[THS] ACLU: At last: Top-down torture testimony

[Peter Webster]

Subject: At last: Top-down torture testimony
Organization: ACLU 

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From the Desk of Caroline Fredrickson
Director, ACLU Washington Legislative Office 

Send your questions about the U.S. government 
and torture to Judiciary Committee members:
http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=B-ZiEPVUdJXSZ0NG-zj25g..
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Dear ACLU Supporter,

Thanks to you, we took a major step forward yesterday in our
efforts to hold the Bush torture team accountable. We've been
vocal in our demands urging Congress to act -- and we're finally
getting results.

John Yoo, author of the infamous Bush "torture memo," and 
former Attorney General John Ashcroft both agreed to testify at 
an upcoming hearing. And in a bold "we mean business" move,
at a packed, standing-room only hearing, a House Judiciary
subcommittee gave Judiciary Chairman John Conyers the power 
to issue a subpoena to David Addington, Vice President Cheney's 
Chief of Staff. 

Now, just hours ago, Judiciary Chairman John Conyers used
that authority and issued Mr. Addington a subpoena, compelling
him to testify on June 26, at 10am.

These events are important steps to get at the truth, but tough
questions must be asked of Bush administration officials. Let Congress
know which questions you want answered when the Bush torture team
finally appears. Go to:

http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=Wz7pcNhfwzkALn4Q6yWerA..

Investigations into high-ranking administration involvement in
waterboarding and other forms of torture should have happened years
ago.

But now, in the face of revelations that the highest officials in the 
Bush White House reviewed and approved specific CIA torture 
techniques for specific detainees, there is no way that Congress 
can avoid acting.

Our task now is to make sure this critical hearing featuring 
top-ranking members of the Bush torture team takes place. And 
we have to make sure that the toughest, most essential questions 
are asked and answered.

Help get at the truth about torture. Submit your questions now:
http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=h3IOceYhnAn4WKLhwws4Rg..

Torture is un-American and it's a federal crime. No matter how 
long it takes, we're going to get to the bottom of who 
authorized it, condoned it, and let it happen in our name.

Sincerely,

Caroline Fredrickson, Director
ACLU Washington Legislative Office

© ACLU, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor New York, NY 10004