by Susan Kerin
Pax Christi at St. Francis Parish (MD)
This month marks the 11th anniversary of the arrival of the first prisoners at the detention center at Guantanamo Bay. Coupled with the theatrical opening of the torture-justifying film, “Zero Dark Thirty,” the debate on torture has risen to the forefront, and this week, I join the National Religious Campaign Against Torture in its efforts to tell the truth about torture in opposition to the new film and to ensure that the public realizes that President Obama vowed to close the Guantanamo prison, but has reneged on his promise – leaving the United States in a moral lurch.
Like most people, much of my opinion on the matter is shaped by my personal experiences and values. Torture is a moral issue. As a person of faith, I was taught that all humans are created in His image. As a Christian, I know that Jesus was a victim himself of torture and informed his followers that “what you do to the least of my brethren, you do to me.”…
I was tortured for almost 3 years by the FBI and their friends only
because 85 years old man, Roland Sibens(chicago) convinced them that I
am a terrorist. I was tortured for working on my prosthetic legs in
the basement. I done absolutely nothing illegal or wrong. They thought
that in theory it is possible to hide bomb in them. They saw an
opportunity to get famous, so they were trying to torture me till I
sign their insane story. They tortured me using more than 100
different torturing methods and trust to me waterboarding is not how
they torture nowadays. I dont know where to find justice.
I think that after 9/11 things got out of control. Freedom fighters
became tyrants. In 1945, most Germans had an opportunity to learn about Nazis death
camps. I hope that one day American citizens will get chance to learn about people
like me, who were tortured with no reason for years.
Jacob, I pray that you will find the strength to forgive your torturers. I know that will be the only way you will ever find justice. May God continue to bless you.
You have convinced me to see Dero Dark Thirty, because I want to consider valid additional reasons why torture, assasinations, and the killing of innocent “collateral damage”victims, that have not yet registered in my conscience, are wrong and must stop immediately for the sake of ALL of us.
MaryJo, You don’t need to see a violent movie to learn that torture is not how we should try to resolve our differences when dealing with a fellow brother or sister.