November 15, 2004 Letter to Senators Warner and Allen
PO Box 8208
Alexandria, VA 22306-8208
November 15, 2004
The Honorable John William Warner
United States Senate
225 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-4601
The Honorable George F. Allen
United States Senate
204 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-4604
Dear Senators Warner and Allen:
I am writing to urge you to vote “no” on the confirmation of Alberto Gonzales unless he is able to answer a number of pressing questions.
As White House Counsel, Mr. Gonzales was the legal architect of a number of policies intended to bolster executive privilege and secrecy, increase the power of the presidency, and rationalize torture and the exemption form international treaties such as the Geneva Conventions. What’s more, as a member of the Texas Supreme Court Mr. Gonzales demonstrated that he is all to willing to participate in investigations and decisions in which reasonable people could suspect a conflict of interest.
In order to assure the American public that he is above reproach, Mr. Gonzales should address the following questions.
1) Do you think there are circumstances in which torture is legal?
2) Would you insist on strict compliance with the Geneva Conventions?
3) Would you recuse yourself from the Valerie Plame investigation?
4) Would you recuse yourself from all Enron-related matters?
5) Would you recuse yourself from all Halliburton-related matters?
6) Why didn’t you give Gov. Bush all the facts about Death Penalty cases?
I look forward to hearing how you will address this important issue.
Sincerely,
James Landrith