Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Thou shalt torture whoever you think is a bad person
U.S. President George W Bush has signed a controversial bill, called the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which effectively allows for the use of torture.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/10/20061017-1.html
"It is a rare occasion when a President can sign a bill he knows will save American lives."
*raises eyebrow*
"This bill will allow the Central Intelligence Agency to continue its program for questioning key terrorist leaders and operatives like Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the man believed to be the mastermind of the September the 11th, 2001 attacks on our country. This program has been one of the most successful intelligence efforts in American history. It has helped prevent attacks on our country. And the bill I sign today will ensure that we can continue using this vital tool to protect the American people for years to come. The Military Commissions Act will also allow us to prosecute captured terrorists for war crimes through a full and fair trial. "
The man BELIEVED to be the mastermind? You mean you're not sure???
And oh, could you please clarify, give us the specifics, the lowdown on the program? How do you intend to torture your prisoners? Cut off their balls?
*snorts at the 'full and fair trial' bit*
"This bill provides legal protections that ensure our military and intelligence personnel will not have to fear lawsuits filed by terrorists simply for doing their jobs. This bill spells out specific, recognizable offenses that would be considered crimes in the handling of detainees so that our men and women who question captured terrorists can perform their duties to the fullest extent of the law. And this bill complies with both the spirit and the letter of our international obligations. As I've said before, the United States does not torture. It's against our laws and it's against our values. "
Ah, I see... does sound good... let's see if the bill is really what he said it is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Commissions_Act_of_2006
Now, in essence it allows for the following:
1) Eliminates some of the rights defendants are usually guaranteed under U.S. law
Highlights:
(a) Certain sections of the Uniform Code of Military Justice are deemed inapplicable - including some relating to a speedy trial and pre-trial investigation.
(b) A civilian defense attorney may not be used unless the attorney has been determined to be eligible for access to classified information that is classified at the level Secret or higher.
(c) Based on his findings, the judge may introduce hearsay evidence, evidence obtained without a search warrant, evidence obtained when the degree of coercion is disputed, or classified evidence not made available to the defense.
(d) No person may invoke the Geneva Conventions or any protocols thereto in any habeas corpus or other civil action or proceeding to which the United States, or a current or former officer, employee, member of the Armed Forces, or other agent of the United States is a party as a source of rights in any court of the United States or its States or territories.
2) Allows the CIA to use unspecificed, tough methods to questions terrorist suspects
3) Lets the president decide the meaning and application of international standards for prisoner treatment, which really, lets him authorize aggressive interrogation methods which would most probably be considered illegal and inhumane by international courts.
And the White House would not reveal the interrogation techniques, claiming that if they were to do so, it would give the enemy information to resist those techniques
And so in the war on terror, the war Americans are told, will help ensure they can keep their freedom, they will lose their very values they are trying to uphold. What an irony!
And so the conservative president marches on...
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/10/20061017-1.html
"It is a rare occasion when a President can sign a bill he knows will save American lives."
*raises eyebrow*
"This bill will allow the Central Intelligence Agency to continue its program for questioning key terrorist leaders and operatives like Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the man believed to be the mastermind of the September the 11th, 2001 attacks on our country. This program has been one of the most successful intelligence efforts in American history. It has helped prevent attacks on our country. And the bill I sign today will ensure that we can continue using this vital tool to protect the American people for years to come. The Military Commissions Act will also allow us to prosecute captured terrorists for war crimes through a full and fair trial. "
The man BELIEVED to be the mastermind? You mean you're not sure???
And oh, could you please clarify, give us the specifics, the lowdown on the program? How do you intend to torture your prisoners? Cut off their balls?
*snorts at the 'full and fair trial' bit*
"This bill provides legal protections that ensure our military and intelligence personnel will not have to fear lawsuits filed by terrorists simply for doing their jobs. This bill spells out specific, recognizable offenses that would be considered crimes in the handling of detainees so that our men and women who question captured terrorists can perform their duties to the fullest extent of the law. And this bill complies with both the spirit and the letter of our international obligations. As I've said before, the United States does not torture. It's against our laws and it's against our values. "
Ah, I see... does sound good... let's see if the bill is really what he said it is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Commissions_Act_of_2006
Now, in essence it allows for the following:
1) Eliminates some of the rights defendants are usually guaranteed under U.S. law
Highlights:
(a) Certain sections of the Uniform Code of Military Justice are deemed inapplicable - including some relating to a speedy trial and pre-trial investigation.
(b) A civilian defense attorney may not be used unless the attorney has been determined to be eligible for access to classified information that is classified at the level Secret or higher.
(c) Based on his findings, the judge may introduce hearsay evidence, evidence obtained without a search warrant, evidence obtained when the degree of coercion is disputed, or classified evidence not made available to the defense.
(d) No person may invoke the Geneva Conventions or any protocols thereto in any habeas corpus or other civil action or proceeding to which the United States, or a current or former officer, employee, member of the Armed Forces, or other agent of the United States is a party as a source of rights in any court of the United States or its States or territories.
2) Allows the CIA to use unspecificed, tough methods to questions terrorist suspects
3) Lets the president decide the meaning and application of international standards for prisoner treatment, which really, lets him authorize aggressive interrogation methods which would most probably be considered illegal and inhumane by international courts.
And the White House would not reveal the interrogation techniques, claiming that if they were to do so, it would give the enemy information to resist those techniques
And so in the war on terror, the war Americans are told, will help ensure they can keep their freedom, they will lose their very values they are trying to uphold. What an irony!
And so the conservative president marches on...
