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The Kids are Alright

Reid Rowe,
National Security Project
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January 11, 2008

It’s no surprise that I woke up in a foul mood this morning.

This is a grim anniversary for any American that believes in justice, for anybody who believes in human rights. I woke up this morning before dawn to ask New Yorkers to think about why Americans shouldn’t allow torture, indefinite detention, and secret evidence to take the place of a time-honored justice system. And it’s no surprise that so many of these men and women, plodding through the rain on their way to work, brushed me off.

What is surprising is the reaction I got when I approached a group from the Long Island High School for the Arts , who were at the CBS Early Show on a field trip. Though most of them were playing pee-wee soccer when the first captive was brought to the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay, they’re now studying habeas corpus in third period civics class. Before I could launch into my spiel, these young citizens were eagerly chattering about access to justice, the right to a fair trial, and America’s moral leadership.

I was impressed by their conviction and their knowledge. Instead of delivering my lecture, I made them all promise to stay informed and stay active. In one or two years, they’ll be voting. Despite all the day’s unhappy reminders, with the sun finally burning through the clouds, I feel hopeful that the gloom will pass, and that students won’t be reading about indefinite detention in civics class. Because it will be history.

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