The Stop Torture Project: Week 2

I sent this letter to the President, along with appropriately modified copies to my congressman Chris Cannon and my two senators (Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett) on December 8, 2005.

President George W. Bush

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

8 December 2005

President Bush:

I, along with many others, felt a great sense of relief as I heard Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice say this week that “The United States government does not authorize or condone torture of detainees. Torture, and conspiracy to commit torture, are crimes under US law, wherever they may occur in the world.” I am writing to ask that you, as Commander in Chief, do everything in your power to make certain that the letter and spirit of this statement become fact.

As you know, there are many who believe that the United States has been playing semantic games with regard to this issue. When our friends and allies no longer believe that the United States means what it says, I cannot help but wonder what others, those who are far less likely to see us as friendly, must think.

We must be unequivocal in word and deed. Saying that even democracies are not perfect is a weak defense. If we have not been perfect, we should make every effort to be perfect on this point. Clear statements from the highest level that torture or its many synonyms will not be tolerated is a good first step. Backing those statements up with uncompromising policy and practice is even better.

Sincerely,

Lisa Bickmore
West Jordan, Utah

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