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Orange Jumpsuit Friday
ACLU marks Guantanamo's sixth anniversary
It's been six years since the first "enemy combatants" in orange jumpsuits were first locked up on the US Naval Base in Guantanamo, Cuba. Despite accusations of torture, detention without charge, and the suspension of habeas corpus, the prison camp remains in business. To mark this sad anniversary, the ACLU has launched a Close Guantanamo Campaign this week, including a call for all those concerned to wear orange on Friday, January 11, as a sign of protest.
The acts are meant to remind us that since January 11, 2002:
The ACLU seized on orange as a symbol of our shared "sadness and disgust at the national shame that is Guantanamo Bay." This has led to the inevitable twist on the old knock-knock joke (I'm not making this up). There will be an Orange You Sad: Torture Is Un-American Un-Happy Hour in Hollywood, California, on Friday evening.
In Connecticut, folks will be airing their dirty laundry on a street corner, emblazoned with phrases like "End Torture" and "Close Gitmo."
In Miami, where no one leaves their cars, there will be a rush-hour vigil.
Look for more traditional candlelight vigils in cities like New York, San Francisco, Saint Louis, Raleigh, North Carolina, as well as protests, demonstrations, and rallies from coast to coast. (Find a complete listing of events here or download a handy kit to set up your own event at your office or with friends.)
If you prefer, stick to the solitary sartorial statement and break out your most eye-catching orange accessory. The ACLU site has armbands, web buttons, posters, and even an explanatory pamphlet on "Why I'm Wearing Orange."
Celeste Fraser Delgado is the MOLI View's contributing editor for Worthy Causes.
The acts are meant to remind us that since January 11, 2002:
775 people have been detained at Gitmo.0 trials have concluded.
305 prisoners remain indefinitely.
86% of all prisoners were turned in for a monetary reward.
55% have not committed any hostile act against the US or our allies.
The ACLU seized on orange as a symbol of our shared "sadness and disgust at the national shame that is Guantanamo Bay." This has led to the inevitable twist on the old knock-knock joke (I'm not making this up). There will be an Orange You Sad: Torture Is Un-American Un-Happy Hour in Hollywood, California, on Friday evening.
In Connecticut, folks will be airing their dirty laundry on a street corner, emblazoned with phrases like "End Torture" and "Close Gitmo."
In Miami, where no one leaves their cars, there will be a rush-hour vigil.
Look for more traditional candlelight vigils in cities like New York, San Francisco, Saint Louis, Raleigh, North Carolina, as well as protests, demonstrations, and rallies from coast to coast. (Find a complete listing of events here or download a handy kit to set up your own event at your office or with friends.)
If you prefer, stick to the solitary sartorial statement and break out your most eye-catching orange accessory. The ACLU site has armbands, web buttons, posters, and even an explanatory pamphlet on "Why I'm Wearing Orange."
Celeste Fraser Delgado is the MOLI View's contributing editor for Worthy Causes.
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