Court Dismisses a Case Asserting Torture by C.I.A.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/us/09secrets.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: barry levine 
Date: Thu, Sep 9, 2010 at 4:18 PM
Subject: re: Court Dismisses a Case Asserting Torture by C.I.A.
To: letters@nytimes.com


To the Editor:

  In ruling that an assertion of National Security can preclude a trial--rather than just limit what evidence is admissible--the Ninth Circuit court has eroded a precious pillar of American self-government. If we enjoy due process of law only by grace of our Executive, then it is not a guaranteed right.  By this same logic, any other of the rights ostensibly guaranteed by our constitution can be waived at the Executives say-so.   We look to our Supreme Court to reverse this decision. If it stands, our republic falls.

Barry Levine