Interesting thing about this newly declassified torture memo

[margotb822]

According to the memo, Congress cannot infringe upon the president's control over troops in wartime. One fact worth mentioning though, is that we're not technically at war. Only Congress can declare war, and the last time that happened was in WWII. So, since we're not technically at war, Bush's argument is bunk. Bush has broken the law, defied Congress and authorized torture when he didn't have the authority. Off to jail he goes!



edit: subject

[ShaneGR]

1. You mean the one that was just made public?

It's really not new, was written years ago and it was already partially leaked years ago.

[margotb822]

2. Yes, that is the one I mean

I know it was written just after we invaded Iraq, but it was recently declassed, so it's new(ish) to us.

[Octafish]

3. Because of George W Bush, people working for the United States tortured and brutalized children.

Seymour Hersh has reported there are videos to be released from Abu Ghraib that document the most horrible and unspeakable acts perpetrated upon children by the US CIA-Pentagon-PrivateContract torturers, operating with Bush's authority.

[margotb822]

4. * is insane

I don't know how or why he thought that torturing people would somehow make America safer. He has single-handedly done more to breed terrorism throughout the world than any Islamic extremist could have ever done. I think we should subject him to his own punishment and see if he feels tortured. And, on that note, I also don't understand how McCain could NOT support the anti-torture bill. He was tortured, lied under torture, spoke out against torture, and then flips and supports it.

:puke:

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. They used the war powers act so we technically were at war

and yes, the war powers act has been questioned in the past on Constitutional grounds but as far as I remember the USSC has never ruled on it... nor that it matters any more... what Constitution?

That said, when bush gave that speech on the lincoln, yep all major operations are over... the war powers act went off...

So you are correct, but we have chickens for congress critters... you think ANY of them will investigate anything?

[margotb822]

6. I thought that

declaring war was separate from authorizing the use of force. But you're right to point out the fact that major combat operations have concluded, so I guess it makes the whole argument moot. I just do think it's interesting that the memo would use that wording when they should have realized it could be easily debatable.

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. The War Powers came during the Cold War

when the whole of congress could vaporize.

That is why it gave authorization to the executive to run the war, as if a war was declared....

It has been questioned, since more than one President, on BOTH sides has sent forces to combat under it... but as far as I remember it has never been taken to the USSC

Oh and in theory, during the cold war, it made sense... in practice it led to the strengthening of the Imperial presidency and the weakening of the judiciary.

Though in theory, you still need Congress to declare war, and why every president that sends forces does all that it can be done to end major combat operations before the 120 day marker comes in