May 25, 2008

IMPEACH BUSH

IMPEACH CHENEY

TORTURE CAME FROM THE TOP

Republicans self-righteously talked about "the rule of law" during the Clinton years. But as George W. Bush makes up the rules as he goes along Republicans don't seem concerned about Bush's flagrant disregard for the law, for the Constitution, and for basic human decency. Agents from the FBI documented countless human rights abuses against prisoners held as alleged terrorists. The consistent pattern of the abuses and other evidence shows that orders came from the highest levels of the United States government. There is no justification for this torture just as there was no justification for this war. This editorial is from The New York Times at http://www.nytimes.com/:

The study said F.B.I. agents reported this illegal behavior to Washington. They were told not to take part, but the bureau appears to have done nothing to end the abuse. It certainly never told Congress or the American people. The inspector general said the agents’ concerns were conveyed to the National Security Council, but he found no evidence that it acted on them.

Mr. Bush claims harsh interrogations produced invaluable intelligence, but the F.B.I. agents said the abuse was ineffective. They also predicted, accurately, that it would be impossible to prosecute abused prisoners.

For years, Mr. Bush has refused to tell the truth about his administration’s inhuman policy on prisoners, and the Republican-controlled Congress eagerly acquiesced to his stonewalling. Now, the Democrats in charge of Congress must press for full disclosure.

SOME PERSPECTIVE, PLEASE

This article caught my eye because I received a mailer from a mayoral candidate in Fresno that appropriated the text from the e-mail the author discusses. I respect veterans who actually have defended freedom. Too many of our wars haven't been protecting freedom, though. They've had other motivations even though they've been dressed up as something far more noble. This article by Monica Benderman is at http://www.smirkingchimp.com/:

Truth Matters.

How can there be freedom of religion if we are not willing to tolerate the religions of others?

How can there be freedom of the press if we are not willing to question the information we are given?

How can there be freedom of speech if the speeches we give are nothing more than a criticism of what others are trying to say?

How can we expect the exercise of our freedom to assemble to have any value if the assembled masses are doing little more than throwing temper tantrums at not being in control?

How can we expect fair treatment in a court of law if we are not willing to respect the laws in our own actions of living?