It is shameful that the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center is still open. ("Guantanamo on trial," editorial, Aug. 13). And it is shameful that the Obama administration is conducting a sham trial before a military tribunal. Finally, it is shameful that the defendant is Omar Khadr, who was arrested, beaten and tortured when he was a child. Imagine the mental anguish and turmoil he has undergone after eight years of captivity.

What happened to that campaign promise that there would be changes? I have seen very few.

And now I and others are labeled the "professional left" because we refuse to give up our progressive ideals. It is obvious President Obama will stick with the Bush policies unless good people force him to do otherwise. I intend to keep up the pressure, as this country is in a desperate situation. We need leadership that is willing to undertake policies to bring about progressive social change, which would end unlawful detention, bring the troops and the mercenaries home, create Medicare for all, pursue a green agenda and implement a jobs program to fix our infrastructure. The next generation waits in anticipation.

In peace,

Max Obuszewski, Baltimore