Talk by Dr. Rebecca Gordon on her book, ‘Mainstreaming Torture' in the Post-9/11 United States’ on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at 7:00 PM

Please join us for a talk by Dr. Rebecca Gordon on her new book, ‘Mainstreaming Torture: Ethical Approaches in the Post-9/11 United States’ on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at 7:00 PM, at the Walpole Public Library, 143 School St. In her book Dr. Gordon argues that most perspectives on torture miss the point, by treating torture as a series of isolated actions that arise in extreme times of war and crisis. But institutionalized state torture is actually an ongoing, socially embedded practice.
The use of torture by the United States as part of the “war on terror” cannot be separated from a national history that includes state support for torture regimes abroad — as well the ongoing use of torture in U.S. jails and prisons. Torture still matters, because the United States is still torturing. Dr. Rebecca Gordon teaches philosophy at the University of San Francisco. She will have copies of her book available for sale and for signing.

Other Events

Do we need better leaders or better citizens? Come explore this question on Wednesday, September 17, 7PM, at the Westwood Public Library for the Westwood/Walpole League of Women Voters opening meeting. Peter Levine, Professor of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Tufts University, and author of ‘We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For’ will be sharing his novel theory of active citizenship, a diagnosis of its decline, and a searing critique of our political institutions. Levine, one of America's most influential civic engagement activists, argues that American citizens must address our most challenging issues. People can change the norms and structures of their own communities through deliberative civic action.  

People’s Climate March in New York City. Peace activists are called to join the People’s Climate March in New York City on September 21stand to form a Peace and Climate Contingent. See the link, People’s Climate March  for more information. The march calls on the following principles:

·         We can’t effectively address climate change without ending war and militarism;

·         We can’t end war without ending the fossil fuel energy system;

·         We can’t address social injustice unless we stop using war to safeguard an economic infrastructure (based on fossil fuels) that requires vast social inequality.

·         We can’t end war unless we address the systemic inequality and corporate domination that requires it.

This march is an opportunity to make a statement on what is one of the most important issues of our lifetime.  “We are at a crossroads, faced with a climate crisis that threatens to end our world as we know it.”

New Book Argues that Opposing Torture Still Matters

Dr. Rebecca Gordon to speak on her new book, Mainstreaming Torture: Ethical Approaches in the Post-9/11 United States, on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at 7:00 PM  at the Walpole Public Library, 143 School St. The talk is sponsored by the Walpole Peace and Justice Group. In her book Dr. Gordon argues that most perspectives on torture miss the point, by treating torture as a series of isolated actions that arise in extreme times of war and crisis. But institutionalized state torture is actually an ongoing, socially embedded practice.

The use of torture by the United States as part of the “war on terror” cannot be separated from a national history that includes state support for torture regimes abroad — as well the ongoing use of torture in U.S. jails and prisons. Torture still matters, because the United States is still torturing.

Mainstreaming Torture highlights the impact of the practice of torture not only on the persons most closely involved, but on an entire nation that accepts torture as a necessary price to pay for personal safety. 

Praise for Mainstreaming Torture

“This remarkable morally and politically challenging and courageous work confronts unblinkingly the profoundly disturbing truth that both popular and scholarly discourses in America consistently distort and sanitize the essential nature of the torture that has become a socially embedded practice in our country.”
— Henry Shue, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for International Studies, University of Oxford

“This excellent book challenges us to end torture. Not only by prosecuting the front line people who get caught, but also going after the high-ranking public officials who are torture’s intellectual authors.”
— Bill Quigley, Professor of Law, Loyola University New Orleans

Rebecca Gordon teaches philosophy at the University of San Francisco, and works with War Times/Tiempo de Guerras.

Calling on the U.S. President and Congress to Stop Deportations

Members and supporters of the Walpole Peace and Justice Group  gathered on the Walpole Common on Saturday, August 2, 2014 and Wednesday,  August 6, 2014 to bring attention to the plight of the Unaccompanied Child Refugees. Tens of thousands of young refugees have fled Central  America and are seeking safety in the United States.  The vigil in Walpole called on the U.S. President and Congress to stop deportations, increase relief for America’s immigrant families, and protect unaccompanied children who have sought refuge in the United States.   

Peace Vigil in support of the Unaccompanied Child Refugees on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, the Walpole Common

Please join the Walpole Peace and Justice Group  for a peace vigil in  support of the Unaccompanied Child Refugees. The vigil will be held on Wednesday,  August 6, 2014 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM,  on the Walpole Common at the corner of Main and West Streets. Tens of thousands of young refugees have fled Central  America and are seeking safety in the United States.  We urge the President and Congress to stop deportations, increase relief for America’s immigrant families, and protect unaccompanied children who have sought refuge in the United States.  U.S.  immigration policies must be sensitive to the plight of families who are often broken up due to deportation. The enormous amount of funds used for border enforcement would be better spent helping the countries from which these children come.   We bear significant responsibility as U.S. economic policies and past support of dictators and wars in Central America have contributed to conditions of violence and poverty in the children’s homelands.  Come stand in support of the children and speak out in support of Gov Patrick’s offer to house and care for child refugees here in Massachusetts.

Other Events and Upcoming Talks    

·         Stand Up for All Children – sponsored by The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

There is a march on Thursday, August 7, 2014,  starting at 5:30 PM from Copley to the  State House. The purpose is to demonstrate support for Central American children fleeing harm, for Governor Patrick's plan to temporarily house unaccompanied minors, and for all children seeking refuge.  For more information see http://miracoalition.org/images/stories/RokStories/rally_august7_flyer4pageenglish.jpg

·         An analysis of the Cataclysms in Gaza, Iraq and Syria – and U.S. Middle East Policy With Raed Jarrar (Just Back from Jerusalem!) - sponsored by United for Justice with Peace

Thursday, August 7, 2014, 7:00 pm

Cambridge Friends Meeting • 5 Longfellow Park • off Brattle St - Harvard T • Cambridge