President is the Torture Master says Honor Students

Scholars Urge Bush to Ban Use of Torture

Presidential Scholars Ask Bush to Halt 'Violations of the Human Rights' of
Terror Detainees

The Associated Press
WASHINGTON Jun 25, 2007 (AP)

President Bush was presented with a letter Monday signed by 50 high school
seniors in the Presidential Scholars program urging a halt to "violations
of the human rights" of terror suspects held by the United States.

The White House said Bush had not expected the letter but took a moment to
read it and talk with a young woman who handed it to him.

"The president enjoyed a visit with the students, accepted the letter and
upon reading it let the student know that the United States does not
torture and that we value human rights," deputy press secretary Dana Perino
said.

The students had been invited to the East Room to hear the president speak
about his effort to win congressional reauthorization of his education law
known as No Child Left Behind.
The handwritten letter said the students "believe we have a responsibility
to voice our convictions."

"We do not want America to represent torture. We urge you to do all in your
power to stop violations of the human rights of detainees, to cease illegal
renditions, and to apply the Geneva Convention to all detainees, including
those designated enemy combatants," the letter said.
The designation as a Presidential Scholar is one of the nation's highest
honors for graduating high school students. Each year the program selects
one male and one female student from each state, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, Americans living abroad, 15 at-large students, and up to 20
students in the arts on the basis of outstanding scholarship, service,
leadership and creativity.

"I know all of you worked hard to reach this day," Bush told the students
in his education speech. "Your families are proud of your effort, and we
welcome your family members here. Your teachers are proud of your effort,
and we welcome your teachers. And our entire nation is proud to call you
Presidential Scholar."

The scholars travel to Washington each June for seminars, lectures and
workshops with government officials, elected representatives and others.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may
not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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kids.