“Secrecy Trumps Torture Appeal”: Headline, Los Angeles Times, 10/10/07
Khaled El-Masri was snatched by agents
Of that shining nation on a hill (known
For its principles, human rights, ardent
Dedication to justice), agents prone,
Alas, to error. They got the wrong guy!
For five months, they slapped him around, dropped him
Into a hellish abyss, burned to pry
The goodies out of his bent body—grim
Revelations of terrorists’ next move.
Alas, he knew nothing! This innocent
Victim sued—surely, damages approved
By courts ensued. Once more, alas. Savants,
(Believe it!) ruled: despite impurity,
No hearing for Khaled; such plain justice
(See the dour faces—the dark rictus)
Endangers national security!
(10/26/07)