Republicans Hell-Bent on Passing Bush Torture Bill

[Bob Geiger]

In an almost straight party-line vote, the Republican-led U.S. Senate yesterday shot down an effort by Democrats to substitute legislation for the White House's Military Commissions Act of 2006, which passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday. The White House-backed bill will allow the Bush administration to continue down the path of secret prisons, cruel treatment of prisoners and allowing evidence obtained through torture to be used against detainees.

Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) proposed S.Amdt. 5086 -- which passed the Senate Armed Services Committee by a bipartisan 15-9 vote -- to replace the Military Commissions Act, but Levin's bill was swept aside by a vote of 54-43. Every Republican except Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) voted against the Levin bill. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and, as we've come to expect, Ben Nelson (D-NE) voted with the GOP to move forward with the harsher, Republican bill on Thursday.

"The changes that appear in the bill which is now before us, taken together, will put our own troops at risk if other countries decide to apply similar standards to our troops if they are captured or detained," said Levin, in arguing against the White House bill.

Levin also commented that the compromise reached between President Bush and three Republican Senators -- John Warner, John McCain and Lindsey Graham -- has produced legislation that enables an administration that “has been relentless in its determination to legitimize the abuse of detainees and to undermine some of the cornerstone principles of our legal system."

The Military Commissions Act, which passed the House 253-168, is being widely protested by human rights groups as institutionalizing the use of torture by America and was written by Republicans in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June that struck down the Bush administration's military tribunal system, as a violation of both U.S. and international laws.

Levin admitted that his substitute bill, based on the original legislation proposed by Warner, McCain and Graham and approved by the Armed Services Committee, had its own flaws -- such as an unacceptable provision on the writ of habeas corpus for detainees who believe they have been unlawfully detained. But he also maintained that his bill was the best Democrats could hope for and better than the one being pushed through by the White House.

"The military commissions that it established would have met the test of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Hamdan case and provided for the trial of detainees for war crimes in a manner that is consistent with American values and the American system of justice," said Levin.

"Unlike the Administration bill, the Committee bill would not have allowed convictions based on secret testimony that is never revealed to the accused," Levin continued. "The Committee bill would not have allowed testimony obtained through cruel or inhuman treatment. The Committee bill would not have allowed the use of hearsay where a better source of evidence is readily available. The Committee bill would not have attempted to reinterpret our obligations under international law to permit the abuse of detainees in U.S. custody."

But that's now off the table and the Senate convenes today to debate and vote on the Republican bill, with only five amendments to be considered that may water it down.

Among those amendments are one from Arlen Specter (R-PA) that would provide for some rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees to have court hearings on their incarceration and treatment and another by Ted Kennedy (D-MA) to define acceptable interrogation methods for the CIA.

“The Senate Armed Services Committee produced bipartisan legislation supported by America’s uniformed military lawyers that would have ensured the President has the tools he needs to fight terrorism and would have finally brought the accused masterminds of 9/11 to justice," said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) in reacting to yesterday's defeat of the Levin bill. "It is regrettable that the Republican Congress has rejected this tough and smart plan to give the American people the real security they deserve.”

Indeed. And it's also regrettable that it now looks like we're going to have a law passed that, barring intervention from the courts, will leave it to George W. Bush to interpret what types of interrogation techniques violate the Geneva Conventions.

And just how scary is that?

[grizmaster]

1. Just a couple of dem turncoats

how disgusting is it that McCain couldn't even be bothered to vote?

2 turncoat dems
Landrieu (D-LA)
Nelson (D-NE)

3 non-voting cowards
Inouye (D-HI)
McCain (R-AZ)
Snowe (R-ME)

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

2. Nobody Cares

Well, I do exaggerate. There are about 10-20% who do care. But they're overwhelmed by those EVIL and MORONIC BASTARDS who control this Dictatorship, and the brainwashed public who cares more about a 10% drop in gas prices, than something which diminishes our entire fucking country and what it stands for.

We're officially a joke.

[ShortnFiery]

3. A Democratic Filibuster is Our ONLY Hope. eom

[Freddie Stubbs]

12. That certainly won't happen

Considering that election day is less than a month and a half away. Senate Democrats have learned their lesson from 2002 where they filibustered the Homeland Security bill.

[savemefromdumbya]

16. ah, but this is torture and Democrats must not support torture

[Freddie Stubbs]

18. Do most Americans believe that this bill ok's torture?

I've yet to see any evidence to suggest so.

[savemefromdumbya]

21. but at the end of the day GOP will get their torture approved

regardless.... unless...

[TankLV]

37. Then you are not looking.

Everything in this bill suggest that torture is ok'd.

Plus we get the added "bonus" of retroactively making all of bunkerboy's WAR CRIMES legal RETROACTIVELY!

Yippie!

[chieftain]

4. Your title could have been shortened to "Republicans Hell-Bent"

Unfortunately, they are taking the rest of us along with them.

[xxqqqzme]

5. Democrats in Louisiana

and Nebraska need 2 get busy. Along w/ lieberman - these are 3 democrats we can no longer afford.

[AtomicKitten]

6. it is as disgusting as it is scary

This is all to cover Junior's ass in his upcoming impeachment trial, but it never helps when some Dems kowtow to the bastards to cover their own asses. I understand the red state explanation, but this material is beyond the scope of that. Congress has wandered into dangerous territory and I would like to think most have the good sense to understand that. This is nothing short of disgraceful.

[krkaufman]

7. House vote

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2006/roll491.xml

[Richard D]

8. Scary thought

If the senate passes this bill today and * signs it, will it be in effect on Oct. 5?

[emmadoggy]

9. Could someone explain to me...

Ok, I know and understand that the Bush cabal are doing this to make "right" somehow, what they have already been doing and want to continue doing. But the part that confounds me is, why are the Democrats even putting forth their own proposals or amendments to the Repub ones?? I mean, why do we need ANY new legislation on this issue?? What is wrong with the current laws, the Geneva Conventions etc?? I know that Bush is saying that it is too vague etc. and that they need more clarification - but we all know that that is a complete crock of sh*t. I DON'T understand why the Dems aren't just screaming at the top of their lungs that this stinks to high heaven and that no new laws are needed and that the Bush regime is just trying to cover it's ass. Why are the Dems trying to just get an "acceptable" bill? Why is this notion even being CONSIDERED?? I just don't get it.

I am so sickened by this whole disgusting, barbaric mess. What have we become? Why are the masses not screaming about this?? Do the majority of citizens in this country think this is acceptable?? Are they completely unaware it's going on?? (probably) This should be all over the MSM as an outrage (dreaming, I know). This feels like the final fatal blow to me. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[VP505]

10. I am beginning

to think that we Americans better start being "SCARED", not "SCARED" of terrorists as the Bu$h Cabal wants but "SCARED" of our own Government and in particular the NEOCONS running it. WE need to take back the House or Senate, preferably both, then we need to start going after the "Dino's" who keep aiding and abetting the Bu$h Cabal and NEOCONS. We should be telling them in no uncertain terms that they haven't been representing the Democratic Party and that has to stop, we will no longer allow they to ignore their constituents.

[emmadoggy]

13. Oh yes.

I said to my husband the other day that I am WAY more scared of the Bush regime than I am of any terrorists. The biggest threat to our country right now is our own government (meaning Bush and the Repukes).

I agree that the Dinos are a bunch of fence-riders and need a slap in the face or bucket of cold water in the face (figuratively speaking, of course) to wake them up. }(

[savemefromdumbya]

17. just wait for martial law and they will send all protesters to camps

with torture!

[Generator]

23. Because they NEVER want to call a spade a spade

You know, it might offend some Republican voters to hear that their great president has already allowed torture and is trying to get off the hook for it. That's the real crux of the issue. Of course, many Republicans have no problem with torture-the basic philosophy is "if you didn't do nuthing wrong, then nothing bad ever happens to you." No innocent person is EVER arrested. So it's not a problem. But the fact that the Democrats we have are mostly only concerned with getting themselves elected and allow this country to be in big stinking denial-(imagine if they said the truth-this bill allows YOU, Mr. innocent American to be held forever without trial and without a right to the evidence against you and as long as your organs don't fail, the president will give the okay to pull your finger nails out, drown you over and over and keep you in a cold dark cell forever-whew-but thank GOD you are innocent and no one you ever will know would ever be accused of something they didn't do) instead let's give the Republicans a pass AGAIN and call this a compromise when that is nothing but a lie.

[Tribe Killer]

31. Considering God

I noticed you mentioned God in your post, which brings me to this idea: I am tempted to go through old transcripts of interviews of all these neo-Con hypocrites to see how many times they invoke the name of God or say that they are acting on behalf of God. At the very least these people try to present themselves as "good Christians". They all project themselves as supremely pious and righteous individuals who always take the moral high ground (pro-life, anti-stem cell, the whole Schiavo incident). I may be mistaken, but I think I recall Bush even saying during an interview that he actually speaks with God (or God tells him what to do or something along that line). I am just wondering where in their obviously extensive Christian upbringing they were taught that torturing human beings is acceptable behavior? I guess the "WWJD?" on all their bracelets translates into: "What Wouldn't Jesus Do".

[MikeH]

32. Answering one of your questions

I am just wondering where in their obviously extensive Christian upbringing they were taught that torturing human beings is acceptable behavior?

Actually, Christians of their persuasion believe that God condemns people to hell for all eternity who don't "accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior" in this lifetime, or who don't follow their particular version of Christianity. I would think that qualifies as being torture.

And welcome to DU.

[Tribe Killer]

34. You are correct sir!

Although, I don't remember any of Christ's parables mentioning anything about anyone being condemned to hell. I could be wrong (I probably am) - I don't have the New Testament memorized. I'm pretty sure that stuff about hell came along later and was introduced for purely political purposes and scare tactics. It's funny how politicized Christianity and religion in general was in the past. Well, at least we've overcome that problem. So absurd and sad.

Thanks for the welcome

[civildisoBDence]

11. Let it pass, and let it be along party lines.

This Republican Congress and White House will go down in history for just what they are--protofascists. This all but seals the deal.

Newsprism

[Tribe Killer]

33. Unfortunately

While they are going down in history as protofascists, they are going to take the entire country with them.

[Time for change]

14. This is very scary indeed

Thanks for the update.

[fernsibal]

15. I don't trust Bush's motives

It finally occurred to me why I don't trust Bush when he says he wants to protect the American people by torturing. He hasn't tried to protect us in any other ways, so he's a liar! Katrina, inaction before 9/11, not going after Bin Laden, fake color terror alerts, attacking a country that didn't have anything to do with 9/11. It is obvious to me that he wants this in his arsenal to be able to torture American dissidents.

As for the "proto-fascist" (as posted earlier) senators, I don't know what their excuse is. Protofascism tendencies, I guess. Or maybe they're just cruel, like George "macaca" Allen. They want power, of course, too.

Whatever happened to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?". Stupid friekin evil idiots.

[Chico Man]

19. Bush: Let 100 Flowers bloom

Soon he'll be off to clean some brush with his new found "tools"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundred_Flowers_Campaign

[cascadiance]

20. Why does the GOP hate Democracy and our Constitution so much?!

That's something we should be asking every voter we come in contact with before November.

[marmar]

22. To hell with bipartisanship...

You cannot reason with these Republicans, you cannot bargain with them, you cannot trust them - at all. They are loathesome dogs - all of them. Fuck all of the little brownshirts - every dog will have his or her day!

[keepCAblue]

24. Bush's America

Bush's America Bumper Sticker (Torture, USA)

[doctor_garth]

25. if Democrats had a grain of courage or decency

they would filibuster this shit. But they are worried about losing the elections, not about principle.

They will lose the election anyway, Diebold has taken care of it a long time ago, so why not show some SPINE and CHARACTER for a fucking change?

[AtomicKitten]

26. I have more hope for a win in November than you

but I agree this issue is something Dems cannot just view as yet another pre-election cheesy GOP strategic move - which it is, of course. This is something that cannot be allowed to be entertained by the party en masse. This is something that will tag the Dems in history books as being complicit in this morally bankrupt proposal and deviation from the Constitution.

[doctor_garth]

27. it's in the sack

I said that in 2002 and 2004 and I was right. I'll be right again, sadly.

What Dems can't see is that if they started yelling, screaming that what Bush really wants is to jail and torture YOU AMERICAN CITIZEN & VOTER without the right to a trial, they would be seen as real patriots and stop this insane and inhumane law.

I can only imagine the amount of cash involved too. Dems, very possibly, are being bought for their silence.

[AtomicKitten]

28. excuse me while

I assume the fetal position in the corner. :)

[doctor_garth]

39. fetal position is not an option

REVOLUTION is.

[pyro858]

29. This bill is meaningless

We are already torturing and assasinating people. This president thinks he's judge, jury and executioner. Americans don't give a crap either or they would stop him. Let's just hope we get new leadership before republicans destroy this country.

[keepCAblue]

30. "before republicans destroy the country."

Too late. The rethugs have already destroyed this country. Our only hope is that TRUE dems can win back this country (against all the odds--i.e., rethuglican election fraud) and, hence, begin rebuilding this country from its smoking ashes.

[thoughttheater]

35. Tongue-in-cheek visual of "Tortureland"

Now that the President has the authority he sought, see a tongue-in-cheek visual of the Grand Opening of "Tortureland"...here:

www.thoughttheater.com

[violetandblue]

36. This is one thing...

you can't fault my representative, Ney (OH), for - he didn't vote (wonder why)! :P

[mrdmk]

38. Here is what is going to happen

This bill will pass and of course a bunch of groups will band together and take it to court. Then after a couple of years bouncing around the halls of justice, the bill will be thrown out because it is definitely unconstitutional. Mr. Bush Jr. will be retired from politics so he will be out of the picture, but those activist judges will be blame for throwing out a bill designed for nothing more than show. That show is my God is bigger than your God or if you like, my dick is bigger than your dick. This bill has no business being considered by this government or any other government.

[mkb]

40. Why Terrorism?

     Why don't any of these people look into why terrorism
exists in the first place, or talk about it much less.
     The United States is an imperialist country, busy
stealing oil and other resources, and it's making people
angry, and we shouldn't expect otherwise.