letter writing
Some of you have been asking about tips for writing a letter to congress or to other people. Listed below are some links that you definitely should read if writing a letter. Many of these same rules apply to writing people other than congress members.How to write a letter to congress
Writing a letter to congress
Do's and Don'ts of writing congress
Following the directions and tips on the links above should be helpful, and please do take them seriously. Make sure that when you write you include an addressed envelope for me. Put your own return address on the upper left of the envelope. I'll provide the stamp.
Below is a sample that I found online that might give a good idea of the format. Notice the different headings depending on who you are writing.
For the Senate:
The Honorable ___________
U.S. Senate
Washington D.C., 20510
For the House of Representatives:
The Honorable ___________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington D.C., 20515
Dear Senator ___________: (or Dear Congressman/Congresswoman:)
I am writing to express my concern regarding the human rights abuses suffered by the individuals detained in the United States in connection with the investigations into the attacks of September 11, as documented in Human Rights Watch's report, "Presumption of Guilt: Human Rights Abuses of Post-September 11 Detainees."
I am deeply concerned that immigration charges were misused in order to circumvent legal restraints on the Department of Justice's power to detain and interrogate people. Human Rights Watch found that some post-September 11 detainees were held for prolonged periods of time without being charged, had their access to counsel impeded, were subjected to coercive interrogations, were incarcerated under restrictive conditions, including solitary confinement, and suffered physical and verbal abuse.
I urge you, as member of Congress who has a responsibility to oversee the Executive branch of our government, to ensure that the investigation and detention of persons suspected of having links to terrorism are conducted with full regard for the rights of all persons in the United States to be free of arbitrary detention, mistreatment in confinement, and violations of due process, including the right to counsel.
I am also troubled by the secrecy that surrounds the investigation. Secret arrests and secret hearings are incompatible with the core democratic values enshrined in the Constitution. Congress should exercise legislative and oversight authority to ensure that the necessary changes in current policies and practices are made.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your response.
Respectfully,
posted by Mr. Vanderzee @ 10:19 PM
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