Potter Stewart and the New, Improved Chamber of Secrets
Allahpundit, on HOTAIR.com, provides some excerpts/commentary on the proposed legislation. Again, as the story develops we hope to keep up. What's this, CED? No more waterboarding? I found out — from ex-military — that pilots, etc., are subjected to waterboarding as part of training (expected torture techniques). I wonder if the military is in the habit of subjecting its own members to severely and permanently debilitating treatment. Seems almost self-defeating if they are.
Much more at HOTAIR. Me? I'd steer clear of the "Comments" section on this one.One of the stickiest points in the talks between the administration and the senators involved the use of classified information as evidence against terrorist suspects. The administration said that if suspects were shown the evidence against them, it could help their terrorist networks.
Hunter told reporters that the deal struck today would fall short of letting suspects themselves see the evidence against them. Instead, a judge advocate general would be appointed to review the evidence on their behalf and to cross-examine the witnesses who presented it. All this would be done in the absence of the suspect.
The safeguards accepted by the senators against torturing suspects and witnesses to secure evidence were said to be in accord with the Geneva Convention.
Original Entry 9/21/2006 10:01:00 PM:
Good news for Potter Stewart fans, as Senate Republicans, in collaboration with the
I'm happy to let Senators Graham and McCain, and Mr. Bush do the talking here, letting our crack Reuters
Graham said the compromise produced "a CIA program that the president desired to have in a way that clearly does not violate our obligations under the Geneva Conventions."and:
"I'm pleased to say that this agreement preserves the ... most potent tool we have in protecting America and foiling terrorist attacks, and that is the CIA program to question the world's most dangerous terrorists and to get their secrets," Bush said of the deal.and:
McCain brushed off talk about who prevailed in the showdown with the White House, saying, "We're all winners because we've been able to come to an agreement through a process of negotiations and consensus."Dangerously reasonable talk.
"I love the smell of oversight in the morning. Smells like....the Constitution."
Based on the Reuters article, I'll give it a provisional "Seems like a reasonable solution given the starting point." Now if they can get the
rubber stampHouse of Representatives to go along without bowdlerizing the whole thing (as is their wont), we'll have made some progress. (I heard a less-than-enthusiastic sign-off from a JAG on the radio this morning - which amounted to: "We'll just have to wait and see." But such is the nature of compromise, innit?)After the details filter out, I'll be able to weigh-in with a more detailed commentary. (I'm sure wrymouth is sure that I'll find something to bitch about. No doubt he's correct.) ;-)
Reply to this
Indeed, I note this is merely Stage 1, in which Some Republicans nudge Bush away from his private cabinet's views. Stage 2: The Senate. Can the Dems do more than just Filibuster? Will they constructively shape the legislation, or just try and stifle it? Stage 3: the House -- should be a slam-dunk, but given their tiffs with the Senate, maybe they'll throw in their two bits for the halibut (though I hope none of this legislation will benefit the residents of tiny Alaskan Islands with bridges to the mainland). Stage 3: the courts, and beyond.
Based on the number of JAGs in existence, I am not surprised that one can find a JAG to support any opinion. I'd be happier with a random survey of relevant military personnel, but fear the "media" too lazy or underfunded to do the job properly. It's easier to find one voice, than summarize many.
A few stages in, and we'll see how this thing is shaking out. Don't throw away those old Blondie albums just yet -- the CIA might pay good money for those "interrogation tools!"
Reply to this