This past weekend, members of many human rights organizations and
others met in Washington D.C. to discuss plans for the upcoming
year...the year we will close the U.S. Army School of the Americas.
At this time it's basically a three pronged effort.
First, there is a December 15, 1996 letter, already sent to Attorney
General Reno and Secretary of Defense Perry (now Cohen). It requests
legal action regarding the torture manuals used at SOA. The action
would be brought against the authors, the instructors using them, and
those carrying out the acts described in them. The Pentagon admitted
their existence and use at SOA on September 19, 1996 which resulted
in the N.Y. Times editorial of September 28th calling for the closure
of the School of the Assassins. This letter, already signed by 42
national and international groups and individuals, should be signed
by every member of Congress. PLEASE contact your Congressperson
immediately requesting them to sign on to the letter. What
Congressperson can say yes to torture?
Second, there is a new bill HR611 introduced by Rep. Joe Kennedy calling
for outright closure of the U.S. Army School of the Americas. A dear
colleague letter is circulating at this moment. At least 180 names
must be obtained on this letter to give the bill a chance of passage.
If a Congressperson signs on to the Reno letter, then s(he) must sign
on to HR611. If they say NO to torture, then they have to agree to
close the School of the Americas.
Finally, we must have the Congressperson vote for the bill. A vote will
happen this session. How you move your Congressperson is going to be
determined by your creativity, strength, and determination.
Also, can you come with friends to D.C. April 19th to April 29th for
a lobbying effort that will take place on the Capitol steps!
For more information, Contact SOA Watch:
Fr. Roy Bourgeois, Columbus, Ga. (1-706-782-5369) or
Carol Richardson, Washington, D.C.(1-202-234-3440)