January 11, 2008, is the 6th anniversary of the arrival of 20 prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. That trickle became a flood of more than 770 men that has eroded America's standing as the beacon of freedom and justice. Even the Pentagon admits that the vast majority of Guantanamo detainees have no direct ties to Al Qaeda or the Taliban. The administration calls it a camp full of terrorists, but what it really seems like is a camp full of mistakes. Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa has introduced the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Closure Act (S. 1469) to close the detention facility within 120 days and restore due process rights to those being held there. And Harkin and Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California proposed a plan to close Gitmo as part of last year's defense-spending bill. Presidential candidates from both parties have talked tough about shutting Gitmo down, including Senators John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama. Clinton and Obama backed the close-Guantanamo amendment. Yet none have signed on to Sen. Harkin's legislation. Let the presidential wannabes know where you stand, and tell Sen. Harkin you're with him.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

January 11, 2008, is the 6th anniversary of a shameful day: the opening of the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The administration calls it a camp full of terrorists, but what it really seems like is a camp full of mistakes

The prison has betrayed our values of freedom and justice and weakened our moral authority in the world at a dangerous time.

It's past time to close Gitmo.

I urge you to stand with me in supporting Sen. Tom Harkin's Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Closure Act (S. 1469). Let Americans know that you support our basic values by pledging to back Sen. Harkin's bill.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
January 11, 2008