"If Congress really
is concerned about the human rights of prisoners, perhaps they might take a look
at the terrible treatment of US Army Private Bradley Manning while incarcerated
and awaiting trial. Last year Amnesty International wrote to then-Defense
Secretary Robert Gates that Manning's "inhumane" treatment while in custody
"undermines the United States' commitment to the principle of the presumption of
innocence." Congress remains silent.
... When it comes to human rights, the
United States should most definitely lead the world by its own example. On that
measure, we still have a lot of work to do."