Look Who Approves Torture
I would expect that torture, no matter what sort of "legislation" congressional castrati produce and that the President then signs, would be illegal, and that the Supreme Court—or some international tribunal—would find it so. I'm told, however, by people with more experience in government than me, who still work in the belly of the beast, that moral decency no longer applies. Given today's "legislation" the President will do whatever he wants, with or without consent from the courts, without consequence, at least until the US regime changes in fundamental ways. I have long thought the Tyrant belongs in jail, for life, and now I only hope that I live long enough to see the day...
Shame on the Congress! And shame on those who haven't yet reached the point where they openly call our ruling junta what it is: a stinking criminal cabal. (If one of the greatest living American essayists, Joan Didion, feels so restricted in her recent description of Mr. Cheney that she must mince words, how much more difficult must it be for everybody else to put our awful mess into perspective?) Swallowing this new affront, the American public has reached a historic low. More than that: I agree with Jacob Hornberger, and even with the NYT—the Tyrant has crossed the Rubicon.
Hey, if we're going to officially torture people, we should do so publicly. Spectacular confections, televised with fireworks, on the National Mall in front of the Lincoln Memorial, so that all may enjoy the sport. Stress positions? Let's resuscitate 17th century stocks, pillories, and bilboes. Water-boarding? A good ducking in the Reflecting Pool will answer. Brandings—no doubt—would be popular too. The Tyrant could find all-American blueprints for the necessary equipment somewhere in Williamsburg. Then string the bodies of those who succumb on lamp-posts up and down Pennsylvania Avenue. Boldly proclaim the New (Old) America, to better ensure the safety of the Homeland!
God forgive us all...
Posted by George Kenney on September 28, 2006 7:18 PM 
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Comments
You said it right. May God save our democracy. Today, our country, has witnessed one of the darkest days of its history. Shame on our congress! It is indeed guilty of war crimes.
Even if you are a legal permanent resident of the US, you have absolutely no constitutional rights. You could be picked up anywhere in the world and detained indefinitely without the constitutional and fundamental right of even a court hearing. In other words, your rights are even less than a four-legged animal.I am deeply shocked and very depressed by what I have heard in the news. Congratulations to the Republican Dynasty, who is ruling the American Emipre and its monarch, forgive me-its Tyrant, G. W. Bush, who should read the fate of the Roman Empire in his spare time.
Posted by: Mike | September 29, 2006 7:19 PM
This national nightmare must one day come to an end. Let's hope soon.
In all times of hardship, there is yet much to be thankful for. I am thankful to know that many of us are ashamed and angry by what this government does "in our name." I am thankful that we still have some degree the ability to share our feelings and information on the internet-- (though certainly, I don't forget that the "full spectrum dominance" the neocons are trying to implement includes domination of information). We are not licked yet. No one will ever rule our hearts.
For inspiration, maybe tepid inspiration, I like the essay by E.M. Forster "What I believe" from his collection of essays, Two Cheers for Democracy.
I recommend it:
http://tinyurl.com/oqow5
Posted by: Robert B. Livingston | September 29, 2006 8:08 PM