President Obama TWO inherited wars, the economic crisis

CCR's Vince Warren in Blueprint for Accountability (Culture Project)

June, 2009 CCR's executive director Vince Warren joins CNN's Rachel Madow, General Ricardo Sanchez, and Ron Suskind to discuss a "blueprint for accountability" on a panel arranged by the Culture Project. This presentation was directed by Fisher Stevens and is excerpted here. The full version can be seen at LinkTV's website.

CCR commends President Obama for the strong steps he has taken to reverse many of the unjust policies and programs of his predecessors, while continuing to deal with two inherited wars, the economic crisis, and a resistant Congress. It is indeed daunting work.

Unfortunately, there hasn't been as much progress as we would like on CCR's issues-issues we know that you care about, too. On far too many matters related to constitutional and human rights, the new administration's practices are nearly identical to those of the Bush administration. These practices include:

• attempts to keep documents and information shrouded in secrecy, away from public scrutiny;

• the creation of new versions of unlawful programs such as warrantless wiretapping and preventive detention;

• refusing to rule out the egregious practice of extraordinary rendition;

• continued holding of men at Guantánamo years after they have been cleared for release; and

• subjecting detainees to a discredited Military Commissions process that was created by the Bush administration, with only minor cosmetic changes.

Indeed, in announcing a policy of "prolonged domestic detentions," the new administration has simply declared its intention to create a new Guantánamo within our borders. But with our votes this past November, the people have already spoken out against the policies of Guantánamo, warrantless wiretapping, and secrecy. It is now up to us once again to raise our voices and give President Obama and Congress the courage to do what is just, not just what is politically expedient.

We cannot allow the slow erosion of our democracy to become the status quo. CCR needs your support to keep President Obama on the right track so that he follows the will of the people-and the rule of law.

Please join us in these efforts by continuing to take actions on our alerts and by making a tax-deductible
gift to the Center for Constitutional Rights today.

We know these are difficult financial times for many, but the need for your support to help our clients remains constant, and the opportunity for your gift to make an impact has never been greater. Since 1966, CCR has filed cases and organized campaigns to move those in power to create social change. Today is no different. Our supporters are a critical source of strength for CCR-by staying informed, working to create change, pressuring your elected officials, and supporting our efforts, you make
a real difference.

Help restore the Constitution and undo the Bush legacy of lawlessness and shame.

With warm regards,

Vincent Warren

Executive Director

http://ccrjustice.org/

Rinde Eckert

A Question of Impeachment
Culture Project brings crucial and timely concerns to the fore once again with a new, unique series that gathers some of the most brilliant and visionary minds of our time to explore and debate the case http://www.cultureproject.org/