Two Democrats move to outlaw waterboarding

[babylonsister]

Two Democrats move to outlaw waterboarding
By Renee Schoof | McClatchy Newspapers

* Posted on Thursday, November 8, 2007


WASHINGTON — The practice of waterboarding would be outlawed specifically, along with other extreme interrogation techniques, under legislation pushed by two Democratic senators.

The measures would repudiate the Bush administration’s policy on torture. The CIA reportedly has used waterboarding — or simulated drowning — when questioning terrorism suspects. It’s also used exposure to extreme temperatures and other methods that are expressly forbidden by the Army Field Manual. The proposed bills would require that all U.S. personnel — including the CIA — use only interrogation techniques authorized by the Army manual.

Last month, President Bush’s choice for attorney general, Michael Mukasey, refused to say whether waterboarding was torture and therefore illegal. And an executive order that President Bush released in July on what techniques the CIA could use was silent on whether waterboarding and other extreme measures were among them.

Sens. Joseph Biden, D-Del., and Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., have offered separate bills that make the Army manual the standard for all U.S. interrogators. All members of the military by law already must abide by the manual. The proposed law would require civilians to do the same.

However, it’s unlikely that the Senate will debate the matter before the end of the year. The legislative calendar is jammed, sponsors of these measures must round up support and Republicans may be reluctant to tie the CIA’s hands against the Bush administration’s will.

Similar legislation is expected soon in the House of Representatives.

more...

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/21198.html

[Skidmore]

1. Now that's taking the bait.

So a bill gets passed in both houses. Unless there is a veto-proof majority, this is one for certain that * will veto.

[cboy4]

2. This sounds like a great law.

Therefore we know it's already doomed.

[bullimiami]

3. i am so sick of them passing more laws for things that are already illegal

and not enforcing the laws already on the books.

torture is already covered by a number of laws. just like wiretapping. just like so many other things.
they dont enforce any of them, they just pass more toothless laws that are either vetoed or ignored.

[Atman]

7. When it fails, BushCo takes it as a de facto endorsement, and therefore legal

It's brilliant strategy on their part, and our stupid fucking idiot Dem critters fall for it every single time.

.

[ProSense]

4. Read text of legislation and

sign the petition:

End Torture

This country should never stoop to torturing people, and we need to put the government on record saying that. This is an important legislation to close loopholes and stop the double-talk and obfuscations from the Bush Administration. Torture doesn't work, the information you get is unreliable, and it's a black mark on the honor of any country that condones it.

Please add your voice to the chorus of Americans standing up and saying, "Not in our name!" We won't have torture committed in our name by any branch of our government. We believe in the rights and dignity of individuals, and our country is too great to be lowered to the level of torturing people. This will be a big fight, and I'll keep you updated with any further ways you can help win this fight for the soul of America. And, when you sign the petition, if you'd like, leave a comment in your own words explaining why you think this is important.

Underneath the petition I'll include the text of the legislation. Thank you so much for your help. This is an important fight for the dignity of all of us.

more

Fighting To Stop Torture

[babylonsister]

6. Already done; I hope everyone signs this. nt

[tularetom]

5. It's already illegal for crissakes

All they have to do is NOT confirm any AG nominee who refuses to say it's illegal.

On the other hand it might be an interesting excercise to force the senate to vote on the legality of something that's already illegal. Wonder how many Dems would vote against the measure out of fear of appearing "weak".

[madinmaryland]

8. Wonder what Lieberman thinks about this.

I'm sure he would say that we should not impose any limits on the president to fight the war on terror.

:grr:

[liberal N proud]

9. They shouldn't need to pass a law prohibiting this

Not only is it already illegal but immoral as well.
Just prosecute those responsible for the torture and put them in prison.

[Orsino]

10. Another law for * to ignore.

But impeaching his corrupt ass for ignoring the law is out of the question.

But by all means, find as many distractors as youcan while the clock runs out. Just don't pretend that you're outraged by torture.