Torture Has No Place in Star Trek!

If there is one thing that’s clear to every fan of Star Trek it’s that it represents a better future for humankind. A cultural icon that many have referred to as the “American mythos”, Star Trek has carried on the vision of the “Great Bird of the Galaxy” Gene Roddenberry. Gene’s vision was of a future free from war, racism, poverty, sexism and prejudice. The earth of the 23rd and 24th centuries was to be a peaceful paradise and the United Federation of Planets a triumph of unity and mutual respect with races from many planets. Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations - IDIC.

Despite the fact that Gene left this earth in 1991, the producers of Star Trek have always kept good care of his vision and made sure the ideals of Star Trek were preserved. For something that holds such a special place in American culture this is no insignificant task. But today that vision is in jeopardy.

The next Star Trek film (the 11th Trek film) is currently in production and will be released on December 25, 2008 (note: it has recently been postponed until May 2009).  It will be called simply: “Star Trek” and is being produced and directed by J.J. Abrams. For some this is good news since Abrams has enjoyed great success with popular shows such as Alias and Lost. However, it also makes many long time Trek fans a little worried. What will Abrams do with Star Trek???

While many Trekkies and Trekkers are legitimately worried about how the “prequel” will portray the beloved characters of Kirk and Spock, this is not a website meant to deal with those concerns. And with all due respect there is something MUCH more important at stake.

We need to send the crystal clear message to Abrams that JUSTIFICATION FOR TORTURE HAS NO PLACE IN STAR TREK!

We do not claim to have any special insight into what Abrams has in mind for the film, but based on the news that has surfaced so far about the high “action element” and Abrams comments about bringing in “new Trek fans” there is good reason to be worried. Not only that, but it seems that the executives at CBS are not familiar with Star Trek and there’s no clear evidence they understand or respect Gene’s vision.

Worst of all, J.J. Abrams major projects have ALL portrayed heroic characters using and often justifying the use of torture. In addition to growing up a lifelong Trekkie, I have also spent more than half of my life fighting to end torture. My uncle was tortured for several years in the “Hanoi Hilton” as a POW in Vietnam, and I grew up very aware of the prevalence of torture. I have worked as a human rights activist since the early 1990s and often work with survivors of torture. Torture is ALWAYS wrong, it does NOT “work” and it has no place in a civilized society.

Today the US is in a human rights crisis. The public knowledge of torture by US agents and the curtailing of fundamental rights cloaked under the guise of the “war on terror” is frankly a nightmare. The use of torture by those working for the US government is not new. But the public acceptance of it is shocking! Sadly, popular culture and the media have not confronted the crisis and instead shows like 24 and ALIAS have used the “War on Terror” as a backdrop for their stories. And instead of confronting the disgusting behavior of an Administration defending its use of torture and ignoring the Geneva Conventions, these TV shows generate fear, anger, feelings of revenge and righteousness. That is NOT Star Trek.

Star Trek has inspired many people in its 41 years of existence. Its impact can never be completely measured. Some of us became scientists, doctors, and engineers. Others worked to defend the rights of everyone and strive to bring about a more peaceful future as Gene envisioned. Together as fans of the vision and ideal of Star Trek, we must ensure that J.J. Abrams and CBS recognize the importance of Star Trek’s ongoing message and do NOT tarnish it by employing methods like those in the clips you can find on this site.

WHAT AM I ASKING FROM YOU?

PLEASE look at some of the examples of Star Trek’s message.

PLEASE look at the examples of Abrams’ other shows and how they excuse, apologize, glorify and justify torture on many occasions.

PLEASE sign the open letter to J.J. Abrams.

PLEASE send in any suggestions for other clips from Star Trek episodes or movies, or interviews about Trek from over the years. I will seek them out and post them if I can.

PLEASE get involved in the campaign to STOP TORTURE in the REAL world (as well as Star Trek worlds).

VERY IMPORTANT: PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

If you are someone who has ever been officially affiliated with Star Trek please send me your comments and endorsements so that we may build a stronger coalition to protect the vision that has made Star Trek an enduring and beloved part of our culture for over 4 decades!

Thank you!!!