Challenging the Military Commissions Act – A Theatrical Script

As performed by the Greater Lansing Network Against War and Injustice on October 17, 2006

The following is a short dramatization of the plight of detainees now legalized with the passage of the Military Commissions Act of 2006.

An ominous prison cell sits in the foreground. A sign that reads “Stop Torture” and “End Secret Prisons” is displayed prominently on the cell. American citizens, concerned both with the loss of basic civil liberties and with the far reaching definition of “unlawful combatants,” have gathered in recognition of a sad day for the once protected and beloved US Constitution. A non-uniformed bailiff leads hooded detainees into the jail cell and says with contempt:

“I’ll now read you your Lost Rights.”

“You have been labeled ‘unlawful enemy combatants’ by the President of the United States. In light of this label you have lost the following constitutionally protected rights.”

“You have lost the right to an Attorney”

“You have lost access to any judicial proceeding or review.”

“Should we decide to present your case in a court of law: You have lost the right to hear the evidence that has been presented against you.”

“Anything you say during loosely defined coercive interrogations will be used against you.”

“Although no charges have been brought forward at this time, you may be held here without these rights indefinitely. It is our right, should we see fit, to render your detention to secret facilities outside the United States. Once there, this list of lost rights may grow.”

“Should there be any violation of the Geneva Conventions, no one will be held accountable. No policymakers will be held responsible for past, present or future violations of the Geneva Conventions.”

“The loss of these rights is in violation to the United States Constitution, the Geneva Conventions, and a 2006 US Supreme Court Ruling. Despite these violations, the US Congress passed and President Bush signed the Military Commissions Act of 2006, on, October 17, 2006.”


Posted at Wednesday, January 10, 2007
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