Join us for 'First Monday' April 4, 2005 when our telephone call-in campaign kicks off!

It is very important that our national leadership hear directly from all of us about U.S.-sponsored torture abroad. As we have said so many times before, there are many issues which we, as U.S. citizens and voters, disagree on. Torture, however, is not one of those issues. When the photographs of the prisoner abuses and tortures at Abu Ghraib prison were made public last spring, we all spoke with one voice: “Not in our name!”

It is crucial that we send a clear message on this issue to our senators and representatives in Washington, D.C. They need to understand our collective position in order to confidently take action and vote against the use of torture by U.S. personnel. If our democracy is to function properly, then we must all take responsibility for our government.

As part of our STOP (Stop Torture Permanently) Campaign, we are asking that all of our participants throughout the nation organize a group of concerned citizens to telephone their senators and representatives on the first Monday of every month. Although this may seem like a small task, past efforts have proven that it is extremely effective. When we all join together on the same day, and with the same message, in such large numbers, we are heard quite clearly.

Each network should organize a minimum of five to 10 callers, and ask them to report back to the organizer at the end of the day, to give feedback on the response. Please share this feedback with us, so that we can develop our ongoing strategies and message. The key talking points to mention are listed below, and will be updated as special events or issues arise.

The congressional switchboard number is 202.224.3121. When you call your congressional office, ask to speak with the legislative aide responsible for human rights issues, in particular with respect to U.S. torture of detainees. If you are transferred to a recording device, leave your message. This is still very important. You may also send a brief e-mail message to the office through our online Legislative Action Center.

Talking points

1. As United States citizens we flatly oppose the use of torture, whether mental or physical, by any U.S. soldier, agent, or contractor.
2. Torture has been abhorrent in this country since the days of Patrick Henry and the Framers of the Constitution. We should not sell these core values so lightly.
3. Torture of any kind is illegal, under our international treaties and also under U.S. criminal laws.
4. Our own violations of the Geneva Conventions and other treaties put our own young servicemen and women in danger, should they be taken captive.
5. The use of torture does not yield good intelligence, but it does sow hatred against U.S. citizens around the world. This does not protect us. It endangers us.
6. We demand concrete Congressional action to halt all U.S.-sponsored torture.