President Bush has used "signing statements" to ignore laws passed by the Congress that ban torture. In fact throughout his presidency Bush has claimed the power to ignore over 800 laws passed by Congress.

Essentially, this means that when the President signs a bill into law, he attaches a statement indicating which pieces of the new law he intends to obey, and which he does not. This practice gives the President unchecked power to decide which parts of the law will be followed based on his interpretation of their constitutionality. This clearly violates the very checks and balances set out by the Constitution's signers.

As a result the has President has given himself unchecked power to decide which parts of the law will be followed based on his interpretation of their constitutionality. Among the laws Bush has challenged are a torture ban, oversight provisions in the USA Patriot Act, restrictions against using US soldiers to fight Colombian rebels, whistleblower protections for executive branch employees, and safeguards against political interference in federally funded scientific research.

Let's use this Constitution Day, September 17th, to remind President Bush that all Americans must abide by the Constitution.

For the past five years you have virtually abandoned the use of the presidential veto. But during this same time you have used over 800 signing statements. I am concerned that your use of these statements signals intentional disregard for the laws and our system of government.

Using signing statement to to challenge restrictions on legislation passed by Congress is fundamentally against the separation of powers contained in our Constitution. And your use of these statement to challenge a ban on torture, oversight provisions in the USA Patriot Act, and whistleblower protections for executive branch employees in unconscionable.

Please remember, that all Americans must abide by the Constitution and discontinue your egregious use of signing statements.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]