Thursday, December 15, 2005

 

Jim Marshall pro torture wing of the Democratic Party


Voting against it [specific language proposed by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) that would prohibit "cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment" of anyone in the custody of the U.S. government.] were 121 Republicans and one Democrat, Rep. Jim Marshall (Ga.).

Big tent sure. Big enough for advocates of cruel inhuman or degrading treatment ?

Also the Washington Pos is biased against torture. The article quotes supporters of the resolution but does not present the arguments for torture. Does John F. Harris know about this gross breach of journalistic standards ?

update: Bush abandons Marshall. The Bush administration appears to have surrendered to McCain. Interrogation will follow the field manual (which is being revised). Torture will be allowed only by allied dictatorships after rendition (no deal on that ). McCain's chances of becoming President increase. Still a very good thing.

update 2: There appears to be a specific agreement on what is in the field manual too. That is McCain clearly claims that he has closed that particular loophole, because the agreement includes agreement about the text of the manual "This agreement basically does two things: One, puts into the Army Field Manual the specific procedures for interrogations. And two, it prohibits cruel, inhumane -- or torture."

The agreement does not re-establish rules against rendition to countries that torture. Also the restrictions on Habeus Corpus petitions by Guantanamo detainees which are being considered might make this and all law unenforceable.

Finally I was displeased that this might lead to President McCain. On reflecting I thought that might not be such a bad thing. On reflecting further I recall he wants to send more US troops to Iraq. I do admire the man.

posted by Robert permalink and comments7:10 AM