September 2011

Patriot Acts

Alia Malek, ed., Patriot Acts: Narratives of Post 9/11 Injustice, (San Francisco: McSweeney’s, 2011)


Malek - Patriot Acts
This book is a sobering collection of the stories of 18 individuals who were needlessly and innocently swept up in the War on Terror. The wide range of human and civil rights abuses perpetrated in the name of security raises serious questions about the nature of our nation’s ability to respond to fear. Innocents were subjected to rendition, torture, workplace discrimination, bullying, FBI surveillance and harassment.

The power of this book is in the telling of the stories in the voices of those who were victimized by the actions of those who said their acts were for our protection. All American should read these stories and become aware of the dangers of abuse of power in our own society. When we contribute to the terror, we prolong its impact on our community. Understanding and knowing our neighbors provides the ability to speak and act for liberty and justice for all and keep the pledge we have made before our flag.