To the editor:

Tribune columnist John Kass’ response to the release of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee’s report on torture is a bit baffling given the source. Less than a month ago, Mr. Kass used his column to lambaste President Obama’s executive orders on immigration as “bending the Constitution to his most divine will.” That rhetoric responds to the President using his authority in a manner consistent with numerous previous Presidents of both parties. Yet, because of the nature of our enemies such as ISIS or al-Qaida, Kass urges America to move on, ignoring the fact that officials in the Bush Administration violated American law in ordering the horrific treatment of detainees after the 9/11 attacks.

The Senate report is worthy of publication, of full discussion and should trigger a vigorous investigation of those who ordered treatment that resulted in the death of a number of detainees. First, the report makes clear that the use of torture was far more pervasive that was ever revealed. Moreover, the Senate Committee notes that the Administration and the CIA lied to the public, lied to the Congress and lied to the courts about how widespread torture was being used and the graphic nature of the abuse. And, finally, the report refutes the oft-repeated claims that this illegal abuse assisted in interdicting imminent attacks on American soil or provided other valuable information.

Rather than dismiss this report as “old news,” the American people should view the release of the report as an opportunity to prompt the government to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and to the principle that no one, no matter how senior, should be beyond its reach. This is a principle that Mr. Kass seems to endorse in some instances; he should stand on principle and endorse it in this instance as well.

Sincerely,
Edwin C. Yohnka ACLU of Illinois Director of Communications and Public Policy

ACLU of Illinois senior staff counsel Adam Schwartz was interviewed on the WBEZ program "Morning Shift" about the measure passed in the Illinois General Assembly last week. The bill aims to replace the Illinois Eavesdropping Act, which was ruled unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court last Spring. The new measure will allow for the audio recording of public officials doing their public duty in a public place, but will require a warrant or all-party consent for any conversation deemed to have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The ACLU of Illinois opposed the measure because it allows too many exceptions to law enforcement for instances where they would be allowed to record private conversations without obtaining a warrant. You can listen to the segment below:

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The Chicago Tribune has an editorial that builds on its investigative series "Harsh Treatment," which looks at the failure of the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) to care for children placed in treatment centers across the state. For the past 20 years, the ACLU of Illinois has been involved in litigation to improve care and services for children in DCFS custody. Although the number of children in DCFS custody has declined over the years, it is clear from the Tribune's reporting that the quality of care and services provided to them is on the decline.

The ACLU says it's pleased that more children are in safe, permanent homes, but the well-being of those in state custody has worsened in recent years. Associate Legal Director Ben Wolf says the ACLU is prepared to go back to court to enforce the consent decree.

Read the editorial.