After 9/11, the nation is struggling to really balance national security with civil liberties, ... I'm writing as someone who's lived this struggle. |
An act of terrorism, the taking of innocent civilian lives, is prohibited by Islam, and whoever has done this needs to be brought to justice, whether he is Muslim or not. |
For God and Country: Faith and Patriotism Under Fire |
How could this happen in America? ... I hope my story ? will prevent what happened to me from ever happening again. |
I am a patriotic, loyal American, ... I am not a terrorist nor am I a spy. |
I never had a single document of classified information, all of the criminal charges against me were dropped, |
I was essentially gagged, ... I was walking on eggshells the last eight months or so until I decided to resign. |
It?s the duty of every service member to report human rights abuses. I acted in my role as a chaplain. |
It's important to realize we live in historical times, ... What happened to me could happen to anyone here tonight. |
Most people say 'You're never getting an apology,' but I'm still fighting for one, |
My story is a warning to all people here in the country that the current approach to waging war on terrorism from within our own borders is truly a threat to civil liberties. |
West Point has the reputation for producing leaders, and it produces patriotic men and women who want to serve the country, ... And it produced me. |
Whether or not the law is passed, no one should be subjected to cruel or unusual punishment while in custody of the United States government, |
You saw the news when I was put into prison, ... But what happened to the news when I was out? |