A basic right for every person

Re “The reach of the writ,” editorial, Dec. 9

I agree with this editorial, but we, as Americans, need to see a bigger picture. Habeas corpus is a basic human right and an essential foundation of democracy. Every jailed person on Earth should have charges against them brought in a timely fashion, should have access to counsel and should be able to answer the charges in a fair and open hearing. The U.S. has always stood for this principle. Despite President Bush, we must somehow move ahead to reclaim our position as a country of freedom and democracy.

John Slevin

Huntington Beach