That's why he's especially perplexed that the Family Research Council (FRC), a group that "champions marriage and family as the foundation of civilization, the seedbed of virtue, and the wellspring of society," would issue the following statement about Sen. Dick Durbin's comments on the interrogation tactics used at Gitmo.
From the FRC's website:
Sen. Durbin's comments are not the wisest way to call attention to the problems at Gitmo, Abu Ghraib, Bagram, and other prisons, but what does his statement, or Perkins' for that matter, have to do with marriage or family? Why is Perkins even talking about it? Should the Sierra Club put out a statement about teaching creationism in the schools?Tony Perkins, a veteran of the Marine Corps and President of Family Research Council released the following statement:
"Senator Durbin seems to be more concerned about the welfare and comfort of terrorists than the well being of our men and women in uniform and the citizens of this country.
"Senator Durbin owes America an apology. His comments do nothing to help the morale of our hard working and dedicated troops. These men and women are doing their best and many work every day in conditions that most Americans, including Senator Durbin would have a hard time understanding.
"My time in the United States Marine Corps has taught me that life is tough and often unfair but Durbin's comments are a harsh and over the top criticism of people he does not know and of a situation he has not personally experienced.
"Senator Durbin may not agree with the efforts our troops are putting forth in Guantanamo Bay but to demean them and their efforts in such a way to liken them to Nazis and Soviet gulags is a grossly unfair and hurtful remark."
Perkins' statement demonstrates once again that these right-wing Christians are not Christians in any sense. They are merely Republican flaks who feel greater patriotism to their own political party than any notion of morality or Christian values. Where is the statement condemning torture? Where is the statement expressing concern for all of the innocent victims of the Iraq war? Where are the statements about poverty in America and around the world?
Thankfully, Christians on the left (Rev. Jim Wallis) and the center (former Republican Senator John Danforth) are calling B.S.
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3 comments:
It continues to amaze me that Perkins and others don't understand that how we treat prisoners in Guantanamo Bay is directly related to our concern for the welfare of our own military. If we think nothing of abusing prisoners, others will not respect our military. Rather than revered, our service men and women will be despised, and will be the target of hatred against the U.S. Certainly Perkins is aware of the Golden Rule taught by Jesus (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31): "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
As you argued, Tony Perkins' chiding (on the Family Research Council's website, no less) of Senator Durbin for his anti-Gitmo interrogation tactics speech would be laughable were it not so typical an American (dare I say, an all-American) response to criticism of any kind. (This is my country, right or wrong!...don't forget.) Aside from his - as you described it - "unwise" likening of Gitmo tactics to Nazi torture methods, Durbin outlined in his speech a deeply felt and well-thought out argument against torturing terrorists at Guantanamo or anywhere in the world not only from a moral, but also from a sound tactical (i.e., from a long-range military) point of view. What is it about Americans that makes us so afraid to give criticism - which can only be determined illegitimate upon consideration - its due?
As you argued, Tony Perkins' chiding (on the Family Research Council's website, no less) of Senator Durbin for his anti-Gitmo interrogation tactics speech would be laughable were it not so typical an American (dare I say, an all-American) response to criticism of any kind. (This is my country, right or wrong!...don't forget.) Aside from his - as you described it - "unwise" likening of Gitmo tactics to Nazi torture methods, Durbin outlined in his speech a deeply felt and well-thought out argument against torturing terrorists at Guantanamo or anywhere in the world not only from a moral, but also from a sound tactical (i.e., from a long-range military) point of view. What is it about Americans that makes us so afraid to give criticism - which can only be determined illegitimate upon consideration - its due?
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