Rules of War in light of Bush era

[yurbud]

Most wars can be avoided, but to the extent they can't, these ideas should be added the minimum standards we expect of our leaders and troops:

No mercenaries, ever. No private contractor shall carry a gun, engage in combat, interrogate, or in any way engage foreign nationals in a hostile manner. If such an event occurs, since mercenaries are not subject to the UCMJ, they must be turned over to local authorities without intervention by our government or military. If a mercenary engages in a war crime in the presence of uniformed military, the uniformed military should deal with them as they would a terrorist they caught in the act.

Freedom follows the flag. We will not close presses, intimidate, harrass or arrest reporters (including our own). We may at most ask news organizations to delay releasing details of tactical engagements about to begin or withhold details that would endanger troops. Congress should investigate every death of a reporter to the fullest degree possible including whether the death was based on a policy of harrassment.

No war profiteering. When American troops are being shot at, all military contracts will be converted to COST (not cost plus). Executive salaries & other compensation will be frozen until the end of hostilities. No dividends shall be given during hostilities.

All work that can't be accomplished by American troops will be done by locals, and where that is impractical, by businesses based as close to the theater as possible.

Falsifying information to incite war should be treason.