The Democratic National Committee overwhelmingly endorsed Democrats Abroad’s resolution against the use of torture at their meeting in Chicago this weekend. The resolution calls for those responsible for torture and for policies that condone, allow or encourage the practice of torture to be held accountable within our system. The resolution was sponsored not only by the officers and DNC members of Democrats Abroad but also by a number of other DNC representatives including 7 states chairs, 4 DNC Vice-Chairs and the Hispanic Caucus. “The use of torture and the utter disregard of human rights constitute an affront to basic American values,” says International Chair Michael Ceurvorst. “The United States must always be guided by the rule of law. Torture and the abuse of some prisoners in Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo, to name two locations, expose an Administration that condemns the illegal actions of other governments but sees itself as above the laws of the United States and the rules of international conventions. Such behaviour endangers our own citizen soldiers and our national security. “We oppose torture. We want a Congress that will get at the truth for America’s sake. A Democratic Congress will work to restore America’s moral authority. More of the same is not an option. So is equivocation by the President in signing legislation. “Democrats are the alternative to get back to true American values and respect for fundamental rights. That’s why Americans everywhere should vote for Democrats.” Democrats Abroad is the official overseas arm of the Democratic Party of the U.S. At work in more than 75 countries around the world, Democrats Abroad helps overseas Americans to register and vote in U.S. federal elections and helps keep members connected and informed. Founded in 1964, Democrats Abroad holds eight positions on the Democratic National Committee and sends a voting delegation to the quadrennial Democratic National Convention to select our presidential candidate.
