Monday, July 10, 2006

Shrubya and Gitmo

Bush is his own spin doctor.

June 30th, The Supreme Court rejects the Bush plan to try detainees before Military Commissions, 5-3.

Bush's response in Chicago this weekend: "They were silent on whether or not Guantánamo — whether or not we should have used Guantánamo. In other words, they accepted the use of Guantánamo, the decision I made." Bush ignores the issue that was at trial, which was how detainees should be tried. Instead, he focuses on whether or not he could use Guantánamo, which was NOT at issue.

He can't use a Presidential Signing Statement on a Supreme Court Decision, which seriously impedes his Imperial Presidency. "The executive is bound to comply with the rule of law that prevails in this jurisdiction," Justice John Paul Stevens, writing for the 5-to-3 majority, said at the end of a 73-page opinion that in sober tones shredded each of the administration's arguments, including the assertion that Congress had stripped the court of jurisdiction to decide the case. The commissions were set up without Congressional authorization.

In the meantime, Congress is sharply divided over detainees rights and how much "deference" to be shown the President in deciding the issue. Deference? This Predidency has ignored the Constitution, he's conducted secret spying, he's defied the Geneva Convention. Five years ago, he joked: "If this were a dictatorship, it’d be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I’m the dictator." Meanwhile, he conducts himself as if he is a dictator. Not so funny.

9 comments:

robin andrea said...

This is the most serious time in our country's history. I believe it is equal in gravity to the Civil War. Our nation's constitution is at risk of being rendered nothing but a piece of paper (did I read that Bush actually called it that). We need a strong congress to fight back. If they give Bush a blank check on this, it will be one more horrible blow to our democracy.

DivaJood said...

Robin, yes, Bush actually referred to the Constitution as a piece of paper. I agree, this is the most serious, and dangerous time in the history of the US. We stand on the brink of disaster as a nation, and how it will evolve is still in question.

Pete said...

Dear Diva

While Dubya has inflated his Presidential role and I agree Gitmo should go I would like to defend the noble profession of spying.

Dubya has not "conducted secret spying" he's conducted spying thats been revealed publicly. Therein lies the problem.

Publicity could put the second oldest profession out of business or at least harm its reputation in the US.

In Australian spying is more secret and the populace much happier.

Pete

sumo said...

I just hope we live long enough to see him/them brought up on criminal charges and make them stick!

DivaJood said...

glenda: so now what? I'm getting worn out by shrub.

pete: it does take an Aussie to put the proper perspective on things. The second oldest profession, I like that.

sumo: well, if even people like Pete Hoekstra are suggesting Shrubya's done illegalities, perhaps. But I am tired. karena, on her blog, said she's tired of holding out hope and then having it go nowhere. I agree.

Anonymous said...

Great analysis, Diva. "In other words, they accepted the decision I made." Christ, that goes beyond spinning and straight into the lying category. This man makes me sick and the public should just shot "liar, liar" all of the time, up and down the roads and sidewalks until the guy quits his job.

DivaJood said...

Karena: Sumo has a great post up about the possibility of Bush being tried for crimes against humanity in Nueremburg. Should we hope?

Anonymous said...

Yes, Diva, we should always hope! Sure, I cave in to despair once in a while, but hope springs eternal, while cynicism can get real dry.

DivaJood said...

karena, yep. The difference between skeptics and cynics is huge.