Subject: Attorney General should enforce the rule of law
Dear Senator:
I am deeply concerned about the nomination of White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales.
During the confirmation process, I urge you to seek clarification from Mr. Gonzales on the following points:
1. Does he believe that the United States is bound to observe the Geneva Conventions in its treatment of individuals detained in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere? Does he now reject the view that these obligations are "obsolete" or "quaint?"
2. Does he believe that the International Committee of the Red Cross should have access to all detainees held in U.S. custody, as required by the Geneva Conventions? Does he favor discontinuing the practice of holding people in secret detention?
3. Would he uphold the U.S. Government's legal obligations under the Constitution and the UN Convention Against Torture prohibiting all forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment? Would he vigorously prosecute any U.S. official who has violated these laws?
4. Would he favor the establishment of a bi-partisan independent Commission, appointed by Congress, to investigate the abuses at Abu Ghraib and in other detention facilities around the world?
5. Does he now reject the view that the President's commander-in-chief authority allows the Executive branch to order torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment?
I urge you to include a close scrutiny of his answers to these critical questions in your decision on his confirmation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
