In January 2008, as part of Human Rights First’s ongoing efforts to oppose torture and official cruelty, HRF organized and sponsored the on-the-ground activities of retired military leaders in two key early primary states.
HRF staff and retired military leaders traveled to South Carolina and Florida to spread the message that America’s national security must not be undermined by policies authorizing torture.
HRF co-hosted three forums featuring retired admirals and generals in South Carolina, one with the University of South Carolina’s Walker Institute for International and Area Studies, and two at The Citadel.
In Florida, we joined with the Florida State University’s Center for the Advancement of Human Rights to host a panel discussion featuring three retired generals at the Claude Pepper Center.
As you can see from the coverage below, these public forums resulted in lively discussions about torture and U.S. policy.
Finally, to amplify the military leaders’ anti-torture message, HRF also arranged for radio interviews and scheduled meetings with local newspapers.
Downloadable WMAs: In Florida: Gen Irvine on MetroOrlando Gen Irvine on WFLA Gen Irvine on WOCA Gen Soyster on WFSU Gen Soyster on WMEL In South Carolina: Gen Soyster Gen Otstott Adm Gunn Adm Gunn Gen Nash SC Audio News Release Streaming Audio: Audio Clips:
In South Carolina: WRNN SC WSC SC WTMA SC WVOC SC Greenville News SC Post and Courier SC SCNN SC Anderson Independent-Mail In Florida: Torture on FPR A Matter of Morality Florida Radio Network Transcript FSView Orlando Metro Networks Transcript Tallahassee Dem WFLA Transcript FL WMEL Transcript FL WOCA-AM FL Tampa Tribune