Barack Obama has inspired Americans to renew their faith in their country and has repeatedly stated that he will act to renew the moral standing of the United States in the world.
“I have said repeatedly that I intend to close Guantanamo, and I will follow through on that. I have said repeatedly that America doesn’t torture. And I’m gonna make sure that we don’t torture. Those are part and parcel of an effort to regain America’s moral stature in the world.”
-President-elect Barack Obama on CBS’s 60 Minutes Sunday, Nov. 16th, 2008
What is unclear is whether or not inspiration and statements will translate into results. As we ride the wave of hope into the next administration, it is crucial that we turn the momentum into concrete action.
Amnesty International is asking that within the first 100 days of his Presidency, Barack Obama:
- -announce a plan and date to close Guantanamo
- -issue an executive order to ban tortue
- -ensure that an independent commission to investigate abuses committed by the U.S. government in its “war on terror” is set up
The same grassroots energy that propeled Barack Obama to victory can now be the driving force behind America’s renewed commitment to human rights. Act now.