We are saying it cannot amend the Geneva conventions.” McCain

[rodeodance]

The Times September 16, 2006

Angry Bush tackles terror revolt


http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,11069-2360636,00.html

.......Yesterday Mr Bush described General Powell’s comments as flawed logic: “It’s unacceptable to think there is any comparison between the behaviour of the USA and the behaviour of terrorists who would kill innocent men, women and children.”

Mr McCain said: “We are not saying the CIA cannot carry out a programme. We are saying it cannot amend the Geneva conventions.”

He has argued that if the US began reinterpreting the rules, it could set a precedent for other less democratic countries to introduce their own interpretation. This, he said, would put US troops at risk.

.........

The Senator also objected to proposals for the prosecution of terror suspects in special military tribunals. A previous scheme was struck down earlier this year by the US Supreme Court, but a revised plan introduced by the Administration would still prevent defendants from seeing intelligence evidence before their trial.

[Recursion]

1. For all my disagreements with McCain

He's dead on on this subject, and he's dead on because he knows how terribly serious it is and how using torture against captured personnel cannot even be a question a free society can contemplate. His best remark I have heard on it was early on: "How are we even discussing whether or not the United States of America will torture people?"

Hey, Shrub*, you notice how McCain has never given you a hug? That's because he can't lift his arms much past his waist, because he was tortured for years in a POW camp, and his arm damage came from a "stress position" that you and Alberto approved. How anyone in the government can claim more authority on this than McCain is beyond me.

[MannyGoldstein]

3. Same Here

It's embarassing to me that the most strident opposition to this is coming from the Right.

[niceypoo]

5. Im not sure that it is the most strident...

...the media tends to ignore everything the democrats do or say. The conservative media probabally see this as an opportunity to seperate the republic congress from the Bush administration just in time for the election...

[RaleighNCDUer]

10. Yep. That way, people can vote for the Republicans who are

against torture, or vote for the Republicans who approve of torture.

Just the way the Republicans want it.

[Recursion]

12. We need to catch some big name Republican...

...in a "I voted against the torture before I voted for it" moment.

[napi21]

4. I agree. He certainly SHOULD be considered the top authority

in the Senate on this subject! I also respect Linsey Graham, don't agree with his politics, but the guy still does the job of a good JAG atty. when the subject comes up. The ONE member of the "rebels" that still amazes me is Warner. He's very respected by the Senate, the WH, thePentagon, and the military in matters of the military, and to find him on this list sure SHOULD distress the WH idiots!

[indepat]

6. Has McCain grown half a ball?

[lonestarnot]

7. No, he plans to run again. hmmmf. Who the fuck in their right

mind wouldn't speak out against torture. He's not special.

[Recursion]

9. I'll tell you who

Who the fuck in their right mind wouldn't speak out against torture.

Somebody who wants a lot of freepers' votes.

[helderheid]

11. agreed

[niceypoo]

2. It has nothing to do with logic...

...it has to do with the Bush administration attempting to legalize areas of the Geneva convention that the Bush administration has broken. It's like trying to legalize murder after the fact so you don't end up in jail for it. They are desperate to stave off impeachment for the most blatant of their crimes. Their timing tells everything, they are scared that the democrats will take over congress. Foresight has never been a neocon trademark.

[WinkyDink]

8. McCain's argument, though decently-motivated, is flawed.

The rejection of the use of torture stands alone as a moral position; it does not gain moral stature by being posited as a self-centered benefit.