FINAL TRIBUTE TO PETE SEEGER

REST IN PEACE PETE----

When will we ever learn?

THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES...

Today we celebrate the life of Pete Seeger.....

RIP Pete Seeger

HOPE DIES LAST....

Today the DC Circuit ordered the government to respond to the en banc petition I filed on Monday. Word on the street is that is a pretty fast turn around...As Studs Terkel was fond of saying.... Hope dies last..... Here is the Order: Docket Text: CLERK'S ORDER filed [1475512] Upon consideration of appellant’s petition for rehearing and rehearing en banc, it is ORDERED, on the court’s own motion, that within 15 days of the date of this order, appellees file a response to the petition for rehearing and petition for rehearing en banc not to exceed 15 pages. Absent further order of the court, no reply to the response will be accepted. [1474856-2] [1474856-3] [11-5102]

I was in DC over the weekend but unfortunately I was not able to participate in this amazing protest because I was busy preparing an en banc petition for my client at the "secure facility"-- the place where those of us who represent detainees must prepare our court papers. But take a look at this protest: Vowing to “Make Guantanamo History,” human rights advocates from around the country marked the beginning of the thirteenth year of torture and indefinite detention at the prison camp with a dramatic protest at the National Museum of American History. 150 activists occupied the atrium of the crowded museum for more than two hours, speaking out against torture and calling for Guantanamo to close. The activists hung banners, stood in stress positions in hoods and jumpsuits, spoke to the tourists, and with their bodies and voices revised the museum’s “Price of Freedom” exhibit to include twelve years of torture and indefinite detention as the bitter cost of the United States’ misguided pursuit of “national security.” If you are having trouble viewing this go to this website for the full story.

Enemy Combatant

Professor Peter Honigsberg looks at the origin of the term "enemy combatant" in this huffington post article. Seems appropriate to think about that "title" with the anniversary of the opening of Guantanamo coming up on saturday. IF YOU CAN PLEASE JOIN IN A DEMONSTRATION ON SATURDAY ASKING OUR GOVERNMENT TO FINALLY CLOSE THE PLACE. As for me, I will be in DC preparing to file my clients en banc petition with the DC Circuit Court. Seems an appropriate way to celebrate the beginning of the 13th year of my client being held without charge.

Lynn Stewart released....

In one of the saddest portrayals of our dysfunctional justice department civil rights attorney Lynn Stewart was convicted of aiding a terrorist and sentenced to something like 18 years in prison. Yesterday the justice department asked for a compassionate release since Lynn is dying of breast cancer. The judge signed it immediately and word on the street is that Lynn will be home today. Read more about Lynn's plight here. Welcome back Lynn.