Following is a report from Common Cause Intern Tristan Schulhof:

John Shattuck, a member of Common Cause's National Governing Board and CEO of JFK Library Foundation, recently wrote an Op-Ed in The Boston Globe concerning the creation of a U.S. Human Rights Commission. He discusses America's poor human rights record and the damage it has created to our global prestige. But, Shattuck also suggests ways in which our credibility can be restored. Firstly, "the United States was founded on the rule of law" and therefore we must abide by it. Secondly, we must practice what we preach and not criticize others for human rights abuses. After we have done the above, we must create a truth commission in order to "...get the truth about recent abuses of human rights and the rule of law by the U.S. government." Lastly, Shattuck believes that there should be a U.S. Human Rights commission that would use its oversight and authority to require the executive "...to provide regular reports to the commission on how it is complying with international human rights treaties..."

Similarly, Common Cause (CC) and the Partnership for a Secure America (PSA) are gathering resources to conduct a national campaign to educate the public and policy makers about the importance of convening a bipartisan high level Human Rights Commission.   The creation of such a commission is a concrete way to demonstrate that the U.S. rejects recent violations in this area and is committed to ensuring such actions are not repeated. The grassroots strength and outreach capabilities of CC and PSA will be effective in promoting the issue and educating the public.

In the post 9/11 world of global terrorism and the Iraq War, America's poor human rights record has discredited our government. As General Wesley K. Clark so effectively put it, "For shame, America, that we aren't brave enough and strong enough to live our values." Let's put an end to Guantanamo Bay and other incidents of torture and restore the respect for civil liberties that America once symbolized.