Letter in 10/11 Star-Ledger

The Star-Ledger published my letter on the recent military commissions vote in yesterday's edition:

Historic mistake

Thanks for your excellent editorial on the recently approved military commission legislation, "Tough on terror, but not smart." Amnesty International agrees that this assault on the Constitution and our nation's core values will increase animosity toward the United States and thus undermine the struggle against terrorism.

You attribute this historic mistake to demagoguery: "Republicans had too much interest in looking tough on terror in the run- up to the November elections, and Democrats were too worried about looking weak." It is a shame that many of officials have therefore ignored the national interest of defending the Constitution and protecting our rights. It is especially disappointing that three of New Jersey's members of Congress who are usually known as champions of human rights voted for this harmful legislation. They include Sens. Frank Lauten berg and Robert Menendez and Rep. Chris Smith. Amnesty International is very grateful to Reps. Frank Pallone, Bill Pascrell, Steve Rothman, Donald Payne and Rush Holt for having the courage to vote in favor of our rights.

-- Lawrence M. Ladutke,
Weehawken

The writer is New Jersey Legislative Coordinator for Amnesty International.