Below is today’s brief column in the Los Angeles Times where I joined other writers on how each of us believes President Obama can earn the Nobel Prize, here. For civil libertarians, Obama’s selection is the ultimate triumph of hope over experience. My suggestion is probably predictable for people on this blog.
Appoint a prosecutor for war crimes
Jonathan Turley
To truly earn the Nobel Peace Prize, President Obama needs to transform himself from a barrier to a beacon when it comes to human rights and international law.
The most obvious start would be to fulfill our obligations under treaties and international law to appoint a special prosecutor, without limitations, to investigate and prosecute any war crimes committed by U.S. officials. Obama already has acknowledged that waterboarding is torture and that torture is a war crime, yet his administration is blocking investigations that are the prerequisite to justice. Obama has promised CIA employees as a group that they would not be prosecuted for torture for following orders, despite the long-standing finding from the Nuremburg trials that “just following orders” is no defense for a war crime. Appointing a special prosecutor would show that Obama will not continue to circumvent principle for politics. He could further demonstrate his commitment to international law by dropping his opposition to the release of photographs and other records showing our abuse of detainees.
Doing the right thing often demands decisions that are neither popular nor easy. If Obama wants to show that the peace prize is more than the superficial triumph of a cult of personality, he can start by showing that his own country is willing to pay the price demanded by the law of nations.
Jonathan Turley is a law professor at George Washington University and has served as lead counsel in various major national security and constitutional cases.
Better be careful, they will offer you a plumb job/assignment and silence the most vocal critic. Then you are under a continuing obligation to cease a critical voice. Just ask Vince Foster, oops sorry you can’t, unless you call Ms. Cleo. JT, you listening?
Good Morning All:
lucky me,I have been called back to work,and I am now working,(6) days aweek 12 to 15 hours a day so I am kind of out of the loop.So sunday for now is my day to check in and gather knowledge from the posters here on the blog which I see as one of the best out there.Led by the Profesor.
Well written and succinct, Professor Turley.
Thank you for your stong, clear voice. We need more like it.
Professor, speaking of
“to fulfill our obligations under treaties and international law ”
Lord Monckton in his speech on Oct 14th says that when, not if, President Obama signs the treatsie in Coppenhagen that a New World Goverment will be formed as a new entity. It will have two other purposes, the transfer of wealth from the west to third world countries and enforcement of such.
He says once this is signed it takes precedence over the U.S. Constitution and we will not be able to resign from that treaty unless getting agreement from the other parties.
Question: Can or will you review this treaty to tell us whether or not what Lord Monckton’s statement has ANY validity to it.
In his acceptance speech, President Obama stated that he would use the award as a sort of sign of things to come. A lot has been said about how he has done nothing to earn the prize, but I think that he will use the award to pave the way for things to come.
bdaman,
I googled the question that you posed to the professor. This is the question as posed:
“Lord Monckton in his speech on Oct 14th says that when, not if, President Obama signs the treatsie in Coppenhagen that a New World Goverment will be formed as a new entity”
This is what appeared the most. Climate Change News, Climate Change News Digest…
Here is the link: http://www.climatechangebusinessforum.com/en-us/page/show/ccn_ccnd
Are you saying you have a problem with clean air, water, earth? And that businesses need to keep a watchful eye on how they pollute and you have a problem with this?
And what planet do you suppose we go and live? Have you ever read anything about mercury poisoning in the great lakes? Will you eat my share of the fish? Please, please?
It is going to cost businesses to comply and that cost will be shared by consumers. Whats you point?
Oh, and do not change the question that you posed. Stay on the subject please.
AY,
Kudos for your attempt to bring bdaman in the Reality fold. I don’t think I have the patience for someone who will not respond to facts.
Prof. Turley,
All I can say after reading your post is “Amen”!
Anonymously Yours
My thinking was this,
Monckton says once this is signed it takes precedence over the U.S. Constitution”. I was asking Professor Turley, a consitutional attorney, highly educated, respected for his opinion and a outstanding citizen within his own community. I was just asking if he would review this statement. Will he read the Treaty for us, 200 pages, and give us his opinion? Monckton is now being called out to speak on the subject. He so far has denied any discussion with the media unless discussing climate change.
After review of the 200 page document in which Lord Monckton bases his statement’s in which he states the President of The United States will sign this document. What does Lord Monckton mean when he say’s the treaty will take precendence over the U.S. Constitution.
Review the video again and see what else he says that has attracted the attention.
the other reason why I posted this here in this thread was his swipe. When he say’s
“he’ll sign it, after all he’s a Nobel laureate”.
And yes I want a clean earth too.
bdaman,
So do you have a problem with NATO? Hmm, me thinks you are parroting Hannity. Are you? Can you think for yourself?
History, a unilateral treaty signed by the president can bind the US, oops, no it can’t ask Woodrow Wilson about his league of nations, notions. Now if that same treaty is signed by the president and ratified by the senate then we have what is called the united nations in NY as opposed to SFO. Then it trumps the constitution.
I am recalling all the above up from memory. Its accuracy is pretty good if my memory has not failed me.
AY,
You are correct and I might add that the Geneva Convention against Torture was accepted by the US and it became US law.
Except for Bush and Cheney of course who considered it “quaint”.
rafflaw,
quaint, dainty, deadly ask those that have left gitmo. Oh you can’t. Their movement is limited now days and they don’t communicate with the living anymore.
And what may I ask does that damn convention paperwork have to do with anything? Paper I tell you, paper. That’s all it is, paper. Not worth a cotton picken nickle to them.
Did you expect Cheney a former long term governmental employee to respect paperwork produced by someone else other than his department. Surely you jest.
Heck maybe bdaman can use this link to get back back home, remember to click your ruby red slippers together 3 times before you click on the link: http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php?t=1685361
Thats all well and good, I think your missing the direction this is going. He has some very direct suggestions in that speech.
Sorry to have disturbed you.
bdaman 1, October 18, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Thats all well and good, …..He has some very direct suggestions in that speech.
**********************
No problem what is the very direct suggestion that you are alluding to. State it, I have been through this dance with you before and I did not get paid. I did feel played though, so here after define your answer to the question fielded and I will respond. Or should that be define your question to be answered? This gets confusing with you,I feel like it is a chess game and you are just moving your queen back and forth. Eventually, it will get captured unless you have some support for your counter attack. Playing checkers that way will allow multiple jumps in the same players turn before you get to get one queened or is that a king? Will you please show me how to play poker? I am just learning…..Please?
AY,
I couldn’t get the Ruby Slippers to fit. My feet must be swollen from running down Birther and Tenther nonsense! Keep up the good work!
rafflaw,
If it don’t fit just split the back and shove as much as you can into it. Who care what it looks like. Any Queen could tell you that. lol
rafflaw,
I just read what I typed and it was kinda funny. But I meant no offense to anyone.
Anonymously Yours I’m sorry you feel that way. I can’t tell you what I heard in his speech, thats not a road I can go down. Tell ya what, lets just leave it alone and let it play out this week. The not evil just wrong premiers tonight so the show is about to begin.
AY,
No problem. I was kidding also.
bdaman,
Are you checking for further directions from your commander in chief or are you waiting for someone who has not taken you bait before? Either way I will chime in and listen for the bell to ring. Ever been to a carnival on the midway? I am waiting, I have my sledge hammer ready, willing and able.
My name is Seth and and my other brother is dead who am I?
rafflaw,
Me too, have you seen buddha? I have not had anyone to oppose my views, ok, give me shit.
Bdaman has just pasted up another pathetic false troll posting.
The internet is rife with dozens of identical postings, all saying the same thing; “a treaty President Obama is poised to sign at this December’s United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. This treaty will effectively cede U.S. sovereignty to a newly created global government agency.”
This charge is false.
Article VII of the Constitution says:
“This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.”
A treaty is not valid and binding on the United States until it is ratified by a two-thirds vote of the Senate. Article II, Section 2.
So all Treaties mad under the authority of the Untied States become part of the supreme law of the land, but not by virtue of the President’s signature. He must act with the “Advice and Consent” of the Senate, and the Senate must ratify all treaties.
So save the debate for the Senate, please.
Everyone can read more about the Supremacy Clause in the Constitution Annotated:
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/constitution/pdf2002/016.pdf
So we all can now answer Lord Monckton’s statement that the treaty, once it is signed, takes precedence over the U.S. Constitution. That statement is false. No treaty that is merely signed by a President takes precedence over the Constitution, but a ratified treaty, just like a duly enacted law, becomes part of the supreme law of the land.
But the treaty must first be ratified by the Senate.
The august Lord should go back to the House of Lords, don his mink and ermine, and return to subjects of English and British law, since he seems woefully ignorant of the U.S. Constitution. You can read all about him on wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Monckton,_3rd_Viscount_Monckton_of_Brenchley
You might wonder how “Lord” Monckton came to be a lord. Well, it was not by merit, as with the Life Peers in the House of Lords. He got his title as a hereditary lord. Just like all other hereditary peers, he made it to the House of Lords when his father died.
He is like Sarkozy’s son. When he got his job, he said “Thanks, Dad.”
As usual, bdaman’s posting is not even related to the thread, but is just another hijacking of the question raised by JT.
Mr Vince T.,
I knew that when I was playing with him. That is why I guess he went away. I wanted him to define what it is that he wanted to be answered. To be honest, I got tired on the birther and tenther issue. It became a waste of time to read them. What is scary is people actually believe some of the crap that about the COBL and if bdaman is really black like he says that he is, I believe that he is more dangerous than the grand dragon of the KKK. At least you know a some snakes that bite you are poisonous. With him, it is scary that he has been that brained washed. But then again look at Thomas the Oreo.
Sorry if that offended anyone. It just burns my britches when Thomas has done more to destroy Civil Rights than any other black man sitting on the Sct before him. I would like to think that I am not a racist but I do have my cinders that get me going and this man is one of them. Now with that said, I would not want my daughters to marry him. Not because he is black but because of his beliefs and he happens to be a black man. Humm does that make me racist.
AY, I posted to confirm your point about the League of Nations. It had to be ratified by the Senate, just like the UN treaty.
Some problems are global. The isolationist, like Robert A Taft, could never figure out that it would take an alliance to win the Cold War. The fool voted against NATO. Eisenhower was so appalled that he ran for President to keep Taft out of the White House. Taft was wrong, and we won the Cold War.
Just once it would be nice for bdaman to come back and say that he learned something here. But he never has.
Also, I forgot that the Brits booted all but a handful (about 100) of the hereditary peers from Lords about 10 years ago. Unless “Lord” Monckton is one of that select few, he is just a private citizen, not a legislator in the upper House of Parliament.
That Clause in our Constitution prohibiting grants of titles of nobility was one of the smartest things the Founders ever did.
And, Lords is no longer the supreme court for the UK. Since October 1, 2009, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom replaced the Law Lords of the House of Lords as the highest judicial court.
Mr. Vince T.,
I did not know that. Thank you.
VY,
Good Catch! Back to the drawing board bdaman.
rafflaw,
VY, VT or AY or Both?
AY and VT have merged. AVYT — aveytee against bdaman.
I could not think of better company to be keeping. Thank you for the compliment.
Jonathon,
What a dreamer you are:
Professor,
Bravo!!
BHO already earned it. Anything he does now is for next year’s NPP.
Folks, we are at war with a society that does not give a damn about our Constitution or international law for that matter. I guess when that time does come when a terrorist organization informs our government beforehand that a weapon of mass destruction will be detonated unless “we” release known terrorists from prison, many of you herein will have no reason to suspect such will occur. And, after it does occur, no matter whether “we” release those terrorists from prison or not, many of you will find that they planned on doing so at the outset and blame “someone” for not doing “something” to prevent such a horrific attack. I read this blog every day, including comments, and would like to write if for any reason else, I support torture for just such a reason.
Vince, I sure did, here’s another one for you.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/sarahpalin/3405336/Sarah-Palin-blamed-by-the-US-Secret-Service-for-death-threats-against-Barack-Obama.html
I started to go down this road yesterday, but couldn’t.
AY, and VT,
Thanks to all of the above for the catch and the responses to bdaman. Sorry about the unintentional merging!
Jay,
I thought the stuff he did this year was for his beatification.
John,
Our enemy doesn’t care about our Constitution so neither should we?
I should point out, your major premise is false. I can prove the moon is made from Green Cheese in the same way you can prove that torture is necessary.
bdaman,
What road are you speaking of that you were trying to go down. Certainly, you as I and other have the opportunity to express any ideal within reason or not. Based upon the thread/subject matter or not.
I am just going to limit my response to the answer posed by you. You don’t ask questions. You make statements without knowing the facts, which are generally based upon a presentation for media ratings by another commentator.
When you come back and you will, under this screen name or another one, you will ask the same statement based upon a desired outcome. The last one you had, what would you say “Hi-Jacked” the thread without reason. I have my trusty lil blackberry (crapberry) and laptop to respond to you anywhere, anyplace and at anytime. So please bring it on.
I think that others on the list will appreciate if you confine your answers to questions.
When I was practicing, I told you what I was going to do in the initial letter. I never made threats that I did not keep. I am a man of my word and generally honor, hence I do what I say.
AY, VT, Gyges and like-minded individuals (I’m trying not to forget someone):
Apparently, you are dealing with a known entity and its tactics. I’ll have to look up ‘troll posting’ but I can guess what you mean.
Anybody who thinks torture works is a sadistic, well, idiot. It elicits false confessions, or worse, gives us facts we already know. The FBI agent that got an Al-Queda member to talk used diabetic-suitable cookies, and he sang like a canary–with relevant stuff.
The argument for torture in the Bush Administration (I hold Feith responsible as well as others) was this simple: These terrorists don’t wear uniforms, and because they are not good enough to be treated under the rules of the Geneva Convention, in reality, using the GC standards somehow degrades the ideals of the GC. Tommy Franks called Feith “the stupidest fuck on the planet,” while Rummie said he was “a genius.”
If you love our Constitution, if you care about our men and women fighting/being captured anywhere, you will agree with GC policies, if only because it’s in the best interest of our own military.
We also have evidence that when they ask for release of prisoners in exchange for, say, a plane load of people, they do keep their word (India in the 90′s.) I don’t agree with that policy, but you can’t say “they would do it anyway.
Did I just get ‘trolled?’ Can’t help it; I re-joined the ACLU and Amnesty precisely because of this issue.
AY, I do believe you are a man of your word. Will you sink that sludge, because the stench of paranoid sadism is making me ill.
Again, to Prof. JT, thank you for signing that letter. THAT’S what counts.
A note, a quote, from someone I think everyone can agree is “reasonably intelligent” at minimum:
We are at the very beginning of time for the human race. It is not unreasonable that we grapple with problems. But there are tens of thousands of years in the future. Our responsibility is to do what we can, learn what we can, improve the solutions, and pass them on.
– Richard Feynman
Scriba,
As far as BDAman goes, I’d suggest skimming through any of the more recent posts with 100+ comments about Obama’s citizenship. I wouldn’t spend too much time reading them (although if you want a great point by point explanation about why the Birther Nonsense is just that, read everything Vince writes), but it’ll give you a good feel of why he’s greeted the way he is. Especially if you start about 2/3rds of the way through.
You’re right about torture not working. Which was my point. You could very easily replace Bob Esq.’s famous:
1. All celestial Bodies are made of green cheese
2. The moon is a celestial body
Therefore
3. The moon is made of green cheese.
With John’s:
1. Torture works to extract good intelligence quickly.
2. We need good intelligence quickly from these detainees.
Therefore
3. We need to torture these detainees.
scribadiva,
I don’t think that I belong in any class except for one by myself. You see I never learned to play with others very well. I was taught the difference between right and wrong and I try and do what is in my heart right. If that means screwing someone over in the process, so be it. Some heads must roll.
I have never been one to go along to get along and have my unique charm to thank. I as you can tell, do not mind a challenge and rise to the occasion when it is something that I know. The birther and tenther issues are something that I am interested in but only marginally. Now if you want to talk the civil war or circuses I am game.
I have heard that there are some organizations that pay people such as bdaman to clog up a thread. Well, I want to know who is going to pay me. This is fun and I can grow hay and I can build a house. I am one of those fortunate people that I can do anything I set my mind to. I can think outside of the box. Howe
cont,
ver, I do not think that I should have started cutting class in 6th grade. I think the basic english lesson were taught then. Oh well who knew, what I’d be doing today. A good secretary can run an office six months after you are dead, if it is run correctly.
You know Porf. I was alternating between your blog and Glen Beck when Beck stopped talking to the wider world and began to speak directly TO ME!!He suggested that I go to Wkipedia and look up something specific when he told that the Obama team is drawing inspiration from-The Uzbeks specifically their National Anthem which embodies the spirit of not only their polity but ours as well!!Imagine my surprise that it all made sense when till that moment I thought that Uzbekistan was a land where the zeitgeist alternates between full crazed Stalinist aparatchiks and full crazed Jihadi’s being the a major interchange on the lunatic terror super highway.But they,and now I know Obama knows,that their doctrine and spirit are so simply identified in this their anthem.They like Obama do not fall into the trap of false modesty as it ends with the line “(You were)the country that charmed the world”.For your Dancing and dining pleasure:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Uzbekistan_anthem.ogg
My sunny free land, happiness and salvation to your people,
You are a warmhearted companion to your friends!
Flourish forever with learning and creativity,
May your glory shine as long as the world exists!
These golden valleys – dear Uzbekistan,
The courageous spirit of your ancestors is with you!
When the great power of the people raged,
(You were) the country that charmed the world!
The faith of an open-hearted Uzbek does not die out,
The young free generation is a strong wing for you!
Beacon of independence, guardian of peace,
Lover of truth, motherland, flourish forever!
These golden valleys – dear Uzbekistan,
The courageous spirit of your ancestors is with you!
When the great power of the people raged,
(You were) the country that charmed the world!
Just another troll posting, this time by “Chazzbo,” with nothing to with the thread, just more inane anti-Obama ranting. What DOES that anthem have to do with anything?
Thanks for your response, but I have no intention of debating opinion(s), just writing my own. Nor will I resort to profane and vulgar nouns as a means of labeling anyone or group that takes issues with my opinion. Indeed!
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1930896,00.html
HoooHawww! Those Norwegians are looking like geniuses now, aren’t they!!
You Betcha’ Jay,
Quote:
“McChrystal reportedly offered Obama different options graded by risk. He is said to have suggested that adding even 20,000 more to the 68,000 already committed to the fight would still run a high risk of failure, while that risk would be lowest if the White House dispatched a further 60,000 to 80,000 troops. The reinforcement number talked about in many of the press reports on Obama’s dilemma — a little upward of 40,000 new troops — represents McChrystal’s medium risk scenario.”
End Quote.
What’s a few thousand more dead ‘merkins anyway to an “*Ignoble* Nobel Prize winner…He don’t even have to “keep his eye on ‘da prize” ’cause he done “won” hit….
FFLeo:
GRAB A MOP, DUDE!!
FFLEO and Jay,
According to Rory Stewart who was interviewed by Bill Moyers, the decision to send troops was already made and the military report is irrelevant except as window dressing for the public. He also overheard the actual number of troops that they want is 600,000. Good Morning Vietnam!
Here’s a short quote:
“They listen politely, but in the end, of course, basically the policy decision is made. What they would like is little advice on some small bit. I mean, the analogy that one of my colleagues used recently is this: it’s as though they come to you and they say, “We’re planning to drive our car off a cliff. Do we wear a seatbelt or not?” And we say, “Don’t drive your car off the cliff.” And they say, “No, no, no. That decision’s already made. The question is should we wear our seatbelts?” And you say, “Why by all means wear a seatbelt.” And they say, “Okay, we consulted with policy expert, Rory Stewart,” et cetera.”
(courtesy of Democratic Underground)
Gyges, thanks for the playlist. I had another two paragraphs, but in the interest of avoiding length/tedium, I’ll just say, there’s a green cheese moon in your future. I will find one w/link.
Vince–Chazzbo would be good at ‘clogging up threads’ but not this one. Maybe Americans for Prosperity and the like. Dealing with astroturfers & (political) tea baggers is “like hypnotizing chickens’ to him.
The Apologist will not be a regular feature–I urged Chazzbo to post the Anthem. We all have our disappointments with Obama; Chazzbo worked on his campaign, funny stories there. His post was tongue-in-cheek: I thought it obvious. Glen Beck was talking to HIM over the TV waves?? I think it’s funny. It is relevant: Our friendly terrorists call U.State home. We were both surprised about the remnants of Stalin (will I get sued for that?)
Point is, I ENCOURAGED HIM TO post it. Have you ever seen anyone that crazy here? I really want to know. Chazzbo doesn’t need my defense, he’s a more than capable man.
AY, we share qualities that you’ve brought to light today: “I can do anything I set my mind to.” “I can think outside of the box.” I have testimonials to that effect. We should work on something.
I have always played well with others. I think that you do, too. You do your share of ass-kicking, and we have that in common, and so does FF Leo, and others…don’t want to leave anyone out.(I act when someone screws with me or mine; I’m very loyal, even, esp. here.) I think I’m gonna start taking names. Not to make a list–because I’m getting confused…too much on the mind.
I don’t only brag about myself; I will brag about those I admire, and that means you guys and gals.(I think GWLawMom said something very nice to me, and I forgot to thank her.So I digress, but divert only in life-and-death struggles.)
Please remember: I’m a dinosaur and used to set up & visit “bulletin boards.” Rules of procedure and etiquette in posting have changed.
N.B. The final lines:
The courageous spirit of your ancestors is with you!
When the great power of the people raged,
(You were) the country that charmed the world!
Replace ancestors with Founding Fathers: Doesn’t that sound like something we all know and love? Any imperialist country, for that matter. I’m not big on nationalism, but when push comes to shove…and thank you all for your patience.
I tried to delete as much as I could, but must leave for yet another app’t w/drs. Thank God (in my polytheistic way)for Medicare, for I would be dead without it. Sweet Tides, Linda
Hey Vince.It’s called “satire” and for you to think that I think Glen Beck would communicate with me in any way that was not for me “psychotic” I wish so I could tell him he’s a good hustler but a loathsome human being.I take their ridiculous paranoia and make fun of it with “parody”,get it?But must say that some of Lib’s take ourselves so seriously and think Obama is anything but a politician with better qualification and motivations than most we are deluding ourselves so it also was a parody of liberal absolutism that borders on soft (benevolent)totalitarianism that it’s also a jab at us if obviously hyperbolic over statement. with this comparison.Geez lighten up.
Chazz
The answer to this is, he can’t. And there’s more. How bout those war crimes?
“Finally, we must draw on the strength of our values – for the challenges that we face may have changed, but the things that we believe in must not. That is why we must promote our values by living them at home – which is why I have prohibited torture and will close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. And we must make it clear to every man, woman and child around the world who lives under the dark cloud of tyranny that America will speak out on behalf of their human rights, and tend to the light of freedom, and justice, and opportunity, and respect for the dignity of all peoples. That is who we are. That is the moral source of America’s authority” (Obama’s propaganda ops, oops, I mean speech last night.
A reminder: December 10th is Human Rights Day. BloggersUnite has a lot of activities and I don’t think you need a blog to join in/ contribute written material–or any material for that matter.
Also, beginning December 5, Amnesty International is starting their Global Write-A-Thon. See AI for details, ideas, etc.
Since we’re discussing human rights, war crimes….just another forum.
Hope everyone is well.
Sweet tides,
He can’t earn it, Part II:
War is Peace
“We have forged a new beginning between America and the Muslim World – one that recognizes our mutual interest in breaking a cycle of conflict, and that promises a future in which those who kill innocents are isolated by those who stand up for peace and prosperity and human dignity.”
I am going to hopefully put together an essay on Human Rights. I’ve got some notes, and a working definition. If y’all don’t mind, I’d like to get your views–and they will be attributed to you in the manner most comfortable to you. Also, you set the parameters–and I will use views I may find distasteful, but I’m trying to eliminate as much subjectivity as possible.
Please give some thought while I pull one or two questions out to talk? If it’s ok with you, Professor. While it might be more appropriate to do it on my blog, your set up is well-organized, and there’s an impressive pool of intellect and education. Or, you can go ahead now and speak about what’s important to you now regarding human rights. Are we talking mostly First Amendment, or do you think economics (right to shelter, health care, etc.) is a vital component?
I began planning this to discuss what’s happening here: Detention without trial, verdict, sentence, suspension of Habeas Corpus, etc. But as I’ve mentioned, I’ve made friends with some very brave and dedicated Fijans who are living under a military dictatorship, so that will be about half of what I write.
My only fear is that I will get sick, and I will feel since it’s not 100%, I won’t post it. But that’s my problem.
If this is not permitted, please tell me so. Sorry for being bold and leaping before I look. Remember, I’ve worked with many lawyers and law professors, and they reward arrogance. It’s become habit, and I mean no disrespect to Professor Turley, this site, nor anyone else.
thank you for your time. Be well and may you swim in
Sweet tides
Why he can’t, Part III:
“In the past, we too often defined our relationship with Pakistan narrowly. Those days are over. Moving forward, we are committed to a partnership with Pakistan that is built on a foundation of mutual interest, mutual respect, and mutual trust” (dear leader)
“C.I.A. to Expand Use of Drones in Pakistan”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/world/asia/04drones.html?_r=1&hp
Why he can’t, Part IV:
“The Privatized War in Afghanistan
by Sue Sturgis
Sue Sturgis, writing today in Facing South: the Online Magazine of the Institute for Southern Studies:
Additional number of American troops President Obama plans to deploy to Afghanistan: 30,000
Total number of U.S. troops that will be there after the deployment: 98,000
Number of private contractors working for the U.S. in Afghanistan as of September 2009: 104,101
Percent by which that number grew between June and September: 40
Percent of the Defense Department’s workforce in Afghanistan accounted for by contractors: 57
Number of conflicts in U.S. history involving a higher percentage of contractors: 0
Percent of the U.S. presence on the ground during the Vietnam War accounted for by contractors: 13
Percent of the Defense Department’s 2008 budget devoted to contracts and grants: 82
Estimated value of Defense Department contracts in Afghanistan awarded to Texas-based Fluor and Virginia’s DynCorp: $7.5 billion
Amount Fluor’s PAC contributed to federal candidates in 2008: $305,499
Amount DynCorp’s PAC contributed to federal candidates in 2008: $51,999
Date on which a financial analyst announced that Fluor and DynCorp stood to benefit from deployment of additional troops to Afghanistan: 12/2/2009
Amount by which Fluor’s share prices rose in that afternoon’s trading: 33 cents
Amount by which DynCorp’s share prices rose: 30 cents
Month in which DynCorp disclosed in a regulatory filing that it had made payments to expedite visas and licenses, potentially violating the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: 11/2009
The estimated total for these illegal payments: $300,000
Date on which an investigation was announced on behalf of DynCorp investors over possible securities law violations by the company: 12/3/2009
Value of a U.S. contract with DynCorp to train Iraqi police that federal auditors said was so mismanaged they were unable to determine how the money was spent: $1.3 billion
Year in which the U.S. Commission on Wartime Contracting is scheduled to release a comprehensive study of contracting in war zones: 2011″
http://www.commondreams.org/further/2009/12/04
He can’t: Part V
The war is in Pakistan. Didn’t hear much about that in dear leader’s speech. We conduct military operations there, in secret, no Congressional or any kind of oversight. We must pay attention. We are destabilizing Pakistan.
http://rebelreports.com/
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NEW YORK – December 9 – On December 10, as President Barack Obama accepts the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, members of the New York City chapter of the War Resisters League will carry cardboard coffins across mid-town Manhattan in a solemn and silent procession, to dramatize the human costs of the war in Afghanistan—a war that the President had pledged to accelerate in the coming weeks and months.
The group will gather at noon, on Thursday, December 10, at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza (East 47th street, near First Avenue), and then process across 42nd Street to the Times Square Military Recruiting Station. Joined by members of Veterans for Peace, World Can’t Wait and other groups, the marchers will carry black draped coffins, and the faces of war victims.
“Peace prizes should not go to war presidents,” says WRL organizer Ruth Benn. “Just a week after he announced ‘surge’ of 30,000 troops to the deadly Afghan quagmire, we feel that President Barack Obama cannot accept a prize established to recognize—in the words of Alfred Nobel—‘the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies.’ It is an irony approaching fiction.”
Perhaps Prof T will highlight and update this story tomorrow.
‘the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies.’ It is an irony approaching fiction.”
I think the relevant words are in the future perfect tense: “the person who shall have done…”
The fact is, Obama is fighting a war that should have been completed properly, insead of killing our men and women, not to mention Iraqis who lost at least 10 times the amount of people.
I’d like to be a pacifist, I really would. But my idealism is tempered by the reality. Did you lose anyone on September 11? That’s not the point, but we can not allow these guys into our country and kill us. Period. I don’t like it, I don’t like what’s referred to as “collateral damage.”
I’m beginning to agree with people that call the prize, “not W.” prize. That administration literally destroyed this country, where thugs were pillaging, and the last two payoffs was skyrocketing oil prices, and of course, TARP.
Jill, I get why you are pissed; so am I. But I just can’t let that go. The war is wrong for so many reasons; I don’t believe in baby -killing. And if I were Afghani, I’d be even angrier. Hope your demonstration went well. My blessings. The most I can do is send letters via ACLU, AI, The Pen, etc. I really wish you luck. the word that comes to mind is “quagmire” and I don’t want that.
No, you can’t lighten up. It was a moment of brevity. Believe me. Chazzbo and I know much in the way of families going up in smoke. I’m the most Zionist leftist you’ll ever meet, and that was after five years of study.
Please don’t take this the wrong way. I know the anger you feel. Jill, if you think there is anything I can do, just ask. In the meantime, I’d like to hear what the Professor says.
Jill
I read an earlier post you had written, about how policy decisions are made, and the use of experts to “consult.” I’ve worked enough in politics to know that is exactly how it happens.
I’ll do a search on Democratic Underground, but would you tell me about it as well? In spite of what you may think of me, I’m genuinely interested, and value your opinion.
scribadiva,
I don’t think anything badly of you and I’m so sorry if I somehow conveyed that impression. I am not a member of the democratic underground so I don’t know anything about how they work. I have looked to them for information on say, Obama’s voting record which I found to be accurate by crosschecking with several other sources that I trusted. I try to confirm from several sources whenever possible. I would like to read what you have to say from your prior political experience. My best wishes, and apology for any misunderstanding.
Jill