Monday, June 6, is the date for our next First Monday call-in session to Congress. We have been very pleased with everyone's great participation in the two earlier sessions. Please keep it going and get your friends to participate as well. Let us know afterwards about the response you received.

For additional information about our STOP Campaign, including contact phone numbers and instructions, click here.

Action

On Monday, June 6, 2005 please telephone your U.S. representative and senators. The congressional switchboard number is 202.224.3121. You may also send an e-mail through our online Legislative Action Center, but we are urging everyone to make personal calls if possible. Thank you for all that you do!

We are still asking that you express your strong support for the anti-torture bills sponsored by Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. We are also asking you to voice your support the current call for an independent prosecutor. Torture is a crime under U.S. laws as well as international treaties, and there must be a neutral investigator to look into these grave matters.

Message

1. As a citizen and voter of the United States, I oppose any and all forms of U.S.-sponsored torture. This includes torture by U.S. officials, agents, and contractors. It also includes shipping detainees to other countries known for torture practices.

2. The use of torture has been abhorrent to our national system of values since the days of the framers of the Constitution. I repudiate the use of torture under any circumstances.

3. The use of torture is also a gross violation of the laws and treaties of the United States.

4. Torture does not increase our national security. It in fact endangers us by engendering rage against us abroad.

5. I fully support Rep. Markey's and Sen. Leahy's bills to end the deportation of detainees to nations where they could face torture. I also want strong legislation passed banning the current torture practices being used by our intelligence agents and contractors abroad. 

6. DO NOT TORTURE IN OUR NAMES.

Please let us know how your call-in session goes! Send us a note at stoptorture@uusc.org. We look forward to hearing from everyone.

For more information about our STOP Campaign, visit Campaign seeks to end government-sponsored torture.

by Jennifer Harbury
Director, UUSC STOP Campaign
 

Posted June 3, 2005