Many people thought it was a bit odd when Governor Rick Perry indicated that he might run for President of the United States after previously suggesting that Texas may want to secede from the United States. Perry seems not only want to be the John C. Calhoun of presidential aspirants, but he has also decided to add the violation of international law and treaties as a resume booster. Over the objections of President Obama and a host of leading international figures, Perry has refused to stop the execution of of Humberto Leal Garcia — a Mexican national denied his rights under the Vienna Convention.
Texas police and prosecutors have repeatedly violated the Vienna Convention by not informing foreign citizens of their right to consult with their embassies. Leal is a convicted rapist and murderer.
Leal, 38, was killed a 16-year-old girl in San Antonio. Texas police and prosecutors never told him about the right to speak to his embassy. This violation was either a knowingly disregard of the law or an act of gross negligence. Yet, the prosecutors and police have faced no repercussions for causing this international controversy. Moreover, Perry refuses to meet his obligation to satisfy international obligations that are expressly required under a treaty.
Consular access is a vital protection for Americans traveling abroad, but Texas is about undermine that protection by refusing to address a clear violation of its own officials. Imagine the response of other countries when an American is held in places like Iran or North Korea. They are likely to invoke the Texas Rule and deny such access. Once again, the United States appears to view international obligations and law as binding on every one but ourselves. This is not an isolated case. In 2004, the United States was found to have violated the treaty in 51 cases involving Mexicans awaiting execution — many in Texas.
Source: Guardian
Jonathan Turley
Idiots. This man raped a 16 yr old with a piece of lumber, raped her, tortured her then bludgeoned her to death. He has been granted every appeal, and the consulate issue has been addressed IN THE COURTS. READ the history, before you comment, liberal kneejerk B.S. No one abides by international law except us. Give me a break…
In light of the repeated violations of UNCAT I am puzzled as to why this case would lead to so much discussion. Yes, “bussiness as usual.”
“This animal raped and killed a teenage girl. I wonder if all of you people would be saying these things if it was your daughter that was brutal raped and murdered. You all make me sick.’
Michael,
It’s Texas. Why bother with a trial at all, just let some good ole cowboys lynch him. That’s justice for you and judging by your comment that is your kind of justice.
Elaine M.
1, July 6, 2011 at 5:33 pm
AY,
What was your New Year’s resolution? Be nice to retired school marms who have a snarky sense of humor?
****************
Of course….
This animal raped and killed a teenage girl. I wonder if all of you people would be saying these things if it was your daughter that was brutal raped and murdered. You all make me sick.
pro-life is only for the pre-born
“I think that this case is a perfect example of why the death penalty does not work and why we all need to stop and look and think twice about a country that decides to kill its own citizens. Murder’s not right no matter who does it, whether its a ritual killing or someone becoming a victim in a drive by shooting. It’s disgusting and I think, if this case gets any attention, it should focus on that issue, that we need to stop trying to kill our own people.” (JOSE BAEZ)
I think Mexico needs to protest by telling it’s citizens not to come to the U.S. ! It seems silly to me to use Iran and North Korea as examples of countries who might act in response to texas. Why don’t we act the same as those to countries and just automatically thow border violaters in jail and keep them there until a proper ransom is paid.
Gives new meaning to “the rule of law” does it not?
I suppose this will put an end to George W Bush’s $150,000 talks he’s been giving in foreign countries. It won’t be safe for our #! war criminal to step across our border.
Elaine-
I’m a Badger, not a Gopher.
Minnesota may be a precursor of what Wisconsin will be if the recall elections give the State Senate a Democratic majority again. Gridlocked. Also, no guaranty, and frankly, no possibility that the lawlessness can be undone.
Two recent figures from the Milwaukee Public Schools:
1. 519 MPS employees have received “layoff” (a.k.a. termination) notices. I haven’t seen any breakdown by occupation, i.e. Teachers, Staff, Maintenance,etc.
2. 39 MPS School Principals will retire this year. The numbers for the previous two years were 5 and 9. None of them were fired. With no union and the schools going down the toilet none of them want to take a chance on seeing their retirement benefits disappear.
In January Scott Walker will celebrate one year on the job. One of his presents will be a recall election.
One more vile Republican trick you may not have heard about. There are 6 recall elections for Republican Senators. Republicans are running openly fake Democratic candidates in all 6 recalls to force primary elections. This is to delay the recall elections for about a month so the Bastard Republicans can pass more anti-abortion, anti-women, anti-voter, and “get even with everyone we hate” laws before they lose control of the Senate.
And may they all rot in hell. Amen.
Off Topic
From Think Progress:
Union Workers Replaced With Prison Labor Under Scott Walker’s Collective Bargaining Law
By Alex Seitz-Wald on Jul 6, 2011
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/07/06/261319/scott-walker-prison-labor/
Excerpt:
While Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s (R) law dismantling collective bargaining rights has harmed teachers, nurses, and other civil servants, it’s helping a different group in Wisconsinites — inmates. Prisoners are now taking up jobs that used to be held by unionized workers in some parts of the state.
As the Madison Capital Times reports, “Besides losing their right to negotiate over the percentage of their paycheck that will go toward health care and retirement, unions also lost the ability to claim work as a ‘union-only’ job, opening the door for private workers and evidently even inmates to step in and take their place.” Inmates are not paid for their work, but may receive time off of their sentences.
The law went into effect last week, and Racine County is already using inmates to do landscaping, painting, and another basic maintenance around the county that was previously done by county workers. The union had successfully sued to stop the country from using prison labor for these jobs last year, but with Walker’s new law, they have no recourse.
‘Let the jury consider their verdict,’ the King said, for about the twentieth time that day.
‘No, no!’ said the Queen. ‘Sentence first—verdict afterwards.’
‘Stuff and nonsense!’ said Alice loudly. ‘The idea of having the sentence first!’
‘Hold your tongue!’ said the Queen, turning purple.
‘I won’t!’ said Alice.
Off with her head!’ the Queen shouted at the top of her voice. Nobody moved.
At least with Lewis Carroll, those ignoring the law had the propriety to just be playing cards. No such luck in Texas.
HenMan,
This is the only “Six Flags things” that I’m familiar with:
http://www.sixflags.com/newEngland/index.aspx
What’s up with Minnesota these days?
AY,
What was your New Year’s resolution? Be nice to retired school marms who have a snarky sense of humor?
😉
Republicans don’t believe in the rule of law.
Elaine-
It’s that Six Flags thing. They haven’t figured out which of the six legal systems to use. They have eliminated one, though. The same one that was eliminated by Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Arizona, Florida, etc.
Anonymously Yours,
Bar none, that is the best comment I have ever read of yours. I think your New Year’s Resolution is working—kudos for maintaining it.
“If you don’t understand….Raise your hand…she will acknowledge you when she has time….” (AY)
Excellent!
BW,
Please do not attack Elaine….She maybe a lot of things…But one thing for sure she is not clueless….She taught children when they were expected to learn…I was fortunate to have a teacher like her….The rest of the school children should be as lucky…But I know not all teachers are cut from the same cloth….
If you don’t understand….Raise your hand…she will acknowledge you when she has time….