The Bill of Rights Defense Committee wants to know.
If your senators were to call you this evening and ask how they should vote on habeas corpus on Tuesday, July 17, what would you answer?
Yes, I want habeas corpus restored for all people from whom the Military Commissions Act (MCA) stripped that right--including U.S. residents who are not full citizens? Or would you focus on the Guantánamo Bay detainees, who have been imprisoned for years without the benefit of this basic mandate of fairness? Unfortunately, Congress can't seem to get traction on any of the bills it's created to restore habeas and dismantle the MCA, so in desperation, two senators are trying to attach an amendment to a defense authorization bill just to restore habeas corpus. The bill number is SA 2022, sponsored by Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT).
Either way, you know that your senators will not call you up to ask your opinion. YOU must make the call. Though you may have already called during our recent National Call-In to Congress on Habeas Corpus, please take just a few moments to speak with the office staff of both of your senators in Washington, DC, to make sure they know how their constituents want them to vote.
The universal number to call is 202-224-3121, or you can click here for the direct number to your senators' offices. Enter your zip code, and your congressional representatives' information will appear.
The vote may come up as early as TOMORROW, Tuesday (Jul 17), so you don't have a moment to lose. Please forward this message to all friends, work associates, and others who care about basic rights for all. For talking points and more information, click here. To read the Sunday New York Times editorial, click here.
After your call, please let us know how your call went by filling out the brief survey at the bottom of the BORDC call-in page.Thanks for all you do!
In a related area, True Majority also has a petition for you to sign. And NPR has a great primer.
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