One of the points of the agreement between GOP and White House grants the president the authority to interpret the Geneva Conventions. That point would seem to render the agreement much to do about nothing. Doesn't that put us back to square one?
Well at least it made a nice headline in the run up to the election. And I guess the agreement gives the Bush administration cover against future prosecution here in the U.S.
One thing I honestly cannot figure out is why people who push for strict interpretation conveniently excise what qualifies one for protection under the convention; that you must be a
uniformed combatant and a "Contracting Party".
quote:
Nationals of a State which are not bound by the Convention are not protected by it.
Clearly Al-Qaeda does not qualify as they are not a Contracting Party
If you are going to strictly enforce every word of the Geneva Convention then enforce EVERY WORD, not just those which suit your purpose.
Any law requires interpretation, that is why we have the executive that enforces those laws and the judicial branch to reign them in. Laws cannot be made transparent and the Geneva Conventions are some of the most loosely drafted treatises known to man.
The President can ask for a pre-emptory Declaratory Judgement on the issue from the Supreme Court, but since there are ongoing suits in regarding Hamdan they are likely to dismiss any such request. Most attempts by a President to obtain a DJ are denied as impermissible Advisory Opinions.
quote:
Originally posted by iplaw
Most attempts by a President to obtain a DJ are denied as impermissible Advisory Opinions.
Ahhh, but one President didn't seem to have trouble getting a BJ just by asking.
[:P]
Bad dum dum ching...thanks folks he'll be here all week. Don't forget to tip your waitress.[:D]
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
quote:
Originally posted by iplaw
Most attempts by a President to obtain a DJ are denied as impermissible Advisory Opinions.
Ahhh, but one President didn't seem to have trouble getting a BJ just by asking.
Listen, BJ didn't cause the death of thousands of American soldiers. Personally, I don't give a fig what the president does in his spare time. No other nation gave a darn about what Clinton did with Monica. Why are some Americans so obsessed with the private affairs of their president? Clinton did a great job as president.
Off topic. Let's get back to the real discussion and leave the BJ discussion for another thread on another forum.
quote:
Originally posted by HoneySuckle
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
quote:
Originally posted by iplaw
Most attempts by a President to obtain a DJ are denied as impermissible Advisory Opinions.
Ahhh, but one President didn't seem to have trouble getting a BJ just by asking.
Listen, BJ didn't cause the death of thousands of American soldiers. Personally, I don't give a fig what the president does in his spare time. No other nation gave a darn about what Clinton did with Monica. Why are some Americans so obsessed with the private affairs of their president? Clinton did a great job as president.
'Scuse me Honey, take humor for what it is. That's all it was intended as.
Personal attack removed. Since no one is interested in staying on topic, lets move on.