Americans - Are you happy the Europeans say your 'utterly alien' Government blatantly breaches human rights?

Question

Following an enquiry, Swiss Senator Dick Marty says; "US rendition flights are based on an "utterly alien" approach that breaches human rights".
Media allegations on CIA jails broke last November, when the Washington Post said the intelligence agency had been running facilities in Eastern Europe, Afghanistan and Thailand.
It said more than 100 people had been sent to facilities known as "black sites" set up following 911.
European media reports allege the CIA used several European airports for its programme of "extraordinary renditions".
Under the secretive process, US intelligence agencies send terror suspects for interrogation by security officials in other countries, where they have no legal protection or rights under American law.
Washington does not deny terror suspects have been transferred for interrogation in other countries, but rejects accusations they are being tortured.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5054426.stm

Answer 1

I am not American and therefore I don't qualify to answer this question, but I just have to comment on some of the other answers:

To tyingtobenice:

If you're trying (as opposed to tying) to be nice, you have a funny way of doing it. I don't think America is in the business of making its European allies 'pay through the nose for every thing they have said'. The American people however, might do well to take a look more critically at what is being done in their name and decide if there is any truth to the allegations (which were made by the American media, not by the Europeans - the Europeans investigated their own involvement in this sordid affair).

To Rambo Smurf:

It wasn't the European press that made the allegations - it was the American media! The Europeans investigated only their own involvement in the rendition and overseas torture programme operated by the US.

To Daniel B:

Where is the evidence that your Government keeps you safe? America's actions against the Islamic World are fomenting such hatred that attacks on America and its interests are assured well into the future. You are not being protected by your Government - it is making you a target!

You also miss the point of the question - we all accept that despotic States torture people. Are you happy that one of those despotic States is your own?

To marilyn:

Have you stopped to think why America was targeted so viciously? Was it because America was a generous friend of the Islamic States of the Middle East? Have you asked yourself why America has not made the same investment in the Arab World as it has in Israel?

Can you imagine the horror the people and familes who have been the victims of US-aggression in Middle East went through?

As the questioner asks, are you happy that America, your country, kidnaps people and takes them to third countries that torture them for America's pleasure? Are you happy that America is being counted with the despot States of the World - that your country is viewed as a place of violent primitives? It sounds like you may be one of them when you say 'They deserve whatever they get'.

To david b:

So by your comments it is clear you support whatever the British might choose to do to the Irish, or the Spanish might do to the Basques? I guess from now on we can assume America will stop supplying funds to the IRA and urge Britain to develop a kidnap and torture programme to keep the uppity Irish in place.

To amyza29:

So you bury your head in the sand and it will all go away. Europe is your biggest trading partner and your only reliable ally and friend. When Europe starts to accuse America of despotism it is time for Americans to take note - you will feel it in your pockets as Europe looks to spend its money and its time with more acceptable friends.

To mymadsky:

It is your media that broke this story and the Europeans are investigating their own involvement in a disgraceful failure of civilised behaviour.

So what's my point?

I am really concerned that Americans as citizens, do not look critically at the actions of their own Government. Terrible things are being done by the Bush Administration and they're being done in the name of the American people. Yet, as this question illustrates, many Americans seem happy to condone actions that smack of third World despotic dictatorships. What is wrong with America in the 21st Century that its citizens support imprionment without trial, kidnap and torture - all of it without adequate evidience of any wrong doing?

Answer 2

OK, to start off, Europe are not ever going to need America to 'come in at the last minute and take all the glory' thank you very much sweetheart.

Next, safe from terrorism? Your government had been told that something huge was being planned, probably with the use of planes. How many people died?!

And lastly. You murder your own people. Only the most savage person premeditates someone elses death, but to then preach about God being on their side as they condone it. It's sick. That right there, that's your human rights violation. Who do you think you are?! Sick.

Answer 3

Yay Europeans. Apparently American prisoners taken in Afghanistan are not treated according to the Geneva Conventions, whereas other countries chose to use that protocol.

And what about the American planes that deliver full planes of prisoners to European airports and return empty?

Of course if you think you are the world's police force, as many Americans do, you can do whatever you want, to whomever you want, however you want, and the rest of us can put up and shut up. I don't remember the rest of the world asking Americans to run the show, including breaching human rights.

Answer 4

Anything spoken against the U.S. and the conservative/traditional voice is believed.. the war is against western civilization and the traditional family social structure.. i.e. to the influenced masses, terrorism is not direly dangerous (to get nuclear and chem bombs) it's the conservative voice that's the danger.. cuz humans would rather be monkeys.. Just see how America has invaded and taken over Mexico and Canada and being the only super power right now has unseated and taken over all democracies.. and how wonderful and incorrupt that shining example on a hill is the U.N. who cares so deeply about the Sudanese goings on and Rawanda, &tc.. even to the point of coerced prostitutions and rapes.. but hey, let's not mention any of that..

Answer 5

My government keeps me safe from terrorism attacks how about yours? How are the "human rights" in jails in Eastern Europe, Afghanistan, and Thailand? Probably not as good as in the US.

We are also more humanitarian then you think. Look at Mexico's immigration policy compare to that of the US. Which support human rights? And how many Mexicans attempt illegal immigration to the US versus Americans going to Mexico?

Answer 6

Let those without sin cast the first stone.
Swiss banks continue to hid money for the Nazi's of WWII.
British intelligence is amongst the best in the world. Ever wonder WHY?

European media makes money by selling stories. Anti-American stories sell the best hence....

Answer 7

I never really worried about terrorism until I saw what they were capable of on 911. I tink they should punish them to the fullest extent. Can you imagine the horror the people and familes of the who worked in the two towers went through. If the terrorists are so worried about being tortured, then they should stop terrorizing people who they know are gonna defend themselves and their country. They deserve whatever they get.

Answer 8

Am I happy that in Europe they have the rights of a free press? Yes

Am I happy that the European press is making false allegations? No

Answer 9

Yes I am! I take no offense when the truth is spoken. The U.S. has long been accused of violating human rights however now because of the U.S.' involvement with the current global state of affairs, the light is shining upon it.

Answer 10

When the europeans need help? What 60 years ago? How many times has the US needed help recently?-Vietnam, Iraq x 2, etc, etc