An explosive new book will disclose a Red Cross report that found that the Bush Administration committed clear acts of torture and that Bush Administration officials could be charged with war crimes. The book The book, “The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals,” by New Yorker writer Jane Mayer, gives details of the confidential report. I will be discussing its implications on MSNBC’s Countdown tonight. For the video, click here.
The Red Cross has not denied the report but stated that such communications must remain confidential. The book gives details of shocking acts of torture, including hanging individuals from the ceiling and confining men into small boxes for prolonged periods.
The disclosure only adds to the anger over the refusal of the democratic leadership to allow an investigation into war crimes by the Administration. While various surrogates for the White House have tried to deny that waterboarding is torture, the most respected international body in this area found the answer both obvious and easy: the Administration conducted an official torture program in violation of international law.
For the full story, click here.
Stalin was responsible for more deaths than Eisenhower, Churchill, Hitler, Bush and Blair combined. Yet only Hitler would have ever seen a trial because he lost the battle. Eisenhower like Bush, renamed (German) POWs as DEFs (disarmed enemy forces) so that he could ignore the Geneva convention on the treatment of POWs – he ended up killing about 1 000 000 German POWs that way and it didn’t even make the papers much less the World Court. Bush will never see the inside of a courtroom, even if he were to shoot another American in the face with a rifle after he leaves office.
Patty,
As a facilitator yourself, as you stated, then you understand I meant no harm or antipathy, but sought common ground and further knowledge. Meaningful dialogue is always a necessity to advancing one’s understanding on any given issue. Perhaps, my rather bungling and unartful presentation about Vincent Bugliosi’s book caused the understandable misperception.
I had just completed reading his book, and again, I am not an attorney, but I am a serious student and journalist who is all too aware of the transgressions that have occurred under the Bush junta. Bugliosi made in his book, at least to the layman eye, a compelling and cogent argument, which seemed plausible. As to the actual conceivability of such an endeavor, I would defer to the experts, such as Professor Turley.
I have already sought the advice on this topic with John Dean, through my Editor-in-Chief’s radio program when he interviewed Dean, who seemed to surmise it was a dubious undertaking. Bugliosi, for his part, was far more irreverent and confident it could take place, provided there were enough public outcries.
Personally, and as you allude to at the end of your last comment, I would settle for the restoration of the rule of law and accountability. Even if it is only through the mechanisms set forth within the Constitution—Impeachment and removal— as Bush and his senior cabinet members have inextricably all risen, numerous times, to High Crimes that should NEVER be trumped by political expediency or a complacent citizenry.
Frank R.
Senior Editor – Op Ed News
Mespo is a fine ‘Country’ lawyer.
As a ‘facilatator’, of sorts, myself, I understand your desire to bring people together and expedite communications, personally and on behalf of your publication.
If JT said he intends to read the book and respond when he gets out from under his current case load concerns, he will…
I have not read Bugliosi’s book yet, either and I was curious to know what you meant, as to the liklihood of a charge of ‘Murder’ sticking, when you stated “Also, in Vincent Bugliosi’s book, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder, he lays out a compelling case…
… – replete with precedence and causation – as to why Bush could and should be held accountable for these pointless deaths.”
With the exception of a rare few, people have not forgotten and still desire accountability – especially JT and his ‘outlaws’ here.
Patti,
The article you reference is not necessarily my opinion, even though I am a senior member of the editorial board at Op Ed News. In addition, I did not conduct that interview nor did I participate in the questioning of Mr.Bugliosi, or contribute to the editorial piece written by Linda Milazzo – an excellent essayist and editorial writer I nevertheless respect. Moreover, as is the case with all news organizations, opinions expressed by our columnists are not necessarily those of the news entity or its editorial board. I commend you are your quick research in finding the article, but I am flummoxed at the “tad impatient” reference. Please elaborate.
My attempt was to bring about some interaction among the many fine analysts and legal minds found here, in particular Professor Turley’s – but not solely – and to study the array of responses on this blog. My comments were in no way to be construed as impugning your colleague; I was merely exchanging ideas and thoughts. I welcome all views and consider all aspects of any sound argument.
I have read Bugliosi’s book and found it intriguing and thought-provoking. Nevertheless, as you point out, it is a dubious scenario given the current political landscape and other extenuating factors. As damaging as the Bush administration has been to the country and the rule of law, it is my informed opinion (as a research writer in the area of politics, religion and current events for more than six years) that America and Congress simply desires for this ignoble era to end and bury it in the annuls of history. To label it as blight on our country’s resume´ as a dark time in our nation; we would prefer to forget it than to hold those accountable for their egregious usurpations.
Considering Congress’s unwillingness to use its constitutional powers to hold a number of Bush officials in inherent contempt of Congress for ignoring subpoenas, I think that it would be a fair statement to make that few, if any, members who worked so feverishly to undermine the rule of law will ever be brought to justice within the Bush administration.
Whether or not this latest information about what the Red Cross witnessed, in regard to torture, will prove incendiary enough to create an international impetus to begin an investigation into war crimes, as Professor Turley suggests, remains to be seen. Personally, as much as I agree with Professor Turley on this issue, I have little foundation to suspect it is a probable scenario.
-Frank R.
Senior Editor – Op Ed News
Mespo,
Thank you for that lucid and illuminating legal analysis; it was quite helpful. I am not an attorney, but I do understand jurisprudence and the Geneva Convention Articles enough to be in agreement with your theory and its underpinnings in international law.
If you enjoy Bugliosi’s writing, with his inimitable, no-holds-barred approach, then you will enjoy reading, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder. Even if it is not practical, it is an inspiring view from a respected and fearless prosecutor.
If your are interested, we could do an interview (by email or phone) or a story piece that would elaborate on your legal opinion on how Bush could be prosecuted, and why, and then publish it on Op Ed News as a feature article.
-Frank R.
Senior Editor – Op Ed News
Frank & Patty C:
I agree that Bush’s actions have been heinous. I just disagree on the charges. I feel confident that he could be prosecuted for war crimes under the Third & Fourth Geneva Conventions since his actions involving command responsibility for “unlawfully disregarding and failing to discharge his duty as a commander to control the acts of members of his command by permitting them to commit war crimes.” (The Yamashita Standard). Bush’s responsibility lies ” if [he] knew, or had information which should have enabled [him] to conclude in the circumstances at the time, that [his subordinates] were committing or about to commit such a breach [of the Convention] and if [he] did not take all feasible measures within [his] power to prevent or repress the breach.” Certainly Abu Ghraib, the renditions, various civilian massacres,and numerous other war crimes as defined in GCIII/GCIV could be considered.
Common law murder on the other hand is likely out of the question if you are talking about first (involving premeditation) or second degree (without premeditation) murder. You might be able to suggest a case for involuntary manslaughter arising from the reckless conduct but the assertion was not manslaughter but murder. Murder is the killing of a human being by a sane person, with intent, malice aforethought and with no legal excuse or authority. Malice aforethought is usually regarded as “(i) Intent to kill; (ii) Intent to inflict serious bodily harm; (iii) Reckless indifference to an unjustifiably high risk to human life (depraved heart); or (iv) Intent to commit a felony (felony-murder doctrine).” Only (iv.) Felony Murder presents any theoretical claim and that would require a showing of the war crimes felonies before the murder charge could be sustained. Even if that could be proven, the deaths of US troops in the field are likely too remote from the scene of the war crimes to be considered to have occurred “during a felony.” I think this is what Bugliosi is driving at in his book, but it more precatory than practical. The main problem however is that Bush possesses the authority as commander in chief to send troops into harm’s way and with the imprimatur of Congress, his actions are likely immune from this type of prosecution.
This is just a thumbnail sketch of the issues, and I would defer to Professor Turley’s opinion, but I don’t believe any murder prosecution will be seeing the light of day.
P.S. I like Bugliosi too.I read his book Helter Skelter twice!
Op Ed:
Just going by your article below, I’d say you have a bit of a ‘man crush’ on Bugliosi and are also a tad impatient…
Mespo, is a colleague, fellow Virginia lawyer, and a frequent, well-respected contributor to JT’s blog, and was expressing his considered legal opinion.
That is not to suggest that George Bush cannot, should not, nor will not be held accountable. The question remains, how might ‘Murder’ be the proper charge?
OpEdNews
Original Content at http://www.opednews.com/articles/A-CALL-TO-HEROES–My–SIT–by-Linda-Milazzo-080622-921.html
June 22, 2008
A Call to Heroes: My “Sit-Down” with Vincent Bugliosi
By Linda Milazzo
There are adjectives that come to mind when describing famed former prosecutor and renowned author, Vincent Bugliosi, who for forty years has set the standard for prosecutorial skill in America. Some are intrepid, brave, independent, brilliant, driven, indomitable, respected, focused, relentless and confident. Each fits perfectly well. But after interviewing Mr. Bugliosi at his California home, and reading his latest book, “The Prosecution Of George W. Bush For Murder,” I am compelled to add two more adjectives to that already formidable list: PATRIOTIC and ENRAGED. Beyond all other characterizations one may ascribe to Vincent Bugliosi, the principal descriptors TODAY for this inherently honorable man are PATRIOTIC and ENRAGED – emanating equally from his love for his nation.
Of course, there’s another descriptor that has long been associated with Vincent Bugliosi. That descriptor is JUSTICE, to which Bugliosi has devoted his life. Yet not until now – not until George W. Bush caused the murders of over 4,000 Americans and countless innocent Iraqi men, women, children and babies, has JUSTICE assumed an even greater role for Bugliosi – arguably this nation’s preeminent prosecutor. JUSTICE has morphed from a noun to a verb – enacted by Bugliosi with a vengeance – fueled by his intense love of nation, his profound knowledge of law, and his unparalleled ability to dispense it. Vincent Bugliosi is a man of action. While others speak of JUSTICE, Bugliosi creates the ways to achieve it – and he has done so in this book.
Thus it is, that when legendary prosecutor Vince Bugliosi writes a book that establishes the case to prosecute George W. Bush for murder in an American court, for those who know the law, neither the book nor the case are ignored. As told to me by Elizabeth De La Vega, veteran Justice Department attorney who served under Presidents Reagan, Bush I, Clinton and Bush II, and author of the New York Times Best seller, “United States v. George W. Bush et. al.”:
“Vincent Bugliosi is a consummate prosecutor who has now put together yet another compelling case. His is a cry for justice on behalf of the thousands upon thousands of people who have suffered irreparable harm — and the many of who have died — as a result of the criminal conduct of the President of the United States. This passionate and powerful brief should not be ignored.”
Thankfully, as De La Vega aptly implores, Vince’s book is NOT being ignored. NOT by his patriotic colleagues in law who seek justice against an Administration that misled their nation into a wretched unnecessary war. NOT by the patriotic American public that’s witnessed its beloved nation toppled from human rights enforcer to human rights destroyer. And NOT by the legions of activist patriots who have placed their own freedoms at risk again and again to end the unConstitutional reign of George W. Bush – despite the complicit Legislative and Judicial Branches which failed in their Balance of Powers. As shared with me by Stephen Rohde, Constitutional lawyer, author, and former president of the ACLU of Southern California:
“At a time when the Democratic leadership has utterly failed to pursue the remedy of impeachment provided by the Founders in the Constitution, Bugliosi’s innovative challenge to indict Bush for murder should be pursued by attorneys general in every state where men and women have died due to Bush’s criminal acts. This Nation cannot allow Bush to leave office and live out his days being paid huge fees to give speeches and serve on corporate boards instead of being tried for the deaths and injuries he has caused. Whether he is forced to stand trial for murder or for war crimes and crimes against humanity, George W. Bush must be held accountable.”
Which brings us to Vince’s CALL TO HEROES. The heroes in Vince’s case are those who would prosecute George W. Bush for murder in an American court of law – which includes the hundreds of city and county District Attorneys, the fifty State Attorneys General and any of the ninety-three U.S. Attorneys in the nintey-three federal districts for whom Vince established jurisdiction to proceed with the case. Vince is certain that amongst this vast population of prosecutors, there is at least one patriot who loves this nation deeply enough to hold Bush accountable for the murders of over 4,000 service men and women whom he lied into going to war. The good news for whomever does step forward to take George Bush to task is the promise of assistance from Bugliosi himself – who as a prosecutor is held in the highest regard. In the words of famed defense attorney F. Lee Bailey, Vince is “the quintessential prosecutor.” For Harvard Law Professor, Alan Dershowitz, Vince is “as good a prosecutor as there ever was.” Thus, Vince’s offer to serve as consultant to whomever accepts the case should be incentive enough to take it on – especially since whomever does take it on will encounter instant fame. Vince has also offered to accept a Special Prosecutor appointment from any U.S. Attorney or District Attorney who would like him to try the case.
There are certainly enough family members of murdered service men and women who want George W. Bush tried for their murders. This afternoon I spoke with Peace Mom Cindy Sheehan whose son Casey was killed in Iraq. Cindy, who’s mentioned in Vince’s book, is eager to see Bush tried for Casey’s murder. She’ll be reaching out to Vince to tell him that if prosecution is possible, she’s on board on Casey’s behalf.
As I’ve previously noted, Vince’s patriotism is palpable – in his presence, and in his book. By any standards, this 73 year old son of hard working Italian immigrants has achieved his American dream. He’s the first in his family to finish college. He’s a brilliantly successful lawyer and one of America’s most renowned authors. Yet despite his great accomplishments, Vince’s focus is on the future – with minor reflection on his past. Right now, the driving force of Vince’s life is prosecuting George W. Bush for murder – a desire that first took hold on August 13, 2005, when he watched Bush on television speaking with reporters from his cushy Crawford ranch. As Vince tells it:
“In the middle of some of the worst atrocities in Iraq, with the surivors of victims screaming out in anguish over the unspeakable horror of it all, Bush after a hearty breakfast tells the media: Quote: I’m gonna have lunch with Secretary of State Rice, take a little nap, I’m reading an Elmore Leonard book right now – knock off a little Elmore Leonard this afternoon – go fishing with my man Barney [his dog], have a light dinner, then head for the ball game. So it’s a perfect day. End quote. As I talk to you [Linda] right now, there are a hundred-thousand dead – maybe a million – and this guy is off having a great time! I said to myself, ‘No, you son of a bitch! You’re not gonna have another perfect day for as long as you live if I have anything to say about it because I’m gonna put a thought in your mind that you’re going to take with you to your grave. That’s the least that I can do for these thousands of poor soldiers coming back from Iraq in a box or in a jar of ashes. And the thousands upon thousands of innocent men, women, children and babies dying because of your war. And that thought is that there’s no statute of limitations for murder. They went after Pinochet after 33 years – and then he died.”
Coming from Vincent Bugliosi, a man who has proven time and again that he has no fear, this is a threat George Bush should take seriously. Vince will not back down. One must remember that Vince Bugliosi is the author of “Helter Skelter.” He’s the guy who prosecuted Charles Manson in a case where a defense attorney was found dead – and though it was never proven – is believed to have been killed as retaliation by Manson Family members. Vince was the hands-on prosecutor who publicly defied Manson’s threats of retribution. He’s fearless.
In retrospect, it’s interesting how so many physically slight men, like Vince Bugliosi, Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich, stand so tall against injustice. Equally interesting is how powerful corporate entities like major publishing houses and media conglomerates, succumb willingly to the same.
Despite his literary successes, the same publishing houses that would ordinarily vie for a Bugliosi book, passed on “The Prosecution Of George W. Bush For Murder” – a testament to the incivility of the Bush administration and the level of fear it engenders. Gratefully, Vanguard Press took the plunge. When I asked Vince why corporate media and large corporate publishers ignored his book, he responded with:
“The left is afraid of the right but the right’s not afraid of the left.” Those on “the right” are terribly mean, evil and bad people.”
For Vince it’s as cut and dry as that. But he has yet to meet the real left – the fearless marchers, protesters, and bloggers who have NO fear of “the right.” Vince’s idea of the left is corporate media – which he still calls liberal. For all his renaissance-man-persona, there’s one area where Vince trails behind. TECHNOLOGY!!
Vince doesn’t use a computer. He writes his books long hand on canary pads. He has no email address, doesn’t surf the web, doesn’t google, doesn’t have a cell phone, and doesn’t know the rest of us exist! He laughs when I tell him the blogosphere has become the mainstream. He doesn’t know what a blog is, or a website. He’s amused by the iPod I use to record our talk, and amazed by the iPhone I use to take his photo (above). Yet for all his lack of technology savvy, he did comprehend that without one corporate TV appearance and no major newspaper review, his book still debuted at #17 on the New York Times Best Seller list and at #30 on Amazon.com. Three weeks ago, when his book first launched to a corporate media blackout, his book signing lines at Book Expo America in Los Angeles were two hours long. When I explain to Vince that the internet drove that enthusiasm, he begins to catch on.
On June 13th, after an appearance on DemocracyNow! with Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzales, whom Vince hadn’t previously heard of, his book sales spiked like mad. When I explained to him that Amy has the most successful radio and television news program in independent media, the message sinks in even more. The fact is, after all the major publishing houses turned down “The Prosecution of George W. Bush For Murder,” Vanguard, who published the book, greeted Vince by saying,
“Vince this book has to be published. This is the most important book of your career.”
What’s interesting is that Vince clearly knew the importance of this book – but he didn’t know the rest of us KNEW IT TOO – or that we even existed. How ironic that with all the conversation on the blogosphere about prosecuting George W. Bush, the hero we’ve been waiting for didn’t have a clue that we were waiting!
As a lay person with no legal background, I have no idea how sound Vince’s case is – although it appears impressive to me. But I’ve reached out to enough legal scholars to know how respected Vincent Bugliosi is. Dr. William Pepper, the famous and controversial attorney who defended James Earl Ray in the 1999 civil trial (supported by Martin Luther King’s family) where the jury found Ray not responsible for MLK’s assassination, and who differs with Vince on Vince’s 1650 page treatise on the JFK assassination, told me:
“I certainly support the concept of prosecuting this president and those around him. The concept of a criminal prosecution within the United States by local prosecutors is certainly a creative idea that Mr. Bugliosi has put forward. Because of the broader violation of international criminal law there should be the prosecution of all in this administration by the U.S. Department of Justice. Vince Bugliosi has established an exemplary record as a prosecutor and thoughtful legal analyst. His perspective should merit serious legal attention.”
I also reached out to respected Constitutional attorney and George Washington Law Professor, Jonathan Turley, who is a frequent legal analyst on television and who has testified before Congress. Professor Turley responded by email saying, “I have not had a chance to look at the book because I am in rather intense litigation. I will not be able to read it for a couple weeks, unfortunately, so I will not be able to comment at this time.” Constitutional scholar and Duke University Law Professor, Erwin Chemerinsky, responded by Blackberry from Europe stating, “I am on vacation and have not seen Vince’s book. I’ll get a copy when we get back early this coming week.” America’s most gifted legal professionals are paying attention to Vince’s book with full intent to read it.
The fact is, Vincent Bugliosi is as decent a man as you’ll ever meet. He’s written the book that others are too afraid and too unskilled to write. America’s good fortune is that there is NO ONE BETTER than Vincent Bugliosi to write the case to prosecute George Bush. Please support Vince on his critically important mission. Do ALL you can to spread the word. Encourage every legal scholar in America to make the case for the prosecution of George W. Bush. Encourage every talented prosecutor to take this case on. Buy the book and pass it on. Bush leaves office in less than 7 months. Let’s make certain he doesn’t have a PERFECT day for as long as he lives!
On a slightly different note: The comparisons between John McCain and Barack Obama are stark. I’m committed to electing Obama – although he often disappoints me. Yesterday was one of those disappointing days when he announced his support for the FISA compromise that lets the telecoms off the hook. To say I’m furious at Obama is an understatement. Yet, if John McCain is elected there is the distinct possibility that in addition to bombing innocent people, ending Roe v. Wade, and supporting torture, he will pardon George W. Bush – which removes any possibility of criminal prosecution within the United States. As angry as I am at Obama right now, I don’t believe he’d have the gall to pardon Bush. If Obama even remotely entertains that notion, he shouldn’t be allowed to serve.
Authors Bio: Linda Milazzo is a Los Angeles based writer, educator and activist. Since 1974, she has divided her time between the entertainment industry, government organizations & community development projects and educational programs. Linda began her writing career over 30 years ago, starting out in advertising and promotions. From 1976 to 1989, she operated an independent public relations service providing specialty writing for individual and corporate clients. For the past six years, Linda has focused on political writing. Her essays, letters and commentaries have appeared in domestic and international journals, newspapers, magazines and on dozens of respected news and opinion websites. She’s an educator and creator of a writers’ program she’s taught privately and in public schools. She currently facilitates an advocacy writing workshop and is developing an advocacy writing program to be implemented in public and private educational institutions and in community based organizations. A political and social activist since the Vietnam War, Linda attributes her revitalized-fully-engaged-intense-head-on-non-stop-political activism to the UNFORTUNATE EXISTENCE OF GEORGE W. BUSH and her disgust with greed-ridden American imperialism, environmental atrocities, egregious war, nuclear proliferation, lying leaders, and global tyranny!
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Mespo,
I do not personally make any presuppositions as to what Professor Turley thinks; it was merely a suspicion of my own volition –of which, Professor Turley can chose to respond or not. I am an ardent follower and student of his work and consider him to possess one of the finest legal minds in the country. Therefore, we both agree on the merits and unassailable credentials of Professor Turley. To wit, however, I would be interested in hearing his opinion on the matter, should he choose to weigh in with his opinion.
I appreciate your view – which seems to suggest you disagree Bush could be prosecuted for the death of the 4000-plus soldiers who have died in a preemptive war of aggression – but I would point out that a number of people on this blog responded with a similar opinion, or at least the specter of inferring it was possible or warranted.
Also, in Vincent Bugliosi’s book, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder, he lays out a compelling case – replete with precedence and causation – as to why Bush could and should be held accountable for these pointless deaths.
Regardless, I think one point is clear on this topic: Professor Turley does believe Bush’s actions – in light of the information covered in this node – amount undeniable to torture, by any standard, which at minimum is a felony, and justifies and satisfies the legal test for impeachment and removal from his high office of public trust.
-Frank R.
Senior Editor – Op Ed News
I may have put this post in the wrong place…
Professor Turley,
I hate to sound like a sycophant, or some sort of shrill puddin’ head, but after watching your interview with Rachel Maddow on MSNBC regarding Jane Mayer’s book “The Dark Side,” sweet Jesus in the morning, I have to say, you are my hero! For as the New York Times reported, Mayer qualifies that the Red Cross found evidence of the CIA using torture on prisoners that would make the Bush administration guilty of war crimes. Go figure… After Mr. Hitchen’s nearly has a coronary, giving water boarding a try for the Vanity Fair audience, could there be any other conclusion that what we do in Gitmo, Bagram, Abu Ghraib is torture?
So your my hero, at least for the time being, or for a news cycle or two. Ok? I haven’t had one for some time. So I’m a little rusty. But please don’t send me a press shot…I’m not good at the venerating, mythologizing part.
You see, I’m a pretty crusty, if not near-savagely cynical 48 year old, who isn’t prone to being swept away by the actions of any others in our species who pretend that their lives will have a historical impact beyond their years. I possess a kind of “what is this quintessence of dust?” worldview, just this side of Twain’s “damned human race.” For speaking of history, I believe, ours is tome whose pages are scribed in blood.
So my hero worship comes really in the form of a pre-death rattle, an unburdening, a sense of relief wrought of hopelessness, that someone from the “reality based” community can still tell the shape of a spade, and call it by its name.
For I am deeply ashamed of what my country and what its people have allowed to be done in the once hallowed name of America. It sickens me beyond expression to consider that WE have stood by as this cadre of jackals has sullied our great–shall I say it?–Liberal humanist tradition of being the place where “wretched refuse” can cop a squat. For was it not George Washington who ordered that the Hessians be not treated as American prisons of war were treated by the British?
We have lost a high and noble standard, as a people, without a doubt.
And to all those whose liberty we have constrained, whose loved ones have been disappeared in a veil of red mist, to those for which the name of this country will forever be associated with unspeakable misery, I pray the Hague has room for the lot of them. For there is no measure, no eye-for-an-eye, in any of this… Only one life, one heart, one principle, and one freedom that’s at stake, for us and for the world.
Thank you professor Turley for being so tactfully disgusted, as your demeanor, at least on TeeVee, portrays quite bemusedly. Your conduct as a gentleman and a man of conscious is an admirable thing… Please continue. And I’ll try to keep my gushing to myself…
Rafflaw wrote:
Jill,
I do believe that Obama will bring justice and the rule of law back into play. The FISA vote was discouraging. I was part of the Obama supporters group on his website that was “encouraging” him to vote against it. However, even Sen. Feingold has stated that he believes that Obama will correct the FISA issue and will stand up for the Constitution.
***********************
Rafflaw, I agree. While I was very disappointed in Sen. Obama’s vote on the FISA bill and wish he had voted against it, I still believe he will be a far better choice for President than McCain. If McCain is elected, I truly believe conditions in the U.S. would become even worse than they are now. I’d much rather have a President who will END this war and restore the Constitution, because that has been badly damaged as well.
Frabk,
I agree with your listing, but I would also add the illegal manipulation of the Justice Department and the illegal manipulation of the EPA and NASA concerning the global warming science that you mentioned in number 10. It is a staggering list when you put it all together. I would also add that many of the election fraud issues in the past elections are probably being attempted right now in anticipation of the November elections.
Frank Ranelli:
“Tangentially, and I suspect that professor Turley may be inclined to agree (professor?), that the Bush administration is guilty of more than 4000 counts of murder – one count for each U.S. soldier that has needlessly died in this war of aggression.”
***************
I wouldn’t presume to speak for Professor Turley but I doubt he would consider the deaths of combatants to be murders even in this illegal war. It doesn’t meet the legal definition, and JT is a consummate lawyer. Your other points are well taken however.
The Bush/Cheney regime is unquestionably guilty of far more than a Top 10 crimes list. However, below is an excellent list that underscores 10 of their most egregious and observable crimes.
Tangentially, and I suspect that professor Turley may be inclined to agree (professor?), that the Bush administration is guilty of more than 4000 counts of murder – one count for each U.S. soldier that has needlessly died in this war of aggression. (It could also be argued Bush is guilty of mass murder –on the level of a genocidal scale –if one were to view this through the prism of Iraq casualties and include the tens of thousands of people who have lost their lives in the Middle East.)
Attribution and thanks to Linda Alvarez for this list:
1. Violating the United Nations Charter by launching an illegal “War of Aggression” against Iraq without cause, using fraud to sell the war to Congress and the public, misusing government funds to begin bombing without Congressional authorization, and subjecting our military personnel to unnecessary harm, debilitating injuries, and deaths.
2. Violating U.S. and international law by authorizing the torture of thousands of captives, resulting in dozens of deaths, and keeping prisoners hidden from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
3. Violating the Constitution by arbitrarily detaining Americans, legal residents, and non-Americans, without due process, without charge, and without access to counsel.
4. Violating the Geneva Conventions by targeting civilians, journalists, hospitals, and ambulances, and using illegal weapons, including white phosphorous, depleted uranium, and a new type of napalm.
5. Violating U.S. law and the Constitution through widespread wiretapping of the phone calls and emails of Americans without a warrant.
6. Violating the Constitution by using “signing statements” to defy hundreds of laws passed by Congress.
7. Violating U.S. and state law by obstructing honest elections in 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006.
8. Violating U.S. law by using paid propaganda and disinformation, selectively and misleadingly leaking classified information, and exposing the identity of a covert CIA operative working on sensitive WMD proliferation for political retribution.
9. Subverting the Constitution and abusing Presidential power by asserting a “Unitary Executive Theory” giving unlimited powers to the President, by obstructing efforts by Congress and the Courts to review and restrict Presidential actions, and by promoting and signing legislation negating the Bill of Rights and the Writ of Habeas Corpus.
10. Gross negligence in failing to assist New Orleans residents after Hurricane Katrina, in ignoring urgent warnings of an Al Qaeda attack prior to Sept. 11, 2001, and in increasing air pollution causing global warming.
Frank R.
Senior Editor – Op Ed News
iL,
I forgot to thank you for the link to Prof. Turley’s appearance on Countdown yesterday. It was good to see Rachel Maddow taking Keith’s place. She is one of my favorites on Air America radio. It is heartening to see and hear someone with Prof. Turley’s stature lay out the simple and clear reasons why this Bush Regime should be held accountable for war crimes.
I didn’t say thank you (which I meant to). Those are both thoughtful and decent responses and I appreciate that you took the time to write them.
Jill
Mespo and Jill,
I have some of the same reservations, I just do not believe that there is a better choice. In some respects, it is a gamble when you place a vote for someone. I just see Obama as a much safer vote. We, as citizens, have to be engaged and stay vigilant, as we should with any politician.
rafflaw and mespo,
I will consider what both of you have said!
Jill
Oops sorry Jill meant to address this to you too. Must be my keyboard’s fault.