So do you think Obama really means what he said in this quote from his speech today?

[Winterblues]

"But we must do so with an abiding confidence in the rule of law and due process; in checks and balances and accountability."

[polichick]

1. Well, he's given mixed messages - I sure hope he means it.

[TwilightZone]

2. Well, what do you think?

Or was that a rhetorical question?

[Mark Twain Girl]

3. I think I don't care about speeches anymore. I want deeds. I don't trust the words anymore. nt

[polichick]

7. Me either - he talks a good game, but recent actions tell a different story.

[ChazII]

12. Agree with you 100%/ n/t

[polichick]

15. I still hope there will be a good explanation, like Cheney insiders...

...getting in the way of sanity, or something.

[ThomWV]

4. No.

[tridim]

5. I think Obama means everything he says

Which is why he has already stated that the AG will be investigating the former administration.

[Cha]

9. Of course he does,

but there's so many posters who thrive on negative shit it's pathetic.

To quote the Rude Pundit..
""Stop acting like the other guy is still President, you poor, traumatized bastards."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5696214

[JDPriestly]

6. Sounded to me from other things he said, that he is giving

the criminals a pass -- for having acted on good intentions. That's no excuse for beating up people. Spousal and child abuse (when in the form of beating) are often based on subjective "good intentions." No excuse. Let a jury decide. We need an objective judgment here.

[lamp_shade]

8. Oops. Wrong thread.

[bigtree]

10. I don't think he can fulfill all of that relying on the military tribunals

. . . due process is one that I don't expect to find much of in regard to the detainees.

[BuyingThyme]

11. Speeches just don't count for shit.

[Fumesucker]

13. It depends..

Depends on the socioeconomic class and the political clout of the criminal.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

14. Yes.

However, I think it means accountablity in all things.

Accountability to prosecute for crimes, but also accountability to push progressive legislation through congress over the next eight years.

Given congress's recent overwhelming vote to prevent the closing of Gitmo, I think it has to be asked if those two things are mutually exclusive.

If you could prosecute Bush and Cheney (with no promise of a conviction) but throw away economic recovery, health care reform, gay rights, etc. would you do it?

It's becoming increasingly clear that doing everything you want to do is a pipe dream.

[liberalmuse]

16. Words are meaningless...

I want to see actions. President Obama is a good speaker, but some people need more than a good speech to mollify them.

[zipplewrath]

17. I believe he'll try

I believe he is sincere. I believe he will try. Unfortunately, I also believe that no drama Obama will constantly look for the avenue of low controversy and minimal confrontation. This will result in no prosecutions, minimal investigations, and continued protection of those that committed atrocities and war crimes.

[endarkenment]

18. Road to hell vs good intentions.

[kjackson227]

19. ABSOLUTELY!

[MarjorieG]

20. I wish DU would really listen with the idea of learning, stopping the Obama bashing.

This is giving cover for Cheney's end justifies means. Here we are the national security never an issue side. Sorry, but truth is in the middle on this.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

21. "rule of law, due process, etc" + military tribunals = oxymoron.

[DJ13]

22. Words without deeds are just..... words

Theres too many instances of Obama backtracking on his campaign promises to take anything he says without a "liberal" grain of salt.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

23. His actions are speaking much louder than his words.

[csziggy]

24. I hope so - those are the exact words I used to him in my message

At his website during the transition.

Edited to add: I was not talking about just the Gitmo detainees, either.