An Open Letter to Orrin Hatch

Dear Senator Hatch,

It has recently come to my attention that you were among the group of senators which placed the reservations on the United States’ ratification of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Torture. This historic piece of legislation, which was originally passed by the United Nations’ General Assembly, represents one of the greatest landmarks in the history of international law—indeed, the history of mankind. It is an abomination to the reputation of the United States—as the leader of the free world and defender of democracy and human rights—that ratification did not come until nearly 40 years after the initial signature. Fortunately for the world, the United States did not remain stubborn and self-serving as to refrain from signing that great document forever. Unfortunately, however, disgraceful senators such as yourself and Senator Helms thought it of utmost importance to limit the power the convention has over the United States. In effect, by limiting the power the convention has over the United States, the convention has all but been nullified. You cited a concern for sovereignty and a fear that other states would use the convention to bring the United States before the ICJ. But as the world leader of democracy and human rights defense, what does the United States have to fear?

Which brings me to point two. I have also recently been informed that you recently inferred that the United States is essentially no longer subject to the Geneva Conventions regarding the treatment of POWs and civilians during war time. You have demonstrated this horrendous belief by your support for both the Patriot Act and the Military Commissions Act. Is it honestly your belief that the United States is superior to international law? Certain practices of the current administration—the majority of which you have supported—are extremely harmful to the reputation, credibility, and legitimacy of the United States. One of two paths must be followed. Either the United States must cease to make the claim that it is the defender of the free world and end the charade. Or, the United States must renounce such abominable practices as extraordinary rendition, torture, the eradication of habeas corpus, and many other violations of international law.

With all these points in mind, as a citizen of the state of Utah, I feel that you do not adequately represent the beliefs of the majority of the citizens of this state. You have been a U.S. Senator for 30 years, despite making the claim numerous times that “this is my last term.” There is phrase that is synonymous with 30 years on the Senate—‘lifelong politician.’ A practice that is unacceptable, and has been opposed multiple times by Senators and Representatives who have attempted to institute term limits. 30 years on the Senate and do you still have even the faintest idea of what the beliefs and desires of your constituents in Utah are? You spend the vast majority of your time in D.C., how is it possible for you to adequately represent your constituency? It seems to me, that this is utterly impossible.

Having laid out this list, I believe that it would be best if you retired from the United States Senate immediately. You have been, at least in part, responsible for the moral degeneration of the United States. Because of the policies that you have supported, the United States has failed to act to prevent genocide on multiple occasions. Because of the policies that you have supported, the United States has lost support from numerous former allies. Because of the policies that you have supported, the United Nations has become effectively useless in preventing atrocities throughout the world. And perhaps worst of all, because of the policies that you have followed the United States has joined the ranks of states such as Iran, China, and Cuba in terms of violations of human rights. It is far past time for you to end your career as a Senator.

Formally,
Colby Bone