Sometime in the winter of 2002-2003 I was invited to a meeting of Iowa’s insect conservation enthusiasts at the home of Dennis Schlicht. I remember the meeting well. One topic that was discussed was the apparent disappearance of many of Iowa’s prairie obligate butterflies, including the Poweshiek skipper. One thing that was not discussed, but which occupied my mind was an AP report about two civilians whose bodies were discovered in Afghanistan, who had been murdered and tortured while in the custody of the United States.
After the meeting, I was left with the feeling that I should do something about both problems. Maybe a letter to the editor of the Des Moines Register?
But then President Bush was forced to respond to the results. He ordered an investigation, and came out with a statement that of course the United States does not torture its detainees, and of course the United States does not torture people.
That was good. I did not have to write a letter.
I downloaded a Congressional Report the other day…
