Geneva Convention Overhaul Considered (Bush wanted more Torture allowed)

[papau]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-geneva7jan07,0,5696264.story?coll=la-home-headlines
THE NATION
Geneva Convention Overhaul Considered (Bush wanted more Torture allowed)
By Peter Wallsten
Times Staff Writer

January 7, 2005

WASHINGTON — White House officials considered trying to rewrite the international treaties signed more than half a century ago protecting certain wartime prisoners from mistreatment, senators were told Thursday.

That revelation came during testimony by Alberto R. Gonzales, President Bush's choice as attorney general, whose conclusion as White House counsel that the Geneva Convention did not apply to suspected terrorists has prompted Democrats and human rights advocates to question his suitability as head of the Justice Department.

It marked the first time that an administration official had acknowledged a desire to change the international laws of war following the 2001 terrorist attacks — the same laws that critics accuse the administration of flouting in its pursuit of Al Qaeda.

"We are fighting a new type of enemy and a new type of war," Gonzales said during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, responding to questions from Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.). "Geneva was ratified in 1949 … and I think it is appropriate to revisit whether or not Geneva should be revisited.<snip>

Gonzales' approach to the Geneva treaty has come under fire since he prepared a memo concluding that the prohibitions on torture did not apply to suspected terrorists being questioned by the U.S. military.
<snip>

[Norquist Nemesis]

1. Watched the hearings

and came to the same conclusions. Gonzalez is not as skilled a politician in evading...yet. It was great to see my Senator from Illinois (Durbin) coming back at him on round 2 for an answer on the question of his opinion of where to draw the line on torture. Then he asked follow up questions. AG, looked like a deer in the headlights.

The thing is, he was either actively involved which puts him at the Neocon level, or he had no clue which makes him another incompetent. He can't have it both ways.

[damntexdem]

6. Oh, it could be both ways:

he could have been actively involved AND incompetent.

[UpInArms]

2. how "quaint"

:argh:

:nuke:

[teryang]

3. "Bush wanted more torture..."

Need anyone say more?

[Coventina]

4. Proof that Bush doesn't know who Jesus was

WTF kind of fucked-up deity does he worship, anyway?

[damntexdem]

5. And if 'Old Europe' won't agree to our changes to the GC, ...

the U.S. will create its own Coalition of the Torturing.

[Berserker]

7. He is just spending

some of his political capital he earned.:puke:

[proudbluestater]

8. I wish I had thought up the username I see here often,

Nothing surprises my anymore. What name could be more perfect?

Ok, but I am surprised. Because we have decided to ignore the law which is bad enough. Because "we" have ignored the Supreme Court ruling that states people cannot be kept indefinitely at Gitmo without trial or representation is another slap in the face. But attempting to change the law of the world for OUR CONVENIENCE? Inviting the rest of the world to engage in torture so we don't look so low down?

There is a revolution a brewing somewhere out there, or there should be.

[struggle4progress]

9. kick

[Solly Mack]

10. Are you awake yet, America?

Ah...you are awake....just out shopping.

[AzDar]

11. OMG....just when you think you can't be horrified further.....This ain't

my country anymore,peeps.Until this Abomination and his bungling minions are out of office, I am a nation unto myself.Wanna come?

[Wind Dancer]

12. It is time the Dems said no to this nomination!

If not, they obviously approve of torture, pure and simple. This man is dangerous, very dangerous. I can see him now being a candidate for the SCOTUS if he is not stopped now.

[yinkaafrica]

14. Maybe the majority of Americans want more torture

I know many think it is fine. If it is torture they want,
this is their man.

[two gun sid]

13. The complete and utter stupidity

of the Bush administration never ceases to amaze me. Say no to Gonzo!

[yinkaafrica]

15. Is the mainstream of America changing?

This whole torture business does not seem to upset a lot people.
Are true Democrats, men and women with a true moral compass,
becoming the minority?

[daleo]

16. According to plenty of Christians, God is the universe's head torturer

And he tortures people for eternity. So, I imagine these types don't find torture all that abhorrent.