and other war crimes.
http://eddieleaks.org/2011/02/13/ray-mcgovern-is-hopeful-that-george-bush-will-be-arrested-for-torture/
Then it’s OK for Pakistan to use ‘enhanced interrogation’ on that cold-blooded murderer, Davis, who recently gunned down two Pakistani’s.
If the president does it, it’s not illegal, right?
Plus, the courts are agreeing with our ‘Torturers-in-Chiefs’ Bush and Obama, so go ahead Pakistan, extract the needed info from Davis using any means necessary, after all, it’s not against the law.
Greg, you rock! That is a great point!
Note the headline references “Americans” as in speaking for the citizens of The United States of America. My little corner of planet Earth – no – not way. We are patriots who serve America.
References that present religious provincialism towards specific beliefs and an aversion – to the conduct of America must have avenues that make them available to any intrested individual.
A fair approach when contributors disparage and lambaste America must include an explanation of hospitals, schools, aid to womens groups in third world countries, housing, food and medical assistance and the hundreds of eleemesnary kinds of contributions given to the world. America has been and continues to be a beneficent nation.
Respectfully
Dale R. Suiter
Arabs/China Russia etc together will do it on the Patriots behalf with dire consequences for you too sayanin. Its about time Patriots brought enermies domestic to Justice by any means available.
YOU BLEEDING HEARTS NEED TO GET A LIFE!!!! Why don’t you go after all of these other countries who use torture as a way of life? I know why.You know those other countries will just tell you to go to hell.