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mandragorasmug, sanctimonious git!
Just caught his performance regarding the detainees at Guantanimo Bay on the BBC News at Ten. I found him to be deeply repellent. It's rare that I react with such hostility to a politician (they have a job to do and I recognise that even if I don't like what they're saying). But to see that bastion of privilege and wealth crap on about how the detainees are not 'common criminals' but are terrorists who will stop at nothing to attack 'us' if they're released made my blood boil.
Where's your proof? Why haven't these people had access to legal advice and been tried in an impartial and properly appointed court of law? As a lawyer I can't begin to express how much the denial of these people's basic rights offends me.
Some of them may well be terrorists, who should be locked up in punishment for their crimes for a substantial period of time and to protect the public from their actions. But the point is that we don't know that they are because they have been denied all access to justice.
It stinks.
To quote TH White "Might does not make right". Pity that the present US administration seems to be unaware of this.
Just caught his performance regarding the detainees at Guantanimo Bay on the BBC News at Ten. I found him to be deeply repellent. It's rare that I react with such hostility to a politician (they have a job to do and I recognise that even if I don't like what they're saying). But to see that bastion of privilege and wealth crap on about how the detainees are not 'common criminals' but are terrorists who will stop at nothing to attack 'us' if they're released made my blood boil.
Where's your proof? Why haven't these people had access to legal advice and been tried in an impartial and properly appointed court of law? As a lawyer I can't begin to express how much the denial of these people's basic rights offends me.
Some of them may well be terrorists, who should be locked up in punishment for their crimes for a substantial period of time and to protect the public from their actions. But the point is that we don't know that they are because they have been denied all access to justice.
It stinks.
To quote TH White "Might does not make right". Pity that the present US administration seems to be unaware of this.
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The UNpatriotic Administration
Date: 14 February 2004 22:29 (UTC)Oh, heck, haven't you heard? THEY (definition of THEY being a certain over-privileged, arrogant administration) no longer need proof. Thanks to Ashcroft's Patriot Act, which is anything but patriotic. Some highlights of this Act:
Allows the FBI to secretly obtain information on U.S. citizens without showing they are involved in terrorism or terrorist-related activities. This information includes medical, library, internet, telephone, financial records, and even information from charities, religious, and political organizations. Also, the government is not required to have a specific target for a search. It may, for example, obtain a list of everyone that bought a particular book.
Prohibits businesses or organizations that are being searched (such as a library or hospital) from informing a targeted citizen, or anyone else for that matter, that their information is being gathered. Violators could be imprisoned.
Allows the secret wiretap of phones, computers, and other electronic devices without showing probable cause of criminal or terrorist activity.
Allows government agents to enter any premises whether it be private home or business, copy or photograph evidence, and install surveillance equipment. The occupant of the premises would only be notified at a later date. A time period establishing this "later date" is not specified. This came to be known as the "sneak and peek" provision and is not limited to terrorist investigations.
Loosens restrictions on the sharing of information between intelligence agencies that were imposed in the 1970s after the government spied on law-abiding, politically active U.S. citizens.
Allows the monitoring of once privileged conversations between clients and their attorneys.
Allows the detainment of non-citizens without showing cause. These non-citizens may be deported or held indefinitely without trial.
Contains secrecy provisions barring information from the public regarding Patriot Act related activities of the government.
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Really need to go find me a pissy icon 'cause I can see Bush and cronies keep getting me there. ;)
Re: The UNpatriotic Administration
Date: 20 February 2004 11:41 (UTC)Oh, heck, haven't you heard? THEY (definition of THEY being a certain over-privileged, arrogant administration) no longer need proof.
Sadly, yes, I'd heard about the Patriot Act. And was devoutly grateful that I don't live in the US. That Act sends chills down my spine and it seems that from being one of the most open nations the US is slowly making itself into one of the least. It makes me want to weep.
Apparently 5 British detainees are (finally) going to be released from Guantanimo Bay. I'm agog with curiosity as to how they'll be treated once they get back home, as under British law they cannot now be tried - they've been denied access to justice for too long. However I wouldn't be surprised if the Government attempts to weasel their way round the legal restrictions somehow.
Plus, there are still 4 British detainees remaining and God knows what will happen to them. I'll be cheering you on at the Presidential election this year. Fingers crossed that Bush loses.