Too late for accountability

Salon - Apr 21st, 2025
Open on Salon

The article by Jesselyn Radack, a human rights attorney, delves into the ongoing issues of government overreach, torture, and lawlessness in the United States, particularly under the guise of national security. Radack highlights the case of Kilmar Ábrego García, detained in El Salvador, as a result of longstanding impunity for government misconduct. The narrative traces the roots of these abuses back to post-9/11 policies, including secret detentions, torture, and the derogation of due process rights, with a focus on the lack of accountability for those responsible.

This situation is compounded by recent developments, such as Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Venezuelans and the Supreme Court's decision granting presidential immunity, which Radack argues further insulates extralegal conduct. The story emphasizes the grave implications for constitutional rights and the rule of law, painting a bleak picture of the U.S.'s trajectory in terms of democracy and human rights. Radack calls for accountability and a return to legal norms to prevent further erosion of civil liberties.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article by Jesselyn Radack provides a compelling critique of U.S. government actions related to national security and human rights, with a strong focus on accountability and ethical conduct. Its strengths lie in its detailed narrative and the author's authoritative perspective, which offers valuable insights into complex issues. However, the article's reliance on personal experiences and the absence of diverse viewpoints limit its balance and source quality.

While the article effectively highlights important issues of public interest and relevance, its impact could be enhanced by incorporating a broader range of perspectives and more transparent sourcing. Overall, the article serves as a thought-provoking contribution to discussions on government accountability and civil liberties, encouraging readers to engage with critical ethical and legal questions.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents a detailed critique of U.S. government actions post-9/11, focusing on issues of national security, human rights abuses, and lack of accountability. Many of the claims, such as the treatment of detainees at Guantánamo Bay and the existence of the 'torture memos,' are well-documented in historical and legal records. For example, the article accurately describes the conditions and legal challenges faced by detainees like John Walker Lindh and the use of CIA black sites.

However, some claims require further verification, such as the specific details surrounding Kilmar Ábrego García's detention and the exact number of detainees remaining at Guantánamo Bay by January 2025. Additionally, the article's portrayal of President Obama's and Trump's policies might benefit from more nuanced context, particularly regarding the legal and political constraints they faced.

Overall, while the article is largely accurate in its depiction of historical events and policies, it occasionally lacks precise sourcing for some of its more recent claims, necessitating further corroboration.

6
Balance

The article predominantly presents a critical perspective on U.S. government actions, particularly under Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. It highlights abuses of power and failures in accountability, aligning closely with a human rights advocacy viewpoint. This focus, while valid, may lead to an imbalance by not adequately representing counterarguments or the complexities of national security decision-making.

For instance, while the article criticizes Obama's 'look forward, not backward' policy, it does not delve into the potential reasons or pressures behind this decision, such as political or diplomatic considerations. Similarly, the portrayal of Trump's policies lacks exploration of any justifications provided by his administration.

Including a broader range of perspectives, such as those from government officials or legal experts who support or challenge these policies, would provide a more balanced view and help readers understand the multifaceted nature of these issues.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear structure that guides the reader through a complex narrative of U.S. national security and human rights issues. The language is precise, and the tone is assertive, reflecting the author's strong stance on the topics discussed.

The use of specific examples, such as the cases of John Walker Lindh and Chelsea Manning, helps to illustrate broader points about government overreach and human rights abuses. These examples are presented in a logical sequence, making the article easy to follow and understand.

However, the article occasionally assumes a high level of prior knowledge about certain events or legal concepts, which may challenge readers unfamiliar with these topics. Providing brief explanations or context for these references would improve accessibility and ensure a broader audience can fully grasp the article's arguments.

5
Source quality

The article relies heavily on the author's personal experiences and assertions, which, while insightful, may not always be independently verifiable. Jesselyn Radack is a known figure in the field of whistleblower protection and human rights, lending credibility to her observations. However, the lack of direct citations or references to external sources or documents limits the ability to assess the reliability of some claims.

For example, while the article discusses well-documented events like the Abu Ghraib scandal and the use of torture memos, it does not provide direct links to official reports or legal documents that would support these claims. This reliance on the author's authority, without additional corroboration, can affect the perceived reliability of the information presented.

Incorporating a wider range of sources, such as government documents, court rulings, or expert analyses, would enhance the article's credibility and provide a more robust foundation for its claims.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the author's perspective on U.S. national security and human rights policies, with Jesselyn Radack's role as a human rights attorney and her involvement in related cases being transparently stated. This disclosure helps readers understand the basis of her insights and potential biases.

However, the article could benefit from more explicit explanations of the methodologies used to arrive at its conclusions, particularly regarding the legal and historical interpretations presented. For instance, while the article critiques various administrations' policies, it does not always explain the legal frameworks or political contexts that influenced these decisions.

Greater transparency in the form of detailed explanations or references to supporting evidence would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess the validity of its claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.salon.com/2025/04/21/too-late-for-accountability/
  2. https://www.salon.com
  3. https://www.inkl.com/news/concern-over-asbis-after-report-finds-people-jailed-for-sleeping-rough-and-feeding-birds
  4. https://www.virada.com/docs/Drops_Dribbles_Part2_July_2022-reduced.pdf
  5. https://www.inkl.com/sections/analysis