way to go larry...

larry cox became the new executive director of amnesty international usa in april of last year succeeding bill schultz who served for 10 years...having most recently come from the ford foundation you might not expect him to be he fireball that he is...

so last week charles stimson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for detainee affairs made some disparaging and uncivil remarks regarding attorneys that represent detainees at the guantánamo bay detention center and regarding international calls for the center's closure...

larry cox didn't waste a minute in firing back and challenging the anti-american values being promoted by the current u.s. administration...

"Stimson's remarks could not have been more irresponsible. Referring to the international outrage at the U.S.-controlled detention center at Guantánamo Bay as nothing more than a few small demonstrations staged by Amnesty International is not only wrong but extremely disrespectful. After the U.S. government has been rebuked by world leaders, including leaders from allied countries, two U.N. committees, faith leaders, and people of conscience around the world, it is incredible that anyone would believe that the outrage about Guantánamo rests only with Amnesty International activists. Amnesty International has worked with other human rights organizations, legal associations, faith communities and international bodies in opposing U.S. policies in Guantánamo and will continue to do so as one of a cacophony of voices calling for its closure.

"Attacking attorneys who take their time, without recompense, to defend the human rights of people who have been subject to indefinite and arbitrary detention by the U.S. government distracts from the human rights violations that continue to be committed in Guantánamo Bay. Amnesty International stands with the attorneys who are dedicated to protecting the internationally recognized rights of all people in custody, and recognizes them as human rights defenders committed to upholding the rule of law.

"Rather than attack the law firms that have courageously and zealously fought for the most fundamental rights for their clients, such as the right to have their detention reviewed by an independent court, Mr. Stimson should spend his time working to bring the United States back into the community of civilized nations that does not imprison people without charge, without hope and without end."

peace out <3