Bush finally admits he is a liar

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From the Desk of Caroline Fredrickson
Director, ACLU Washington Legislative Office *************************************************
Dear ACLU Supporter, On Friday night, in a national television interview, President Bush directly admitted what we have suspected all along: The White House was deeply and intimately involved in decisions about the CIA's use of torture.

For the first time, George W. Bush acknowledged that he knew his top national security advisers discussed and approved specific details of the CIA's use of torture. "I'm aware that our national security team met on this issue and I approved," he said. He also defended the use of waterboarding -- simulated drowning where the victim feels like they are about to die. Congress should long ago have gotten to the bottom of which top officials approved, condoned and authorized U.S. involvement in torture. But, now that the President has admitted to a policy of top-down torture, the ACLU is calling on Congress to demand an independent prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the War Crimes Act, the federal Anti-Torture Act and federal assault laws.

Justice

Attorney General Michael Mukasey’s remarks – rather his lack of concise, succinct responses - regarding ‘water boarding’ (which he previously stated he felt was repugnant) was a display of Washington-style BS at its best. His verbiage set a new standard in excess. Never before have I heard so many pontificate endlessly and say absolutely nothing.

Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee found a very frustrating participant in the Attorney General, who appeared to be no more than yet one more Bush-backing, doublespeak supporter and protector of the current administration; more intent on ‘winning’ than seeking truth or justice.

When asked the simple question, “Has there been any communication between your office and the Whitehouse regarding the destruction of the (CIA) tapes?” he answered, “I don’t understand the question.” What a brilliant legal mind.

Stonewalling, half-truths, and outright lies have been the status quo of this administration and its appointees. And, even at this late stage of the administrations term, it continues. At the heart of the issue is torture; and the possibility of war crime charges and charges of crimes against humanity. Michael Mukasey suggested that ‘certification of authorization’ was a crucial issue, however, the excuse that ‘one was only following orders’ was dismissed years ago – decades ago – as unacceptable at Nuremberg.

Basic standards concerning human rights do not change with circumstance. Nor do they require renewed approval of a particular government or government leader. They are basic rights.

http://geekmetv.blogspot.com/2007/11/who-we-are-is-choice.html

The back-story here – and there always is a back-story – is whether our Justice Department is a department of justice or simply another tool of the White House to mislead, misinform, and protect violators. Can our government investigate itself? I don’t think so. A Special Prosecutor is needed, but won’t be appointed. Deception, secret activities, and blatant disregard for the rule of law will continue – at least while Mukasey is Attorney General – but it will not prevail. Eventually, the truth will come out.

“How far from our moorings we’ve strayed.” remarked Senator Leahy near the close of the meeting. Indeed.

See video: http://geekmetv2.blogspot.com/2008/01/mukasey.html

America's Shame

I recently commented on the efforts of the ACLU to secure documentation regarding the treatment of detainees held by the American government. During my research I discovered that children were also being held in confinement, and that allegations of abuse (including rape) had been leveled against those in charge of the detainees. The thought of children being used and abused in order to force information from their parents was not only startling, but nauseating as well.

I admit that I didn’t want to believe the allegations, but – as the old adage goes – a picture is worth a thousand words. Here then are three thousand words to consider:

With the News focusing on the economy and the upcoming election it is important that we do not allow other issues to fall by the wayside. This issue is of paramount concern and must be addressed. Emperor Bush may ‘say’ we do not torture, but he lies. We have, shamefully; and we do. But children? Children? What sick minds can even think to defend this barbarism?

For those (and sadly I find the number growing) who say they’re tired of hearing about the war in Iraq, I would suggest you take another look at these pictures. And consider how tired those depicted are of the war. And of us.

This is Democracy in action? This is what America does? And we wonder why they call us ‘the great Satan’?

It is time for Americans to take back our government and our country from the sicko’s who have usurped it. It is time to restore our civil liberties, quit living in fear, and (above all else) hold our government accountable for these crimes against humanity.