A Moment of Hope

A Moment of Hope

Moments ago I just heard Governor Richardson, Senator Obama, and Senator Dodd each separately publicly commit to closing Guantanamo Bay and the secret prisons on their first day as President. I believe that just became a standard plank in the Democratic Party Platform.

(Note - watching it again, I noted that only Richardson made that pledge specifically. Dodd pledged to "restore American civil liberties" and Obama made no pledge, but noted the damage Guantanamo Bay and the secret prisons have done to America's international moral authority. rbs 6-4-07)

Promises aren’t always kept, but I could tell from the way these people spoke that they considered such a move critical to restoring America’s moral leadership in the world. There are a lot of things I really like about these candidates - but there is such a clear difference on this particular issue. The Republican candidates lined up last week in support of the secret prisons and specifically (with the significant exception of Senator McCain) in favor of torture.

There is no brighter line between the presidential wings of these parties than this. I don’t think it could possibly be more clear. This is a moment of hope for those we have oppressed - though they don’t yet know it.

As a sideline - while I have been a fan of Governor Richardson for many years and looking forward to him running for President, I saw tonight what I’ve really liked about Senator Biden for many years. I remember in the midst of the Abu Ghraib scandal that Biden just about came across the table at Secretary Rumsfeld. “My son is serving over there!!! You just made it more likely that he might not come home!!” (paraphrased).

That Joe Biden showed up again tonight vibrating with rage about our failure to stop the genocide in Darfur. It is refreshing to see someone with a true passion for saving lives and for meeting our moral obligation to save life when we can and to treat all people fairly and humanely. I’ve observed that about Biden over the years. When people are in danger, and particularly when that happens because of our actions, he addresses it with powerful moral authority.

I haven’t seen the entire debate yet, so I’m not ready to have overall reactions. When I get a chance, I will see the whole thing and give my reactions here.

rbs