Sample Letter About Torture for Candidates for National Office

Dear [_______]
In the past several years, we have all learned of the terrible abuse of detainees held by U.S. forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo, Cuba. Torture and other so-called “enhanced” interrogation techniques have been used by American troops and the CIA in the name of national security and in direct violation of international treaties to which the United States is a party, including the Geneva Convention and the Convention Against Torture. While legislation has been passed by Congress to prevent these abuses from taking place again, we as Americans need a guarantee that no future administration will try to circumvent these laws under any circumstances.
As your constituent/potential constituent, I would like to ask you the following questions to clarify your position. Your answer will have an impact on how I vote in the fall. I will also publicize your responses in my religious community.
Do you believe waterboarding is torture and if elected will you outlaw the use of waterboarding?

Would you support legislation that would outlaw the use of torture by the CIA and hold them to the Army Field Manual?

The Israeli Supreme Court recently outlawed the use of torture by Israeli police and Israeli interrogators, holding that these forces could not use methods such as violently shaking prisoners, sleep deprivation or the combination of techniques of sensory deprivation meant to “break down” prisoners. Would you advocate similar restrictions in the United States?

Does the President have the right to go outside the law to prevent terrorism or in the name of national security, including in the "ticking time bomb" scenario?

Will you hold responsible those people within the U.S. government who permitted the use on torture on detainees? What steps will you take?
I am a member of K'vod Habriot: A Jewish Human Rights Network and I believe that every person is created in the image of God. Therefore, torture is always wrong, no matter what the justification. As an American and as a Jew, I do not want anyone tortured in my name. Information obtained in this manner is often unreliable and may not be admissible as evidence in court. The practice creates ill will toward the United States and could make OUR soldiers less safe if they are captured.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Contact Information