Is Bush protecting himself by legislating against the Geneva Conventions?

Question

and why are you CONS allowing him to do that. It could be your son, cousin, nephew, brother, friend that is affected next time. These acts are passed to protect all. Why is the current President so smart that he thinks he is above all that?

Answer 1

I don't think it's so much about protecting himself. The president, despite the intent of the constitution, appears to have almost monarchal power now. I don't think he's worried about getting caught. I just think that these hawks believe that torture is the only way to get information, which is silly, because information obtained under torture is dubious at best.

The scary part is that all the gov't has to do is figure a way to declare you an enemy combatant and they can do whatever they want to you - anything - do you remember Franz Kafka's The Trial - well, ta dah! We've arrived.

You're under arrest. No, we're not telling you why, we're just taking you to jail. Oh no - a secret jail in the Balkans. No, you can't have a lawyer. No, you have no rights, we can keep you here as long as we want with no repercussions. Oh, this is what we call a 'water-board.' Lie down, there you go. Now cover his face with rubber. Get those electrodes out.

American justice is on the verge of dying.

FP

Answer 2

George W. Bush is not a normal president, he didn't win the election, he was placed into office by the powers that be, ( the Illuminati) he takes his orders from the wealthiest people on the planet. Once they get a president under their power, they take all the necessary steps to keep him there , and to do what ever it takes to keep him protected. If Bush was not protected from the atrocities he has committed, and his treasonous ways, both he and his old man would be swinging from a wild oak tree! George Bush Sr. said it himself; " If they ( Americans) only knew what we have done they would hunt us down and hang us in the streets."

Answer 3

May 9

MR. FLEISCHER: I have an announcement to make. Today President Bush affirms our enduring commitment to the important principles of the Geneva Convention. Consistent with American values and the principles of the Geneva Convention, the United States has treated and will continue to treat all Taliban and al Qaeda detainees in Guantanamo Bay humanely and consistent with the principles of the Geneva Convention.

They will continue to receive three appropriate meals a day, excellent medical care, clothing, shelter, showers, and the opportunity worship. The International Community of the Red Cross can visit each detainee privately.

In addition, President Bush today has decided that the Geneva Convention will apply to the Taliban detainees, but not to the al Qaeda international terrorists.

Afghanistan is a party to the Geneva Convention. Although the United States does not recognize the Taliban as a legitimate Afghani government, the President determined that the Taliban members are covered under the treaty because Afghanistan is a party to the Convention.

Under Article 4 of the Geneva Convention, however, Taliban detainees are not entitled to POW status. To qualify as POWs under Article 4, al Qaeda and Taliban detainees would have to have satisfied four conditions: They would have to be part of a military hierarchy; they would have to have worn uniforms or other distinctive signs visible at a distance; they would have to have carried arms openly; and they would have to have conducted their military operations in accordance with the laws and customs of war.

The Taliban have not effectively distinguished themselves from the civilian population of Afghanistan. Moreover, they have not conducted their operations in accordance with the laws and customs of war. Instead, they have knowingly adopted and provided support to the unlawful terrorist objectives of the al Qaeda.

Al Qaeda is an international terrorist group and cannot be considered a state party to the Geneva Convention. Its members, therefore, are not covered by the Geneva Convention, and are not entitled to POW status under the treaty.

Sept 6

"I want to be absolutely clear with our people and the world: The United States does not torture. It's against our laws and it's against our values. I have not authorized it, and I will not authorize it," Bush said in his afternoon address.

"The CIA program has been, and remains, one of the most vital tools in our war against the terrorists," Bush said.

The statement leaves open the possibility that while the 14 detainees have been moved from CIA to Department of Defense custody, the CIA program to hold and interrogate detainees is still active. "Black sites," or secret prisons, may still hold high-value al Qaeda prisoners.

Today's announcement provides a mechanism to move detainees out of CIA custody once interrogators have obtained any "time-sensitive, threat related" information, according to one intelligence source.

Bush said torture is not condoned, but he said that as it became clear that Zubaydah had been trained on how to resist interrogation, the CIA "used an alternative set of procedures," which he said were "designed to be safe, to comply with our laws, our Constitution and our treaty obligations."


Sept 21

“I’m pleased to say that this agreement preserves the single most potent tool we have in protecting America and foiling terrorist attacks,” the president said, shortly after administration officials and key lawmakers announced agreement following a week of high-profile intraparty disagreement.

Sen. John McCain of Arizona, one of three GOP lawmakers who told Bush he couldn’t have the legislation the way he initially asked for it, said, “The agreement that we’ve entered into gives the president the tools he needs to continue to fight the war on terror and bring these evil people to justice.”


Oct 13

That's todays date and how far behind you are. I thought the internet was supposed to help you keep up?

Answer 4

Another big blob of BS. Clarification. Clarification. Clarification is all GW was wanting. The vagueness of the Geneva Convention articles demands clarification. Clarification!!!! Clarification!!!!!! No legislating!!!! Clarification!!!! Look the word up. Can you understand? Clarification. Comprendo?

Answer 5

The geneva has never protected one American soldier,or civilian,just ask McCain,the rangers in somalia,Eugene Armstrong,nick berg,beheaded in irag,are president knows Americans will never be treated properly,no matter what we do.

Answer 6

the geneva convention applies to unifmormed members of a military. the terrorists are not members of a military and never signed the genva convention treaty.

Answer 7

Bush cannot legislate. He can merely execute and render orders. Legislation is the job of the Congress.

Answer 8

If the terrorists want to be treated like humans they should act like one.

Strapping a bomb to their waist and going into a holy place, pizza place or a car isn't compliance.

Thought you'd know that "humanist"

Answer 9

Bush iz just Bush...Money Hungry motherfacker that willing to put the United State in Great Harm just for his well being....

Answer 10

if they had followed the geneva convention in iraq,where are the american prison camps? oh that's right they execute us and follow the rules! they dont have any