Web Letters: Orders to Torture

Abu Ghraib Manifesto

1. The "hearings" are over, so listen and then speak, and demand no coverup. Sign on now.

2. American democracy has no future if we experience even one more incident like Abu Ghraib.

3. The president is commander-in-chief and responsible for every act in the military. All in the chain of command will resign if we do not prevent the next Abu Ghraib.

4. Moving beyond "hearings" and "investigations" our country must fix the failure.

5. If we again become our own worst enemy, we must rethink all foreign policy, since victory becomes an illusion.

6. All of our political and military offices will use every tool of command to insure just action and moral conduct.

7. In ambiguous circumstances, such as the incarceration of suspects and combatants by military personal, special training will be required for every MP, based on federal and state corrections guidelines.

8. Chaplains are the conscience of any command. A team will be in place in every detention center and military prison.

9. American-trained imams, outside the chain of command, reporting directly to the secretary of defense, will lead prayers and give instruction to Muslim POWs and detainees.

10. Release all photographs and records today. Prevention of future Abu Ghraib's demands transparency.

The bottom line: Sign on. Open windows and doors to prevent future failures.

laurence alpern

Temple Shabbat Shalom
Porter Corners, NY