February 1, 2005
Letter to Senators Warner and Allen
Letter to Senators Warner and Allen
James Landrith
PO Box 8208
Alexandria, VA 22306-8208
February 1, 2005
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:
As your constituent, I urge you to thoroughly review the record of Michael Chertoff before voting on his nomination to head the Department of Homeland Security. It is critical that his role in torture policies be properly explored. I am also concerned about his commitment to civil liberties given his role in the crafting of the USA Patriot Act and the relaxation of internal Justice Department guidelines that now permit the FBI to secretly spy on public religious, social or political gatherings.
As a former Marine, I believe Chertoff should commit to policies that will prevent future unnecessary detentions. My time in uniform was spent to Support and Defend the Constitution, not watch my nation abandon those principles I safeguarded. I urge you to ask Chertoff to affirmatively commit to policies that bar the use of minor immigration violations or other pretext charges when the government cannot find any evidence of criminal activity.
I am also concerned about his commitment to civil rights given his involvement in the unnecessary detentions of hundreds of Arab and Muslim men in the weeks and months after 9/11. According to the Justice Department’s own inspector general, the evidence on which these men were detained was often sketchy or non-existent, and many were denied lawyers or the ability to tell their families where they were being held. The average detainee was held for three months. None were ever charged with a terrorism-related crime.
This is the real “accountability moment.” Much went on after 9/11 that eroded our civil liberties and that remains hidden or unclear. American democracy is founded on an informed citizenry, and will weaken if the government keeps things from the people. Before Chertoff is confirmed, it is imperative that the Senate get the whole truth, and nothing but.
Once again, I urge you to thoroughly review the record of Michael Chertoff before voting on his nomination to head the Department of Homeland Security. It is critical that his role in torture policies be properly explored. I am also concerned about his commitment to civil liberties given his role in the crafting of the USA Patriot Act and the relaxation of internal Justice Department guidelines that now permit the FBI to secretly spy on public religious, social or political gatherings.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter and trust you will uphold your oath of office by holding Mr. Chertoff’s feet to the fire during his confirmation process.
Sincerely,
James Landrith