Dear Gary
Yesterday, President Bush and several members of the Senate struck a deal on human rights. In the process, they dealt away America's commitment to fundamental human rights principles.
Make no mistake about it, this deal is a betrayal of the America we believe in. No human rights activist can remain on the sidelines in the days ahead. Call on your Senator to oppose these dangerous provisions. We are literally days away from action in Congress on a proposal to:
Abandon the rule of law and give the President the freedom to interpret the Geneva Conventions any way he sees fit.
Provide immunity to those responsible for past human rights abuses.
Exempt from prosecution those who authorize treatment traditionally considered torture.
Strip detainees of access to US courts.
The soul of our nation is in jeopardy. Everything we believe in is on the line. That's why we're mobilizing the entire Amnesty community. We're going into action today and we won't stop until every last Senator has made it clear whether he or she is willing to stand up for the America we believe in.
Please act today. Those behind this dangerous deal are doing everything they can to quickly build momentum. We have to break that momentum and we have to do it now.
We implore you to call Congress immediately.
If America renounces the Geneva Conventions like President Bush wants to do, nations all over the world will follow. American soldiers will be placed in greater threat of torture and cruel treatment when captured, not just by one or two rogue nations, but by many nations that follow America's lead.
Call 1 800 AMNESTY and our operators will connect you to your official or call the Congressional switch board directly at 202-224-3121. Let the person on the phone know that you are a constituent, and tell them that the deal President Bush has struck is a betrayal of the America you believe in. Ask your Senators and Representative to stand firm in defense of human rights.
After you've made your call, report back on how it went.
Thank you.
Larry Cox
Executive Director
Amnesty International USA
Mash, if you're reading this, pls copy and paste as well, I know you get quite a few more readers than I do, and anyone else for that matter:spread the word! Bloggers against Torture: you know what you've been writing against, pick up the phone and make your voices heard! I'll cross post this on bloggers against torture.
Ingrid, I got the same message in my inbox this evening when I got home from a day trip I took. I've posted some photos on my blog, and I have about ten more I'll put up tomorrow morning. You and everyone else will like them.
ReplyDeleteBTW, this is Robbie.
Robster, yes my dear, I recognize your new handle! :). I'll check out your pics, and I saw you posted on this topic on bloggers against torture, you're pretty up to date! Hope you had some relaxing time away from home!
ReplyDeleteIngrid
I sure did, and I'll be with family tomorrow afternoon. Believe it or not, I'm ready to go back to work but five weeks from now I'll have 12 days off from work to write my next novel and pay attention to the elections. It should be a fun November. :-)
ReplyDeleteI also received this email. The bill sounds really bad.
ReplyDeleteIt IS really poorly written
ReplyDeleteRob, sounds like you're rejuvenated and I am sure it'll reflect in your writing. Yohay, has the Israeli press commented on these developments? Just curious. Cyberotter, have you recuperated from your big trip? Have visited your site a few times this past week but I guess you're busy elsewhere..good to see you here!
ReplyDeleteIngrid
I haven't seen anything about it yet.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ingrid. You're a good woman.
ReplyDeleteThanks for looking yohay (look in the above post comment section for a reply to yours)
ReplyDeleteGary, well gee, thanks! I try to do the right thing and sometimes that amounts to being 'good' I guess lol! We need to spread the word as the MSM people are just twiddling their thumbs and not being the gatekeepers we so badly need!
Ingrid