ACLU Calls on U.N. Human Rights Committee to Hold U.S. Government Accountable

Hat tip John Stephenson: (or click here for Jay's post at Stop the ACLU)

The American Civil Liberties Union today criticized the United States for violating the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a major human rights treaty the U.S. ratified in 1992. In remarks to the 86th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the ACLU called for a rigorous investigation into violations of the treaty.

"In the name of national security, the Bush administration has eroded the rule of law and the system of checks and balances in the United States, both fundamental principles in any democracy," said Ann Beeson, Associate Legal Director of the ACLU, who presented today's testimony. "In our America, we will not tolerate illegal spying or torture. The ACLU calls on the Human Rights committee to join us in our effort to hold the U.S. government accountable."

In a statement read today at the opening session of the Human Rights Committee, the ACLU said: "In the last four years we have witnessed serious setbacks in the protection of civil and political rights within the United States. The U.S. government has instituted a number of unbalanced and unchecked policies that clearly undermine fundamental rights and liberties long recognized and honored in our country. These policies affect a broad range of issues, including women's rights, immigrants' rights, racial justice, national security and the freedom of religion and belief."

The ACLU also provided details in its testimony about remaining flaws in the recently reauthorized Patriot Act and on the illegal National Security Agency spying program.

"America cannot hold itself as a moral beacon to the world if it violates the rule of law by engaging in illegal spying, torture and secrecy," said Jamil Dakwar, an attorney with the ACLU Human Rights Working Group. "The ACLU is committed to making sure that our government complies with universally recognized human rights principles and upholds our Constitution."

One corrupt organization asking another corrupt organization to hold the U.S. responsible for Human Rights violations? What a joke!!! The U.N. can not even hold itself responsible for Human Rights violations.

Give me a break! We are fighting a war against some of the most brutal, and savage people in the world, ready to decapitate anyone that will not bend to their demented religious views. The ACLU defends these creatures in our Courts and abroad, and attempt to bring down our governments efforts to fight them from every angle. Is it not becoming more and more obvious that the ACLU's agenda for America is not in our best interest? One can easily argue that it sure feels like they are downright out to destroy us. I'm sick and tired of the far left's anti-American agenda. Wake up America before we fall from within.