Boards > Current Events > NEWS: Whos Our Best War Criminal?

FearTheReaper

NEWSWIRE

I'm lost

APR 14, 2008 10:57 PM

It really is difficult to pick the best war criminal in the White House. And make no mistake about it; several members of Bushs cabinet are war criminals. Last week, ABC broke the story of their torture discussions and Bush backed the story up a couple of days later. If you dont think they are war criminals, then you are a fucking idiot.

Highly placed sources said a handful of top advisers signed off on how the CIA would interrogate top al Qaeda suspects -- whether they would be slapped, pushed, deprived of sleep or subjected to simulated drowning, called waterboarding.

The high-level discussions about these "enhanced interrogation techniques" were so detailed, these sources said, some of the interrogation sessions were almost choreographed -- down to the number of times CIA agents could use a specific tactic.

Nice work, peeps. You are officially no better than the Japanese during WWII, some of who we prosecuted for waterboarding.

In the war crimes tribunals that followed Japan's defeat in World War II, the issue of waterboarding was sometimes raised. In 1947, the U.S. charged a Japanese officer, Yukio Asano, with war crimes for waterboarding a U.S. civilian. Asano was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor.

Back in the '60s, we still seemed to think it was a bad thing.

On Jan. 21, 1968, The Washington Post ran a front-page photo of a U.S. soldier supervising the waterboarding of a captured North Vietnamese soldier. The caption said the technique induced "a flooding sense of suffocation and drowning, meant to make him talk." The picture led to an Army investigation and, two months later, the court martial of the soldier.

Now, it is apparently different here in the good old USA. We have tossed our laws out the door and are having a torture party. Of course, the international community is not as retarded and villainous as the Bush Administration, and they still classify waterboarding as torture.

No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture

Shit, even crazy John McCain calls waterboarding a war crime.

... following World War II war crime trials were convened. The Japanese were tried and convicted and hung for war crimes committed against American POWs. Among those charges for which they were convicted was waterboarding.

The ABC News revelation of torture meetings in the White House is disturbing. Sure, we all knew they did it, but now it has been confirmed. And here are your war criminals!

They used to gather at the White House and sit around listening to stories from the CIA about how they were going to torture people. And not just once in a while they heard about EVERY SINGLE PERSON TORTURED.

"It kept coming up. CIA wanted us to sign off on each one every time," said one high-ranking official who asked not to be identified. "They'd say, 'We've got so and so. This is the plan.'"

Sources said that at each discussion, all the Principals present approved.

Youd think these morons would have done everything they could to keep themselves out of the loop. Apparently they are actually dumber than I suspected. The CIA covered its ass and had these idiots sign off on every torture. Nice work.

Only Johnny Ashcroft was said to have been concerned about the blatant stupidity - which is pretty amazing considering how stupid he is.

Then-Attorney General Ashcroft was troubled by the discussions. He agreed with the general policy decision to allow aggressive tactics and had repeatedly advised that they were legal. But he argued that senior White House advisers should not be involved in the grim details of interrogations, sources said.

According to a top official, Ashcroft asked aloud after one meeting: "Why are we talking about this in the White House? History will not judge this kindly."

So, its legal, but it shouldnt be talked about in the White House. Got it.

Now, one would expect our president to deny these accusations, right?
No. And why should he? Our press certainly wont follow up not when Obama is running around using the word Bitter.

"Well, we started to connect the dots in order to protect the American people." Bush told ABC News White House correspondent Martha Raddatz. "And yes, I'm aware our national security team met on this issue. And I approved."

Uh. What? Did you just? Um. Man, I wish somebody cared, because you just threw yourself under the bus. Add one to the War Criminals list.

George W. Bush

But, nobody cares. Its just a few war crimes. Take a look at this sweet AP headline about the horrifying revelations.

Cheney, others OK'd harsh interrogations.

Harsh? Seriously? "Harsh" is when you tell someone to fuck off. Pouring water into someone's mouth so their brain thinks they are drowning is "heinous." Wait, I want to write headlines for the AP.

Cheney Gives The Okey Dokey To Bad Boo Boos.

Cheney And Pals Say Super To Mouth Water Parties

Cheney Makes Water Sandwich For Bad Guys

Currently, the way things stand here in the US, if Congress does not forbid specific torture techniques as illegal, then they are totally legal. Thats how we are doing things. The Bush Administration claims that severe mental or physical pain or suffering is too broad.

They are just ignoring the fact that we prosecuted Japanese, our own soldiers and that Nazis were prosecuted by Norway for waterboarding. It is settled law. Hell, they are giving the finger to the Geneva Conventions.

We just dont give a shit. Congress even amended the War Crimes Act, retroactively, to make sure those who committed war crimes would not be prosecuted. The Abu Ghraib scandal broke in early 2004. Any idiot breathing knows that was approved at the highest level, but we still re-elected Bush in 2004. The abuses of people at Guantanamo are well known to most. And the vast majority of people tortured in those two prisons are innocent.

Certainly nothing will happen in this country, but I wouldnt write off the rest of the world. Augusto Pinochet was arrested in the UK in 1988 for war crimes in Chile. Our very own Henry Kissinger is wanted for questioning in France, Brazil, Chile, Spain, and Argentina because of Operation Condor. The people we have tortured in prisons have come from all over the world; they are citizens of many countries all of whom can now attempt to prosecute these idiots for war crimes. Hopefully the number of countries Dick Cheney and his buddies can visit in the future are very limited.

Bastardo

Boston, MA

January 2005

APR 15, 2008 09:02 AM

I don't think they're stupid, I think they're incredibly delusional. Like real sick person crazy.
Either that or our administration is being run by sociopaths with no regard for human life.

PointBlank

New York, NY

November 2004

APR 15, 2008 09:09 AM

FearTheReaper said:
And here are your war criminals!

Gotta Catch 'Em Aaaallll! ! ! !

AmbientLight

I'm lost

March 2005

APR 15, 2008 09:25 AM

"9/11..."

gogogone

I'm lost

May 2004

APR 15, 2008 09:38 AM

Thanks, FTR....One line that made me giggle out loud was definitely "Cheney Makes Water Sandwich For Bad Guys." Thanks for the great summary on this issue of retardation and hypocrisy that is the Bush administration.

rudeboy71

Chicago, IL

December 2004

APR 15, 2008 09:42 AM

Why do you think the CIA had them sign off on every torture technique? So it won't bite them on the ass later and the president and his cronies could just say they don't know what the CIA is talkking about. Just glad they (CIA) finally got smart and covered their asses.John Ashcroft was the only one uncomfortable with signing off on torture. He said that history will judge them harshly for this. No Shit!

livertarian

Fairfax, VA

February 2008

APR 15, 2008 09:53 AM

Disgusting. Torture is useless. We have no control over these madmen whatsoever. All you big government lovers: Suck it. Create an all-powerful government that doesn't answer to anyone, and look at the assholes who get the jobs.

livertarian

Fairfax, VA

February 2008

APR 15, 2008 10:11 AM

PointBlank said:

FearTheReaper said:
And here are your war criminals!

Gotta Catch 'Em Aaaallll! ! ! !

They won't get caught. You could elect an entirely Democratic federal gov't, and these assholes will still go free. Vote third party if you have any balls whatsoever. Reduce power for all, equally.

gogogone

I'm lost

May 2004

APR 15, 2008 10:13 AM

livertarian said:
Disgusting. Torture is useless. We have no control over these madmen whatsoever. All you big government lovers: Suck it. Create an all-powerful government that doesn't answer to anyone, and look at the assholes who get the jobs.

Huh? So suddenly government intervention (i.e., the larger group supporting the smaller group, like Medicare, Social Security) needs to "suck it" just because the same Bush Co. was elected twice?!?! I don't get it. If you go for the "not accountable to anyone" argument, I can't buy it...because isn't it your responsibility as an american citizen to make sure they do their jobs? I'm confused....(and american)

gogogone

I'm lost

May 2004

APR 15, 2008 10:16 AM

i suck at edititing! Sorry! (I also, don't think I can spell correctly the job of the person who grammar and edit checks...it's called something like "edditing."

...sidenote, I am a little drunk.

gogogone

I'm lost

May 2004

APR 15, 2008 10:23 AM

it's late in Japan!

bean

STAFF

Los Angeles, CA

APR 15, 2008 10:26 AM

I thought this was extremely relevant, so it's worth quoting...

Philadelphia Daily News asks Obama about ABC Report:

Here's his answer, in its entirety:

What I would want to do is to have my Justice Department and my Attorney General immediately review the information that's already there and to find out are there inquiries that need to be pursued. I can't prejudge that because we don't have access to all the material right now. I think that you are right, if crimes have been committed, they should be investigated. You're also right that I would not want my first term consumed by what was perceived on the part of Republicans as a partisan witch hunt because I think we've got too many problems we've got to solve.

So this is an area where I would want to exercise judgment -- I would want to find out directly from my Attorney General -- having pursued, having looked at what's out there right now -- are there possibilities of genuine crimes as opposed to really bad policies. And I think it's important-- one of the things we've got to figure out in our political culture generally is distinguishing betyween really dumb policies and policies that rise to the level of criminal activity. You know, I often get questions about impeachment at town hall meetings and I've said that is not something I think would be fruitful to pursue because I think that impeachment is something that should be reserved for exceptional circumstances. Now, if I found out that there were high officials who knowingly, consciously broke existing laws, engaged in coverups of those crimes with knowledge forefront, then I think a basic principle of our Constitution is nobody above the law -- and I think that's roughly how I would look at it.

The bottom line is that: Obama sent a clear signal that -- unlike impeachment, which he's ruled out and which now seems a practical impossibility -- he is at the least open to the possibility of investigating potential high crimes in the Bush White House. To many, the information that waterboarding -- which the United States has considered torture and a violation of law in the past -- was openly planned out in the seat of American government is evidence enough to at least start asking some tough questions in January 2009.

Coyotemike

USA

May 2006

APR 15, 2008 10:33 AM

bean said:
I thought this was extremely relevant, so it's worth quoting...

SPOILERS! (Click to view)

Philadelphia Daily News asks Obama about ABC Report:

Here's his answer, in its entirety:

What I would want to do is to have my Justice Department and my Attorney General immediately review the information that's already there and to find out are there inquiries that need to be pursued. I can't prejudge that because we don't have access to all the material right now. I think that you are right, if crimes have been committed, they should be investigated. You're also right that I would not want my first term consumed by what was perceived on the part of Republicans as a partisan witch hunt because I think we've got too many problems we've got to solve.

So this is an area where I would want to exercise judgment -- I would want to find out directly from my Attorney General -- having pursued, having looked at what's out there right now -- are there possibilities of genuine crimes as opposed to really bad policies. And I think it's important-- one of the things we've got to figure out in our political culture generally is distinguishing betyween really dumb policies and policies that rise to the level of criminal activity. You know, I often get questions about impeachment at town hall meetings and I've said that is not something I think would be fruitful to pursue because I think that impeachment is something that should be reserved for exceptional circumstances. Now, if I found out that there were high officials who knowingly, consciously broke existing laws, engaged in coverups of those crimes with knowledge forefront, then I think a basic principle of our Constitution is nobody above the law -- and I think that's roughly how I would look at it.

The bottom line is that: Obama sent a clear signal that -- unlike impeachment, which he's ruled out and which now seems a practical impossibility -- he is at the least open to the possibility of investigating potential high crimes in the Bush White House. To many, the information that waterboarding -- which the United States has considered torture and a violation of law in the past -- was openly planned out in the seat of American government is evidence enough to at least start asking some tough questions in January 2009.

Worth quoting, but are there extradition treaties with Paraguay?

OpticNerve

Arlington, MA

November 2003

APR 15, 2008 10:45 AM

This administration is so fond of allying themselves with Jesus, yet they forget this choice nugget of wisom from him: 'Whatsover you do to the least of you, you do to me'.

commonman

USA

August 2003

APR 15, 2008 10:49 AM

coyotemike said:

bean said:
I thought this was extremely relevant, so it's worth quoting...

SPOILERS! (Click to view)

Philadelphia Daily News asks Obama about ABC Report:

Here's his answer, in its entirety:

What I would want to do is to have my Justice Department and my Attorney General immediately review the information that's already there and to find out are there inquiries that need to be pursued. I can't prejudge that because we don't have access to all the material right now. I think that you are right, if crimes have been committed, they should be investigated. You're also right that I would not want my first term consumed by what was perceived on the part of Republicans as a partisan witch hunt because I think we've got too many problems we've got to solve.

So this is an area where I would want to exercise judgment -- I would want to find out directly from my Attorney General -- having pursued, having looked at what's out there right now -- are there possibilities of genuine crimes as opposed to really bad policies. And I think it's important-- one of the things we've got to figure out in our political culture generally is distinguishing betyween really dumb policies and policies that rise to the level of criminal activity. You know, I often get questions about impeachment at town hall meetings and I've said that is not something I think would be fruitful to pursue because I think that impeachment is something that should be reserved for exceptional circumstances. Now, if I found out that there were high officials who knowingly, consciously broke existing laws, engaged in coverups of those crimes with knowledge forefront, then I think a basic principle of our Constitution is nobody above the law -- and I think that's roughly how I would look at it.

The bottom line is that: Obama sent a clear signal that -- unlike impeachment, which he's ruled out and which now seems a practical impossibility -- he is at the least open to the possibility of investigating potential high crimes in the Bush White House. To many, the information that waterboarding -- which the United States has considered torture and a violation of law in the past -- was openly planned out in the seat of American government is evidence enough to at least start asking some tough questions in January 2009.

Worth quoting, but are there extradition treaties with Paraguay?

Nothing proves consciousness of guilt more than fleeing a jurisdiction to avoid punishment.

Chainlink

Key West, FL

August 2005

APR 15, 2008 11:08 AM

Is it time to issue a deck of playing cards yet ?

Coyotemike

USA

May 2006

APR 15, 2008 11:10 AM

Chainlink said:
Is it time to issue a deck of playing cards yet ?

Does anybody make a deck of all Jack(asses)?

LostLucy

USA

December 2006

APR 15, 2008 11:32 AM

I think we all appreciate the effort to cover and expose this ruthless immoral and inhumane behavior, and the cover-ups. I can just hear Cheney saying "SO?" again, with his rage-tormented face. The means justify the ends, didn't you idiots know that?

But I won't believe you about Colin Powell, no siree, because my impression of him from TV and print is that of a stolid but warm & fuzzy kinda guy. No way man.

TwistedAngel

United Kingdom

December 2007

APR 15, 2008 11:36 AM

The people we have tortured in prisons have come from all over the world; they are citizens of many countries - all of whom can now attempt to prosecute these idiots for war crimes. Hopefully the number of countries Dick Cheney and his buddies can visit in the future are very limited.

I hope the number of countries they can visit remains extremely broad. The list of countries they should visit if they value their freedom is another matter. Ill be keeping an eye out for:

[asshole White House official] arrested for war crimes in [some country that isnt USA]!

or simply:

BUSH BANGED UP!!!

...but i wont hold my breath.

TwistedAngel

United Kingdom

December 2007

APR 15, 2008 11:51 AM

Obama:
You know, I often get questions about impeachment at town hall meetings and I've said that is not something I think would be fruitful to pursue because I think that impeachment is something that should be reserved for exceptional circumstances.

Im not american and somewhat sketchy on this but would someone please tell me Clinton wasn't impeached for getting a blowjob?!

ok, i know, 'perjury and obstruction of justice' and i know he was acquitted.

But come the fuck on - ''EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES''?

Clinton... Bush...
Blowjob... Torture...

TwistedAngel

United Kingdom

December 2007

APR 15, 2008 11:58 AM

coyotemike said:

Chainlink said:
Is it time to issue a deck of playing cards yet ?

Does anybody make a deck of all Jack(asses)?

The FTR White House Asshole card deck...
Hell put me down for two!

I propose Bush Jr and Condi for ace and queen of spades and Clinton for the Joker.

Lets make a deck people!

mattacme

Calistoga, CA

February 2006

APR 15, 2008 12:41 PM

This administration, and any who support it, are morally bankrupt and war criminals. I think Senator Obama is right in proposing that, should he gain the White House, a thorough investigation is in order with the possibility of criminal prosecutions, as justified. I support this idea and hope it comes to fruition.

code_red

Portland, OR

July 2005

APR 15, 2008 12:45 PM

TwistedAngel said:

SPOILERS! (Click to view)

Im not american and somewhat sketchy on this but would someone please tell me Clinton wasn't impeached for getting a blowjob?!

ok, i know, 'perjury and obstruction of justice' and i know he was acquitted.

But come the fuck on - ''EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES''?

Clinton... Bush...
Blowjob... Torture...

Clinton was not impeached for getting a blowjob, he was investigated for obstructing justice (specifically for lying to investigators regarding the sexual harassment of monica lewinsky).

The problem with the Bush administration is that they make sure the national media circuit doesn't cover the issues that would outrage America... The real situation in Iraq... Torture... "signing statements"... stop-loss... big business infiltration of the government...

It is a really sad state of affairs, and it hurts me to see that all this information is out there if you care to search for it, but alot of people just don't give a damn. +1 to you, FTR, for reporting on some more depressing shit.

DevilsReject

Cleveland, OH

February 2007

APR 15, 2008 12:57 PM

mattacme said:
This administration, and any who support it, are morally bankrupt and war criminals. I think Senator Obama is right in proposing that, should he gain the White House, a thorough investigation is in order with the possibility of criminal prosecutions, as justified. I support this idea and hope it comes to fruition.

even if they get prosecuted and found guilty, they'll go to some special federal prison, where they'll still have an easier life than half the people they waterboarded.

They're going to go to Golf Prison. I say send them to Fuck them in the ass general population prison.

RudieCantFail

Baton Rouge, LA

January 2006

APR 15, 2008 01:06 PM

DevilsReject said:
They're going to go to Golf Prison. I say send them to Fuck them in the ass general population prison.

They'll send us to FEDERAL POUND-ME-IN-THE-ASS PRISON!!!

BOARDS:

TOPICS:

NEWSWIRE

I'm lost

APR 14, 2008 10:57 PM

Boston, MA

January 2005

APR 15, 2008 09:02 AM

New York, NY

November 2004

APR 15, 2008 09:09 AM

I'm lost

March 2005

APR 15, 2008 09:25 AM

I'm lost

May 2004

APR 15, 2008 09:38 AM

Chicago, IL

December 2004

APR 15, 2008 09:42 AM

livertarian

Fairfax, VA

February 2008

APR 15, 2008 09:53 AM

livertarian

Fairfax, VA

February 2008

APR 15, 2008 10:11 AM

I'm lost

May 2004

APR 15, 2008 10:13 AM

I'm lost

May 2004

APR 15, 2008 10:16 AM

I'm lost

May 2004

APR 15, 2008 10:23 AM

STAFF

Los Angeles, CA

APR 15, 2008 10:26 AM

USA

May 2006

APR 15, 2008 10:33 AM

Arlington, MA

November 2003

APR 15, 2008 10:45 AM

commonman

USA

August 2003

APR 15, 2008 10:49 AM

Key West, FL

August 2005

APR 15, 2008 11:08 AM

USA

May 2006

APR 15, 2008 11:10 AM

LostLucy

USA

December 2006

APR 15, 2008 11:32 AM

United Kingdom

December 2007

APR 15, 2008 11:36 AM

United Kingdom

December 2007

APR 15, 2008 11:51 AM

United Kingdom

December 2007

APR 15, 2008 11:58 AM

Calistoga, CA

February 2006

APR 15, 2008 12:41 PM

code_red

Portland, OR

July 2005

APR 15, 2008 12:45 PM

DevilsReject

Cleveland, OH

February 2007

APR 15, 2008 12:57 PM