Could Hitler Have Invoked 'State Secrets' To Thwart Jews?
This absurdly demands justice, on top of the US government's refusal to enforce the law against the DOJ officials who violated FISA and Geneva.
This government got caught. The issues are known. The issue is not longer one of secrecy for the state, but civil rights of human beings.
We need to find a way to lawfully punish those who have agreed to participate in these alleged Geneva violations. The question isn't whether or not there are prohibitions against torture; but whether it is a reasonable defense, on the back of the known abuse for anyone involved to believe their actions were lawful.
The real crime isn't merely the original abuse, which demands relief; but the absurd assertion the information is a "state secret". Then, by implication, this means the US government agrees there is an official connection with that original abuse.
"State secrecy" isn't a right, but a privilege which the courts do not have to recognize. Yet, the absurdity is for the government to strip American citizens of their right -- illegally recast as a mere "privilege" -- to be immune from unreasonable searches, and by-pass the agreed to FISA standards ensuring judicial involvement.
The question isn't the mob of American citizens demanding justice; but the mob of reckless DOJ staff counsel who demand public assent to illegal, government-directed activity.
The mob of reckless DOJ Staff counsel deserve subsequent, lawful confrontation.
What will the public lawfully do to ensure similar DOJ Staff counsel blind deference to FISA and Geneva violations is timely confronted, and does not become "local custom".
This government got caught. The issues are known. The issue is not longer one of secrecy for the state, but civil rights of human beings.
We need to find a way to lawfully punish those who have agreed to participate in these alleged Geneva violations. The question isn't whether or not there are prohibitions against torture; but whether it is a reasonable defense, on the back of the known abuse for anyone involved to believe their actions were lawful.
The real crime isn't merely the original abuse, which demands relief; but the absurd assertion the information is a "state secret". Then, by implication, this means the US government agrees there is an official connection with that original abuse.
"State secrecy" isn't a right, but a privilege which the courts do not have to recognize. Yet, the absurdity is for the government to strip American citizens of their right -- illegally recast as a mere "privilege" -- to be immune from unreasonable searches, and by-pass the agreed to FISA standards ensuring judicial involvement.
The question isn't the mob of American citizens demanding justice; but the mob of reckless DOJ staff counsel who demand public assent to illegal, government-directed activity.
The mob of reckless DOJ Staff counsel deserve subsequent, lawful confrontation.
What will the public lawfully do to ensure similar DOJ Staff counsel blind deference to FISA and Geneva violations is timely confronted, and does not become "local custom".
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In the main, the public doesn't understand the gravity or the implications of the illegal actions that took place and that some allege continue to take place.
February 12, 2009 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nevertheless, many of us here know the facts need to come out and appropriate legal action taken.
Although the title of this post may put some people off from reading it, the body of the post is excellent.
Perhaps the poster might consider changing the title. In which case I would be happy to recommend the post.
February 12, 2009 3:37 PM | Reply | Permalink