One Flag, One God – v3

So often, in this world, cluttered, confused

allegiance to consumption, to things,

Black Friday, Cyber Monday;

as if they are worthy;

not standing for anything.

Idols only, evil, keeping us from God;

but these words, “one nation under God”

different than the others, set apart;

a calling deep within our spirits

of a relationship with God

as a people, this prayer for our nation.

Not that we are special,

better than other nations,

not that God carries our battles;

but that we, as a people,

would live by His commandments.

Part of our dream, our prayer, in forming a nation

is that our nation would live under His reign

that our dreams, our aspirations, our policies,

that our laws, our daily lives

would be pleasing to God.

This is our prayer, this is our hope

especially on this day, these hallowed days,

remembering the words on the Declaration,

written on the page,

and the prayer within them

for this nation, one nation under God.

====

edited December 1, 2014

One Flag, One God – v3

(editing version 2)

edited June 14, 2014

One Flag, One God – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/one-flag-one-god-v2.html

Flag Day

edited June 14, 2014

That We Would Be – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/that-we-would-be-v2.html

Flag Day

June 27, 2010

That We Would Be

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/06/that-we-would-be.html

written for July 4^th celebration

Wesley United Methodist Church

www.concordwumc.org

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

&

June 30, 2009

One Flag, One God

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/06/one-flag-one-god.html

written for July 4^th celebration

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2009

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,050+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

On the Fourth – v2

On the Fourth

and all year long

we must never forget

words on that parchment so long ago

Our prayer of that day

still true here and now

our nation to be true, all to be free

as our Creator intended

Free from oppression,

to pursue, happiness to find

within ourselves

and with our God

A vision worthy to uphold,

a hope to share with the world;

May we never forget

to hold these words in our hearts

---

edited July 2, 2014

On the Fourth – v2

July 4, 2008

On the Fourth

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/07/blog-post_05.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/07/july-4-2008-poems-at-wesley-united.html

Declaration of Independence

written for July 4^th celebration

Wesley United Methodist Church

www.concordwumc.org

Concord, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

One Flag, One God – v2

So often, in this world, cluttered, confused

allegiance to consumption, to things;

as if they are worthy;

not standing for anything.

Idols only, evil, keeping us from God;

but these words, “one nation under God”

different than the others, set apart;

a calling deep within our spirits

of the relationship with God

as a people, this prayer for our nation.

Not that we are special,

not that God carries our battles;

but that we, as a people,

would live by His commandments.

That our nation would live under His reign

that our dreams, our aspirations, our policies,

that our laws, our daily lives

would be pleasing to God

This is our prayer, this is our hope

especially on this day

remembering the words on the Declaration,

written on the page,

and the prayer within them

for this nation, one nation under God.

edited June 14, 2014

One Flag, One God – v2

edited June 14, 2014

That We Would Be – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/that-we-would-be-v2.html

Flag Day

June 27, 2010

That We Would Be

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/06/that-we-would-be.html

written for July 4^th celebration

Wesley United Methodist Church

www.concordwumc.org

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

-------------------

One Flag, One God

So often, in this world, cluttered, confused

allegiance to consumption, to things;

as if they are worthy.

Idols only, evil, keeping us from God;

but these words, “one nation under God”

different than the others, set apart

a calling deep within our spirits

of the relationship with God

as a people, a prayer for our nation

Not that we are special,

not that God carries our battles;

but that we, as a people,

would live by His commands

That our nation would live under His reign

that our dreams, our aspirations, our policies,

that our laws, our daily lives

would be pleasing to God

This is our prayer, this is our hope

especially on this day

remembering the words on the Declaration

and the prayer within them

for this nation, one nation under God

June 30, 2009

One Flag, One God

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/06/one-flag-one-god.html

written for July 4^th celebration

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2009

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

That We Would Be – v2

In the words we share

trying to be what we profess

wishing the nobler aspects

of our creed, our hope,

would guide our steps,

the actions of our leaders,

our nation in the world.

That we would be

“one nation under God”,

aware of our responsibilities

to those poorer, weaker,

under oppression and tyranny

that we would project love

more than power,

that we would be that light

shining in the world.

This love guiding our steps

These eyes watching what we do

acting as God’s children

serving our neighbor

sharing His grace in the world

walking humbly with our God

that we would cleave to Him

that we would be worthy of His name.

These words that we share

important, to us, to the nations

understanding that while we

are a secular country;

We stand on the rock

the one God eternal

maker of heaven and earth.

edited June 14, 2014

That We Would Be – v2

Flag Day

June 27, 2010

That We Would Be

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/06/that-we-would-be.html

written for July 4^th celebration

Wesley United Methodist Church

www.concordwumc.org

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

-------------------

One Flag, One God

So often, in this world, cluttered, confused

allegiance to consumption, to things;

as if they are worthy.

Idols only, evil, keeping us from God;

but these words, “one nation under God”

different than the others, set apart

a calling deep within our spirits

of the relationship with God

as a people, a prayer for our nation

Not that we are special,

not that God carries our battles;

but that we, as a people,

would live by His commands

That our nation would live under His reign

that our dreams, our aspirations, our policies,

that our laws, our daily lives

would be pleasing to God

This is our prayer, this is our hope

especially on this day

remembering the words on the Declaration

and the prayer within them

for this nation, one nation under God

June 30, 2009

written for July 4^th celebration

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2009

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Inherent Dignity – v2

Made in the image of the Creator

inherent dignity for each person

loved into creation

each made by the hand of God

All of us, by grace and mercy

endowed with basic rights

common, inherent dignity

never to be breached

edited April 16, 2014

Inherent Dignity – v2

February 23, 2010

Inherent Dignity

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/02/inherent-dignity.html

video “Ending U.S.-Sponsored Torture Forever”

http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=343&Itemid=259

National Religious Campaign Against Torture

110 Maryland Ave, NE, Suite 502

Washington, DC 20002

Phone: 202-547-1920

Fax: 202-547-1921

http://www.nrcat.org

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,140+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Preventing Torture Everywhere

Dear NRCAT Supporters,

NRCAT is starting a campaign, called “Preventing Torture Everywhere,” to urge President Obama to sign a new treaty to help end torture. The treaty, called the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), requires participating nations to create mechanisms to prevent torture from occurring in detention centers, police stations, mental health hospitals, and prisons. It also permits international experts to inspect those facilities.
57 nations have ratified OPCAT and 22 additional nations have signed it. Unfortunately, the U.S. is not among them.
NRCAT is engaging in this effort for two reasons:
OPCAT could be very helpful in protecting prisoners in the U.S. from abuse, including the use of solitary confinement and the shackling of women prisoners during childbirth.
Ratifying OPCAT would enhance our government’s effectiveness and credibility in urging other countries to stop their use of torture and to ratify both the Convention Against Torture (the treaty prohibiting torture) and OPCAT.
Three requests from NRCAT:
1. Gather signatures in your congregation for NRCAT’s statement supporting OPCAT, a new treaty to prevent torture.
2. Show the video Preventing Torture Everywhere in your congregation.
3. Urge your congregation or religious organization to endorse the statement.


Go to www.nrcat.org/opcat


Now, at the beginning of this multi-year campaign, NRCAT asks its member organizations and its supporters to carry out three tasks:

Urge members of your congregation or religious organization to sign NRCAT’s statement supporting OPCAT. Use the petition version of the statement to collect the names. The names of everyone who signs the statement will be sent to the White House each year on Human Rights Day, December 10, until the President signs.

Enable your congregation and other congregations you know to show the video Preventing Torture Everywhere and to use our Discussion Guide to facilitate the discussion. The 10-minute video features four victims of torture; Juan Mendez, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture; an attorney describing torture and abuse in U.S. prisons; and NRCAT leaders. It best lends itself to a small group discussion or an adult education setting. If your congregation has an adult class that meets weekly to address a variety of issues, you might consider suggesting a screening of the video. The video is available on DVD in our online store for $5.00 or for free download on our website.

Urge your congregation and the regional and national bodies of your faith group to endorse the statement. Once that endorsement is confirmed, please report the good news to NRCAT.

NRCAT has created a number of resources to help you do these tasks, including a statement signed by 51 heads of faith groups and other religious leaders, the 10-minute video with discussion guide, a petition version of the statement, and a variety of background materials. All are available at www.nrcat.org/opcat.

We will be working on this task for the long term. But even a long term task needs a beginning. Now is the time to start. If NRCAT staff can be helpful to you as you do this important work, please contact us at campaign@nrcat.org.

By the way, please endorse the statement yourself if you have not done so.

Thank you for all of your efforts to end torture.

Sincerely,

Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard L. Killmer, Executive Director
National Religious Campaign Against Torture NRCAT


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

email of 10/28/2010 from NRCAT - regarding torture and the vote on Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Dear Friends:

When Scott Brown was elected to be a Senator from Massachusetts after publicly declaring his support for torture, we all thought it was an aberration. On Tuesday, November 2nd, however, we face the possibility of electing not just one, but many new supporters of torture to the U.S. Congress. This would be a catastrophe. YOU CAN help prevent it by going to the polls on Tuesday and casting your ballot for an anti-torture Congress.

Your vote alone, however, will not be enough. Please encourage your friends, family, neighbors, and members of your congregation to go the polls as well. Share with them the NRCAT Action Fund Congressional Vote Scorecard which rates all current Members of Congress with respect to their record on torture. Make sure that you check out our Voter Guides to see if we’ve produced one for your state or district. You can make a difference – together we can still elect an anti-torture Congress.

Thank you for your help – get out and vote to end torture!

Sincerely,
Matt Hawthorne
Policy Director


The National Religious Campaign Against Torture Action Fund engages in public policy advocacy and electoral campaign work. It is a partner organization of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.

The NRCAT Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization, and any donations you make to this organization are not tax deductible. However, your financial support will make a big difference as we work together to end torture.

Questions? Please email campaign@nrcatactionfund.org


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,100+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

That We Would Be

In the words we share
trying to be what we profess
wishing the nobler aspects
of our creed, our hope
would guide our steps
the actions of our leaders
our nation in the world

That we would be
“one nation under God”,
aware of our responsibilities
to those poorer, weaker,
under oppression and tyranny
that we would project love
more than power
that we would be that light
shining in the world

This love guiding our steps
These eyes watching what we do
acting as his children
serving our neighbor
sharing his grace in the world
walking humbly with our God
that we would cleave to him
worthy of his name

These words that we share
important, to us, to the nations
understanding that while we
are a secular country
we stand on the rock
the one God eternal
maker of heaven and earth

June 27, 2010
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010

-------------------

One Flag, One God

So often, in this world, cluttered, confused
allegiance to consumption, to things;
as if they are worthy.

Idols only, evil, keeping us from God;
but these words, “one nation under God”
different than the others, set apart
a calling deep within our spirits
of the relationship with God
as a people, a prayer for our nation

Not that we are special,
not that God carries our battles;
but that we, as a people,
would live by His commands

That our nation would live under His reign
that our dreams, our aspirations, our policies,
that our laws, our daily lives
would be pleasing to God

This is our prayer, this is our hope
especially on this day
remembering the words on the Declaration
and the prayer within them
for this nation, one nation under God


June 30, 2009
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2009

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Email 4/29/10 from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Dear NRCAT Supporter:

It's time to begin planning for June's Torture Awareness Month activities for your congregation and/or religious organization. NRCAT has developed a number of useful resources to help you prepare.

This June, NRCAT is highlighting two major efforts:

Passing federal legislation granting the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to all detainees in U.S. custody.

The need for a comprehensive investigation, a Commission of Inquiry, into the use of torture by the United States since September 11, 2001.

We are asking congregations and local interfaith groups to focus on two primary activities to engage people of faith in these efforts:

Have a table before or after each worship service in June to gather signatures on postcards and petitions on these two issues to present to Members of Congress.

Hold an educational session, using NRCAT's 20-minute video or a new study resource on a Commission of Inquiry based on a recent book review.

Complete information about these activities and resources are available on our new
Torture Awareness Month webpage.

You'll also find an interfaith prayer, a bulletin insert, new banners and bumper stickers, and sample Letters to the Editor.

In addition to providing these resources for congregations, NRCAT will be helping to organize significant events in Washington, DC, New York City and Los Angeles in late June. We'll send you more information about those events in the next few weeks.

Thank you for all your efforts to end U.S.-sponsored torture - forever,

Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director
National Religious Committee Against Torture

Email 3/22/10 from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

TORTURE IS A MORAL ISSUE
Dear NRCAT Supporters:

We are pleased to tell you about the decision made by the NRCAT Board of Directors to expand our mission to include two new areas of work. The decision, made at the Board's December 2009 meeting, followed a 6-month planning process.

NRCAT will now have three areas of work as we carry out our mission to end forever torture that is sponsored or enabled by the United States:
Continuing our efforts to secure permanent changes in U.S. policy to prohibit - without exception - all U.S-sponsored torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of detainees;
Working to end torture in U.S. prisons, including the use of long term isolation and devices of torture; and
Advocating for U.S. policies and practices that will help end torture by other countries.

We will continue to focus much of our energy this year on efforts to secure a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the use of torture since 9/11 and recommend measures needed to ensure that U.S.-sponsored torture never happens again.

The reports on each of the two new areas presented to the Board in December are available on the NRCAT website.

We have also described this year's work within each of these areas in our new 2010 Agenda and a new edition of the NRCAT brochure (http://www.nrcat.org/storage/nrcat/documents/nrcat_brochure.pdf).
Order a bundle of new brochures from NRCAT's online store
In the coming months, we will be adding more information about each area of our work. For now, we have created a webpage highlighting our initial work to end torture in U.S. prisons including our active support of an ongoing legislative campaign to limit the use of solitary confinement in Maine's state prisons.

We will soon be sharing with you new opportunities for local action as we prepare for Torture Awareness Month in June. In the meantime, please share this news of our expanded mission with your faith community and friends - order some new brochures to distribute locally.

With appreciation for all your local efforts,
Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Without Freedom Still - edited

Our church family, our community
gathered, took time off,
pondered our freedom,
on the anniversary
our Declaration of Independence
when our forefathers dissolved the political bonds
when these colonies proclaimed, to the world,
what we as a people hoped for,
what we as a nation believed in
as a people, set apart,
that each one of us hold these truths to be self-evident,
that everyone is born equal, each one,
that the creator gave us unalienable rights,
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

How wondrous are those words,
how much we as a country have achieved
casting off the chains that hold us back
how far together, we have to go; but
We here in this land are free, by most measures

How hard life must be
in the many places on the globe
where people are not yet free
where there are people still
in the grip of slavery, in bondage,
in fear for their lives,
for their children’s lives
for any kind of future
for religious persecution,
indiscriminant death

How blind we are as a people, as individuals,
to the realities around the world
How silent this nation is
to the evil that stalks this sphere
How much more America could do
if each of us took our freedoms more seriously
and invested in justice
to the four corners
of this troubled planet


Edited March 21, 2010
based on question from 8th grader about what word
I would use if I replaced “we” in the original version
July 4, 2007 20:36

------
Without Freedom Still

We gathered, took time off,
pondered our freedom,
on the anniversary
our Declaration of Independence
when we dissolved the political bonds
when we proclaimed, to the world,
what we hoped for, what we believed in
as a people, set apart,
that we hold these truths to be self-evident,
that we are born equal, each one,
that the creator gave us unalienable rights,
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

How wondrous are those words,
how much we have achieved
casting off the chains that hold us back
how far we have to go; but
We are free, by most measures

How hard life must be
in the many places on the globe
where people are not yet free
where there are people still
in the grip of slavery, in bondage,
in fear for their lives,
for their children’s lives
for any kind of future
for religious persecution,
indiscriminant death

How blind we are,
to the realities around the world
How silent we are
to the evil that stalks this sphere
How much more we could do
if we took our freedoms more seriously
and invested in justice
to the four corners
of this troubled planet

July 4, 2007 20:36


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Inherent Dignity

Made in the image of the creator
inherent dignity for each person
loved into creation
each made by the hand of God

All of us, by grace and mercy
endowed with basic rights
common, inherent dignity
never to be breached


February 23, 2010
video “Ending U.S.-Sponsored Torture Forever”
http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=343&Itemid=259
National Religious Campaign Against Torture
110 Maryland Ave, NE, Suite 502
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-547-1920
Fax: 202-547-1921
http://www.nrcat.org


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Email 2/12/10 from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Dear Friends:

NRCAT is a co-sponsor of the Ecumenical Advocacy Days which will take place March 19-22 at the Double Tree Hotel in Crystal City, VA, near Reagan National Airport. It is a significant gathering of Christians who come to DC to strategize and lobby on a variety of issues. You can learn more and register at: http://www.advocacydays.org/.

On that Saturday NRCAT will sponsor an important workshop and we hope you will be able to join us:

Ending Torture - At Home and Abroad
Saturday, March 20, 2010
2:50 - 4:20 pm
Double Tree Hotel, Crystal City, VA

Workshop Description:

Come learn about three areas of work to end torture at home and abroad:
1) Ending U.S.-sponsored torture of post-9/11 detainees;
2) Ending torture in U.S. prisons; and
3) Advocating for U.S. policies and practices that help end torture by other governments.

Panelists will include:

Linda Gustitus, NRCAT's President;

Lance Tapley, investigative journalist, who has covered an ongoing campaign to pass legislation limiting the use of solitary confinement in Maine;

Steve Rickard, Executive Director of the Open Society Policy Center, who has many years of experience working for an end to torture around the world.

The session will include concrete suggestions for how people of faith can work to end torture in 2010, and Q/A with the panelists.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact John Humphries.

Sincerely,

Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director
National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Email 2/8/10 from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Dear NRCAT Supporter:

Last month brought the disheartening news that 58 percent of U.S. voters say that waterboarding should have been used in interrogating the Nigerian terror suspect after the attempted airline bombing on Christmas Day. And newly elected Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) asserted during his campaign that waterboarding is not torture and advocated its use.

We need to continue to work to change the hearts and minds of the American people on torture - and as a religious organization, our focus is on people of faith.

NRCAT's campaign to have 300 congregations in at least 30 states make a commitment to show the video "Ending U.S.-Sponsored Torture Forever" this spring is now more important ever. Based on feedback from our outreach to congregations, we have extended the timeframe for this project until May 30, 2010.

A major goal of this campaign is to use this video resource as a way to reach new congregations that have not yet participated in our work.

Register now to show the film in your congregation.

Use these helpful tips to reach out to another congregation in your town, region, or faith group and encourage them to show the video.

You can view the 20-minute video online or order the DVD for $5 from NRCAT's online store.

This updated video features prominent leaders from several faith traditions and former military interrogator Matthew Alexander. Accompanied by detailed discussion guides for six different faith groups (Catholic, evangelical Christian, Jewish, mainline Protestant, Muslim, and Unitarian Universalist), this resource is ideally suited for religious education classes or gatherings of interfaith groups that want to explore this issue together.

Register now or read more information about this campaign.

Thank you for helping NRCAT build the moral consensus that torture is always wrong.

Sincerely,

Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard L. Killmer, Executive Director

All of Our Authority

All of our authority
no matter our might
lost if we torture
that which is not right

We must believe
in the order of law
the rights of the others
a moral code

Our rights as citizens
our role in the world
a beacon of hope
to a troubled world


February 8, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Torture is always wrong

No matter the costs
the price we may pay
torture is always wrong
this is where we must stand

Our nation
this land that we love
meant to be a beacon of hope
a refuge for those in need

Where can we stand
when the whirlwind comes
when this law is gone,
wiped out from our creed

Where can we hide
when the storm clouds come
when chaos, rage,
knocks at our door

Only if we hold true
if something remains inviolate
that this country abhors this violence
torture is never our choice


February 8, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Email 1/21/2010 from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Dear Friends:

Please email Senator-elect Scott Brown and ask him to rethink his position on waterboarding and other forms of torture.

On Tuesday, January 19th, Scott Brown was elected to represent Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate. During the campaign Mr. Brown publicly proclaimed his support for the use of waterboarding and other forms of torture. He said waterboarding is not torture and that the U.S. has not used torture. He is mistaken on both fronts.

Since Mr. Brown will now be voting in the U.S. Senate on key legislation concerning the conduct of interrogations and treatment of detainees, we think that it is important that we attempt to explain to him that waterboarding and other "enhanced" interrogation techniques are forms of torture, are illegal, are immoral, and are contrary to American values.

Please email Senator-elect Brown and tell him that waterboarding and other abusive techniques are forms of torture. Further, please explain to him, that you would hope, as a U.S. Senator, he would stand for U.S. values and the rule of law and would oppose the use of torture. A model email which you can modify and then send to Senator-elect Brown can be found here.

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,
Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard L. Killmer, Executive Director
National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Email 1/11/10 from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Dear Friends:

We emailed you in December about calling for the release of the Department of Justice Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) report that is believed to detail instances of professional misconduct by lawyers in the previous Administration's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC). Specifically, it is reported to demonstrate how lawyers in the OLC intentionally misinterpreted the law in order to sanction torture and other abusive acts.

Today we again ask you to email the Attorney General about the OPR report. Release of this report is crucial to understanding the breakdowns that occurred in the OLC that lead to lawyers misconstruing the law in such a way as to provide legal cover for the use of torture. Understanding those breakdowns is essential to preventing the future use of torture.

NRCAT has asked the Attorney General to have a conference call with Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, Rabbi Steve Gutow, President, Jewish Council for Public Affairs and Dr. Ingrid Mattson, President, Islamic Society of North America. They will ask him to release the OPR report as soon as possible. NRCAT was told to call at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13 to learn if the conference call will take place.

Please email the Attorney General's office as soon as possible to ask him to release the OPR report. A model email can be found here.

Thank you,

Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard L. Killmer, Executive Director

Email 12/15/09 from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Dear NRCAT Supporters,

Working alongside people like you, we've had great success in 2009 in halting the use of torture in detainee interrogations and closing secret prisons. Now we need to ensure that U.S.-sponsored torture never happens again.

We need to advocate for key elements of the Executive Order to become law; we need a Commission of Inquiry on U.S.-sponsored torture since 9/11, so that we understand what we did, learn what safeguards are needed and develop a moral consensus to never let it happen again. We also need accountability. You can help us accomplish those goals.

Please make a tax-deductible gift to NRCAT today.



Our capacity to continue our work in 2010 depends on the generous contributions we receive from you and fellow supporters across the country. If each of NRCAT's supporters gave a gift of just $25 or more, we would be able to implement our plans for 2010 fully.

You can contribute online or send a check to the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, 110 Maryland Ave. NE, Suite 502, Washington, DC 20002.

A donation to NRCAT is tax-deductible.

Thank you!

Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard L. Killmer, Executive Director

Email 12/14/09 from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Dear Friends:

Please email Attorney General Holder today to ask him to release the Department of Justice Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) report. The OPR report is believed to detail instances of professional misconduct by lawyers in the previous Administration's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC). Specifically, it is reported to demonstrate how lawyers in the OLC purposely misinterpreted the law in order to sanction torture and other abusive acts.

On Wednesday, Nov. 18th, Attorney General Holder told the Senate Judiciary Committee that a career prosecutor was going to review the report but that he expected that that review would be completed and the report released by Nov. 30. As of December 14, the OPR report has not been released.

Please email the Attorney General's office to ask him to release the OPR report. A model email can be found here:



Thank you,
Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard L. Killmer, Executive Director