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John Daley ReportingThe debate over the ground rules for fighting terrorism isn't confined to Washington. Others, including soldiers and veterans, are raising red flags. One military veteran, turned peace activist, was in town today, warning that the new rules being passed in Congress set a dangerous precedent.
Former Marine Jeff Paterson is with the group Veterans for Peace. His road to becoming an activist turned in 1990 when, after four years of enlistment in Asia, he famously sat down on a tarmac in Hawaii and refused to go fight in the first Gulf War.
Jeff Paterson, Veterans for Peace: "There were people who were opposed to the coming Iraq war. People didn't know what was going to happen and were actually very worried about the invasion would lead to an occupation."
Paterson's group travels the nation to colleges and elsewhere, trying to give an alternative view to that of military recruiters.
Jeff Paterson , Veterans for Peace: "I think students deserve another side of the perspective."
This visit to Utah comes as Congress debates landmark legislation, stripping terror detainees of the rights given to those accused of crimes, including the ability to challenge their imprisonment.
Sen. Pete Domenici, (R) New Mexico: "Terrorists who know no limits, follow no rules."
President Bush: "We must give our professionals the tools necessary to protect American people in this war on terror."
Veterans here see it another way.
Jeff Paterson, Veterans for Peace: "It really is indicative of how far our country has fallen when we're debating whether torture is acceptable or not."
Byron Davis, Vietnam Veteran: "Now hearsay evidence is suddenly acceptable in a case, evidence abstracted by torture is now okay. This isn't the America I grew up in."
Paterson speaks tonight at the University of Utah and tomorrow at Utah Valley State College.
