The Downing Street Minutes: It's the Treason Stupid

[berni_mccoy]

The Downing Street Minutes are not at all about the administration lying to take us to war. Yes, he did do that, and what the DSM has done is taken that statement from a baseless accusation to a statement of fact. No longer can the neocons justify that "the supposed lies, if true, justified the means."

Let's take a look the ends resulting from the administration's actual lies (the means):

Local ends of Bush's means:
1. Nearly 1700 American soldiers dead
2. Over 10,000 severely wounded soldiers, now disabled veterans
3. Nearly $300 billion of taxpayer money to rebuild Iraq that is now resulting in reduced pay, benefits and the closing of military bases nationwide to compensate for the costs (our soldiers continue to take the brunt of the cost of the war).
4. A military that has been overstretched and now is severely weakened due to casualties, failed recruiting efforts and a command in Pentagon that has been neutered when they try to be realistic (think General Shinseki)
5. A huge need to institute a draft to shore up the manpower required in the military
6. A Failed Homeland Security Department in the grips of systemic corruption and disorganization
7. The falsely justified destruction of the CIA by blaming them for 'bad intelligence' when they new damn well they fixed the intelligence
8. The reduction of the mainstream media into a controlled state-sponsored propaganda network
9. Vast amounts of tax-payer money going into offshoring government contractors like Haliburton via no-bid contracts (again while our soldiers get pay reductions)
10. America's fall from grace with Gitmo and Abu Gharab (according to Seymour Hersh, we don't know the half of the torture till we see the tapes the ACLU got released under the FOIA... the military has until June 30 to release them and supposedly, children are involved)

Middle Eastern ends of Bush's means:
1. Over 100,000 thousand civilian deaths
2. The failure to secure millions of tons of weapons that are now being used to kill our soldiers and Iraqi civilians on a daily basis
3. An unstable middle east, with Iraq in the midst of a civil war, an Israel that feels empowered to do as they see fit to the Palestinians and the rise in power of two dictatorships: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
4. Failing to enforce sanctions against Iran, Israel and the U.S. are threatening war
5. A failing Democracy in Afghanistan with a rise of the once vanquished Taliban
6. A failure to destroy the Al Qaeda network, the original threat to the U.S.

Global Ends
1. A failure to prevent global nuclear proliferation
2. A failure to maintain the global unity and cooperation we had in the war on terror
3. The rise in power of N. Korea and China
4. The failure of the U.S. to respond to humanitarian crises (Darfur/Africa) and China actually fulfilling that role in our stead

So, we see, that it's not just the lies, it's the ends that are a result of the means that are so terribly bad that it is a true tragedy for the U.S. and the entire World.

And it wasn't just lies, it was:

1. Conspiracy with at least one foreign power (Great Britain)
2. Illegal military action without proper authorization from Congress
3. Premeditation of an illegal act
a. They knew they needed a U.N. resolution and Congressional approval and that they would not get that on the basis of regime change alone
b. They created intelligence and fabricated evidence to present the case for an immediate threat
4. They knew their actions would result in serious injury to our country
a. Going to war means casualties
b. Endangering our national security
c. All of the ENDs listed above

From Wikipedia:

Oran's Dictionary of the Law (1983) defines treason as: "......citizen's actions to help a foreign government overthrow, make war against, or seriously injure the parent nation."

So, yes Bush and his administration lied. But they did much more than that. The real offense here is TREASON. The entire administration needs to be brought to justice.

[silverweb]

1. Well done!

Concise, factual, and to the point.

Thanks for putting that together so well. It's going out via email to everyone on my list -- and nominated for greatest.

:applause:

[berni_mccoy]

4. Thank you.

I'm very upset so I decided to focus my energies constructively by laying out the case.

[silverweb]

5. People don't have patience, anymore.

There's just too much conflicting information/misinformation floating around. I've found a lot of people just don't have the time or patience to sift through it all, let alone do any critical thinking to form a fact-based opinion. I guess it's largely to do with conditioning by "sound-byte" TV reporting that we've been inundated with.

Your energies were well and constructively spent distilling all the information and debate into an easy-to-understand, factual list.

[AuntiBush]

31. You nailed it! "Sound-byte TV MIS-INFORMATION

Most American's are basically clueless at best, confused at worst.

Family, friends and neighbors "know" things are really, very bad. But they can't grasp the facts. As I try my best to printout everything, and slowly show them what's going on, they know things are very bad. But they lack "critical thinking."

This is why it's so important for those of us in-the-know to work even harder to explain, print-out and with simple terms show them the documentation.

Oddly enough, though most are not critical-thinkers, they still know it's worse than ever. The lines I hear the most repeatedly:

"I've never seen anything link this in my lifetime!" (Bushies)
"Isn't someone doing something about it?" They're use to governing hero's on the Hill fighting for them and assume "they" can't get away with all of this...
"I can't find it on Faux/CNN/ABC/NBC/CBS." I grow weary of repeating myself, but continue to slowly, methodically explain to them that we're literally under a quite "Marshall Law," and to think of "McCarthyism."

Then they get it. Still, it's as if they're just attuned to the tube.

Having made my decision to turn off the tube and cancel Sat-TV (it's tons of junk/propaganda anyway - why should I continue to pay for this), sadly the 1 station that keeps me from doing so is "C-SPAN/C-SPAN 2."

What a shame C-SPAN is not part of regular line-up.


http://images/globalfreepress.com/

May 20, 2005: Bush's Approval ratings are swirling rapidly downward much like our country.

[Karenina]

2. Indeed.

DOWNING STREET MINUTES - OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT MINUTES OF AN OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT MEETING

[seemslikeadream]

13. Is this not TREASON?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=125&topic_id=18796

[Pachamama]

36. The Swifties accused Kerry of Treason...which is worse: Kerry meeting w/

the Vietnamese in Paris (as a civilian) or Bush Administration meeting with foreign govt's conspiring to invade Iraq on false pretenses and lying to the American public about it? :shrug:

[Double T]

3. World Justice, American Justice Won't Work Here.......

....Tribunal in The Hague With The Entire World Watching.

[berni_mccoy]

6. Some have said

That this may not meet the constitutional definition of treason.

The U.S. Constitution states: "Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."

However, here is A Case for the crime of Treason:

By creating false evidence to TAKE the U.S. to War, Bush went to War with the United States (by creating an enemy that wasn't really there). Bush TOOK us to war for NO REASON. Thousands died. There is no difference than actually declaring war on the U.S.

And for this, it ought to be easy to get 2 witnesses.

[Vincardog]

14. Don't you think the attack * lead on the WTC was an act of war and thus

meets the definition of TREASON?

[berni_mccoy]

15. The DSM doesn't cover that

And we have no other evidence like the DSM for the WTC. If it could be proven though...

[Vincardog]

16. Read 'The 9/11 Commission Report Omissions and Distortions'

By David Ray Griffin. There is plenty of proof * MIHOP.

[berni_mccoy]

17. Thanks, I'll do that.

[Nothing Without Hope]

24. Also watch or listen to his historic 1 hr 20 min lecture on this at

at Madison WI - links to this and much more are online - see this thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=125x39690

There must be a LOT of potential whistleblowers on what REALLY happened on 9/11 - some apparently tried to come forward already and were rebuffed.

[LunaC]

33. Circumstantially, there's plenty of evidence

when you look at their actions chronologically. The link in my sig line makes a very strong case. Motive, means, opportunity....it's all spelled out.

[berni_mccoy]

37. Thanks for the link...

I have read this before plus other sources. There is no doubt we have a bad group in charge and we need to start with something very digestable for the public like the DSM.

If we are successful with this investigation, I have a feeling a lot of the things that many of us have known at DU will finally be brought to light so the masses can finally get a true picture of this admin.

[kenny blankenship]

19. You don't need two witnesses and a treason charge

Bush has committed crimes against peace, Chapter 1 section 2 UN Charter.
Article VI of the US Constitution makes the obligations of the UN Charter the Supreme Law of the Land over acts of Congress, court rulings and brainfarts of usurping murderous monkeys in stolen offices.

We hanged German armed forces commanders and Nazi officials for Crimes Against Peace after WWII.

Bush engaged in a conspiracy to take the country to war under unauthorized and unjustified circumstances. Under Principle VI of the Nuremburg Charter drafted, signed and ratified by the United States, a conspiracy to start a war is an international war crime. Once again the treaty obligation clause of Article VI of the US Constitution is binding, making Bush's conspiracy to commit an international crime of aggression a violation of the United States Constitution, and by definition that is a HIGH CRIME OF STATE.

Bailliff, take him away.

[berni_mccoy]

20. I agree

But a violation of something as explicit as Treason is going to be much harder to ignore by the repubs than violating a U.N. law (which most likely won't be respected by a single republican congressman).

When articles of impeachment are drawn up, they should include all of the individual seperate charges (and there are hundreds) that Bush and his administration are guilty of.

[Wizard777]

25. The Constitution doesn't do supreme leaders!

Bush's trial by the Hague Tribunal wouldn't be Constitutional. He would have to stand trial in Iraq. We also reserve our right to place him on trial in DC as provided for by International Law.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

[Pooka Fey]

7. Bravo. n/t

[Nite Owl]

8. Good job

Treason

NOUN:

Violation of allegiance toward one's country or sovereign, especially the betrayal of one's country by waging war against it or by consciously and purposely acting to aid its enemies.

A betrayal of trust or confidence.


Can intent be proved? They certainly have aided our enemies and created new ones. Even if it could not proven as their intent they were warned by many that this would occur and they are too irresponsible to stay in power. The entire administration must go.

[berni_mccoy]

9. HA! Incredible TIMING!!!

If the A.G. thinks Felt committed treason, then he must conclude Bush did as well!!!

Beautiful! Thanks for making the case much more simpler Gonzales!!!

[AspenRose]

10. "...seriously injure the parent nation."

We sure aren't any safer here in the "homeland" because of this pre-emptive war.

Well done.

[leesa]

11. Very good. Short and to the point!

[jarnocan]

12. Impeach Bush Group

http://www.msnusers.com/ImpeachBush links, photos, Inspiration? support.
The truth is on our side Let's help the truth to BUST out this June!!!!
I accidently started this group on msn- was fooling around with picasso- my blog picture thingy.
But I have worked on it a bit. Any one can contribute links and pics etc. So I hope it can be one more good tool Check it out
Thanks!

[BigBearJohn]

18. Bookmarked AND recommended. Great encapsulation.

[MojoXN]

21. Excellent post, but...

you forgot a few. Like the hundreds of thousands of American soldiers and tens of MILLIONS of Iraqis whose lives will never be the same as a result of what they've seen. I live with my brother, he spent fifteen months over there starting in 2003. He wakes up screaming from time to time. I can only be grateful that MY sleep isn't plagued with such horrible images. I've seen photos he brought back of some extremely disturbing things. Everyone there is constantly surrounded by death. Charred bodies, flattened by tanks, bloated and rotting, etc. No one should have to see such carnage. No one...

MojoXN

[usregimechange]

22. And add perjury on top of it.

Main Entry: per·ju·ry
Pronunciation: 'p&r-j&-rE, 'p&rj-rE
Function: noun
: the voluntary violation of an oath or vow either by swearing to what is untrue or by omission to do what has been promised under oath : false swearing

[The Doctor.]

23. posting for reference...

Thanks for posting.

[WillyT]

26. Most Excellent !!!

:yourock:

[kittenpants]

27. "Conspiracy with at least one foreign power (Great Britain)..."

You forgot Poland! Don't forget Poland!

[chknltl]

28. kick nt

[alfredo]

29. Excellent job

kick

[Tigress DEM]

30. Like your work, but the attitude is counter productive.

( I resent the "It's the treason stupid" part.)

Clinton was sent through the Impeachment process simply because he lied. In the most powerful position in this country, lying is bad enough. By lying he circumvented the checks and balances of the Constitution and that in itself is justification to remove him from office.

I agree that the results of that lie and all the back end deals that were part of the hidden agenda that lie represents are even more damming in terms of how much worse *ush's behavior was than Clinton's.

[berni_mccoy]

32. Sorry about the attitude thing

That phrase serves two purposes...

1. It gets attention
2. It's a play on James Carville's phrase "It's the economy stupid!", made famous during Clinton's first presidential campaign

I'm a big admirer of Carville's and no disrespect was meant to anyone in this forum or otherwise.

[Tigress DEM]

35. 's cool.

Thanks for the clarification. At least it wasn't something more profane.

[PurityOfEssence]

34. It's outmoded to use "foreign government"; it should be "foreign entity"

Fascism is the merging of corporations and government. That, too, is an outmoded concept: Multinational Corporations are entities of great influence that exist only for their own benefit, and as such, constitute what was meant by "foreign government" in those misty days of yore. Perhaps the term "foreign power" is a better description.

To say that Bush & Co. "helped a foreign government" is simply not true; they GOT a foreign government to HELP THEM, but they didn't sell us out to a hostile power. Britain was our stooge, and their guilt is as pathetic as can be. What the Bushies did was at least as bad as "classic" treason, but must be expressed in modern terms: they did things that promoted their personal interests and entities at the expense of their native land. Substitute "a foreign government" with "multinational corporate buddies" and the shoe fits perfectly.

It's disgusting.

They're looters.

They're moochers, bloodsuckers, swaggering opportunists and mere thieves. Betrayal of their countrymen is but a picturesque footnote in their journey of greed: they're transnational kleptocrats and the world is their victim.

[lyonn]

38. Great Resume Berni-

Treason - exactly.

You managed to get to all the issues so brilliantly.

[LunaC]

39. Kicking for the Sunday crowd

[berni_mccoy]

40. The case continues to be layed out by Contant's Blog

Check it out:

http://constantpated.blogspot.com/2005/06/impeachment-questions-highlighting.html

Sounds like impeachment is becoming a serious possibility.

[berni_mccoy]

41. The Evidence Is Mounting

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3793485&mesg_id=3793485

[radfringe]

42. it's also one more DOT that needs connecting

a few DOTS off the top of my head, there's more - we just need someone to connect them all

-- intelligenct analysts have testified they felt intimidation/pressure to spin the intel to fit scenarios

-- no WMDs have been found in Iraq

-- UN Inspectors reported NO WMDs in Iraq - PRIOR to invasion

-- NO CONNECTION between Saddam and 9-11 - yet the bushies continue to "encourage" this myth

-- increased "fly-over-bombings" in Iraq prior to invasion in order to soften up Iraq

=================

Prior to the invasion - bush* stated "..no plans on my desk..." - given the current mess in Iraq I would be inclined to believe him because the way things have gone and are going it's pretty clear none of the bushies have a clue

[berni_mccoy]

43. I'm self kicking this because

The media has chosen to focus on the "NOT NEW" information and "SO WHAT IF IT IS LIES" spin. How disgusting that the media is not even making an effort to convey the IMPLICATIONS of this document.

Please Get this message out. It's not about lies. It's about BETRAYAL. They BETRAYED Congress with false evidence. They BETRAYED our Soldiers and sent them to die. They BETRAYED the American people.

Keep sending the message out, PLEASE!