General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: When I look at Obama, I see a man who is trying very hard to do right by the people [View all]Robb
(39,665 posts)My point is there is nothing in this year's defense appropriation bill that wasn't in the AUMF. Contrary to much howling, we are not learning new things but being reminded of old problems.My vote will go to whoever has the best lasting plan to defang the AUMF and render it meaningless.
It's the keystone this whole awful mess is based upon, and like a cancer it's invaded so much case law that without it's demise, no one's liberty -- civil or otherwise -- will ever be safe.
So you need to ask yourself: under what circumstances are laws struck down? Who adjudicates their application? And how soon can we expect a challenge, e.g. a US case where an attorney can successfully argue that AUMF no longer applies because al Qaeda is no longer a threat?
I think that's within the next two to four years or so. That means the Supreme Court we're talking about, and one maybe two new seats chosen by the next guy in the Oval Office.
Under no circumstances do I want those seats to be filled by anyone the GOP would nominate. This is an exceptionally important time to have a decent USSC, and Obama, right now, is the path to that.