Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Ron, TX — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:29:13 GMT

I suppose McCain would support a public flogging first,

But of course Osama would have rights under our legal system, because that's the point of freedom and justice. He would be tried under our criminal court system. And of course, we have more than enough evidence to convict him and put him to death...

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

jill — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:30:35 GMT

weak weak weak
this gi joe bullsh*t may have worked in 2004
but no more...these clowns are out of touch

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Steven, NY — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:31:59 GMT

It's a shame, with all that McCain went through in Vietnam, that he would support the same treatment he received as a POW. The power of this Country is to bring justice to those who deserve it and not a Nation of mob rule and vigilante justice. A cool head in the midst of anger and panic is needed to keep America safe while protecting our civil liberties and show terrorists that we will not stoop to their level.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Pete - Albany, NY — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:33:04 GMT

Maybe the GOP would like to take a moment to explain to us why bin Laden is still on the FBI's Most Wanted list and not in a prison or grave (I choose grave). After all, Dubya's had 7 years of this war on terror to bring bin Laden to justice and he has failed.

The Constitution guarantees that if bin Laden is captured he must be given Habeas Corpus...shame on those wusses who wrote The Constitution and didn't have to forethought to deal with terrorists 200 years in the future!

Let's be honest, though...bin Laden will never see a courtroom or a prison cell as in the equation of "taken dead or alive" we prefer dead.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

proud to be an american — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:33:43 GMT

Osama bin Laden should receive rights of habeus corpus. There is enough evidence to put him away for several lifetimes. We know why he would be held and the US, if ever we could find him, would hold the fastest trial the country has ever seen to convict him. Justice would be swift, and yes, constitutional.

We simply need to be better than the terrorist filth we're trying to clean up. You don't wipe sh*t off the map by using more sh*t.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

The - Democrat Soldier — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:35:49 GMT

Laughable - Now the GOP wants to make talking points based on " what ifs " how desparate it that.

They still think they are smarter than U.S. and think people can not read into the BS they talk.

How pathetic - but as long as they keep thinking that the better it is for the Dems and Barack Obama.

The GOP has no clue what Americans are about...they are left behind in every aspect of the new American generation of citizens.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Warren, Canada — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:35:49 GMT

"I guess his response would be to call the lawyers in the justice department"

How dare the president try and act within the law! After this presidency, it just won't feel right.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:36:11 GMT

Obama has called for an attack on Pakistan in the past......

A victory for Obama would take this country back to September 10 2001. Liberals are very scared and nervous when it comes to defending our country, so I can see why people would bring this subject up. Bill was more worried about Monica then he was about Bin Laden and he even knew it was Bin Laden that attacked the WTC as it fell to the ground.

I fear another terrorist attack on our shores under an Obama administration, just due to the fact he pays very little attention to foreign policy, which is one of his glaring weaknesses. John McCain will whip him big time in that department.

Knowing Obama and his pacifist attitudes, he would go to Bin Laden's cave and talk terms with the goofy looking rag.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Mjstep — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:36:38 GMT

Why don't we just get done with it and take the last little step toweards fascism? Typical GOP talking point - we can eliminate your rights and call it "limited government".

GOP is the biggest bait and switch marketing ever. Promise smaller government to protect our "liberty", but try to pass legislation to limit just that based on the narrow view of the "righteous" few. Small government? No. BIG government spending? YES!

GOP...the party of Bait and Switch.

Stop drinking the kool-aid people.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

MI, NY — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:41:54 GMT

Why didn't you mention this part of the call....
------------
On a conference call with reporters, McCain aide Randy Scheunemann continues to criticize Barack Obama's praise for criminal prosecution of the first World Trade Center bombers in the 1990s.

"They are very dangerous people ... they include Khalid Sheikh Mohammed," he said of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay, going on to take a shot at Obama's political roots: "These aren’t just your run of the mill drug dealers that are picked up on the South Side of Chicago," he said, referring to the legal protection afforded criminal defendants.
-------------
South Side of Chicago? Really? We're going there already? These people are idiots.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

tj, dallas, tx — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:42:55 GMT

What was the GOP's reaction to the Supreme Courts decision on George Bush winning the election? Bush appointed new justices since that time to stack the deck for him and he still gets a ruling contrary to his liking. How can the GOP diagree with any ruling of the Supremes?

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:46:36 GMT

We could just end this debate right here by firing missles and blowing him up or some special forces person shooting him. Why hold him over for trial? I would support having him helf in Afghanisatn, let him be tortured and his fingernails pulled out. I could care less about any terrorist getting anykind of help in any American court, just shoot them and let's move on!

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:47:25 GMT

McCain really is disappointing me. I didn't expect this.

Yes, if we're holding bin Laden in custody, we should recognize all the rights we recognize for any other individual in custody. That's called due process, which is a big part of who we are as Americans.

Creating separate classes of individuals - those with rights, and those who did something really, really bad so we're not going to worry about due process - is a very slippery slope.

The Obama campaign should respond to McCain's bizarre position by asking if the senator feels that Charlie Manson's trial was just a waste of time and money, and whether we maybe should have just put a bullet through his head from the get go.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Andy, Columbus, Ohio — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:47:58 GMT

Why do they suppose that there are only two approaches to dealing with terrorism? Giving a terrorists rights is not weak. It is not making it a police action. It is laws and protections that prevent government from doing the wrong thing.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Mark, TX — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:48:23 GMT

"Radical Islamic Extremism"=code word for the right wingnuts to go insane. Same as Bush. Looney Tunes!

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Feisty Redhead IL — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:48:53 GMT

They don’t' want a candidate named; Barack Hussein Obama

He scares them to death.
He is embarrassing.
He is unelectable.
Alecki, Greenville, SC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psst... your ignorance & racism is showing...

Here's an idea... SO DON"T VOTE FOR OBAMA! That's your right, BUT don't come on here and spew your lies and inuendo's - we're on to people like you!

This kinda crap will not work this YEAR! People are educating themselves (with the exception of you OBVIOUSLY!!) So take your hatred elsewhere - Faux news would be a good start..

White woman for Obama (he has no problem with my vote or the rest of the white woman in my family)

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:49:14 GMT

I'm still floored by this. I know there are those in the GOP, a minority perhaps, who would like to see a police state here. I really thought McCain was better than this.

I thought he was American.

Maybe he's just having a bad day.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Todd, NC — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:49:24 GMT

The McCain camp thinks this helps them.. Wow.. this opens a can of worms.. because I would really now like to hear the McCain camps in depth plan for... well TRYING to catch Bin Laden FIRST. After we hear that passionate plan from the McCain camp then we could move on to talking about what would happen to Bin Laden IF he was in custody.

Would John McCain and the republicans have fought a war in Afghanistan with vigor and passion they have shown in IRAQ..

Lets see who has something to gain from the war in Afghanistan.. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE..

Who gains something from the war in IRAQ... THE IRAQI ECONOMY..

All of you Republicans please explain to Americans across this country how we have BENEFITED from the IRAQ war.. and please be specific about what AMERICA has gained from this WAR!!

Just name ONE benefit of the IRAQ war for AMERICA. If someone can justify the U.S. being in IRAQ for 5 years, I would more than ENTHUSIATICALLY vote for John McCain..

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

banko — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:51:19 GMT

John McSame the Touble Talk Express, needs some publicity, which he's not going to get from Obama. Stay with your boring Townhall meetings.

360 degrees of Sen Obama's Detroit rally Freep.com Detroit Free Press
http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080617/MULTI/80617040

Fans in Detroit Pack the Joe (Updated: pics & videoes)
by dkmich
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/17/52818/1155/836/537159

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Todd, Rochester, NY — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:51:20 GMT

Sen. McCain,
Would you have wanted habeas corpus rights? I think you would have like to due process. Maybe instead of starting wars to promote democracy, why don't try practicing it. We should not give up our way of life because you and your republican blowhard friend are afraid of the Bin Laden and the terrorists. The terrorist cannot win the war on terror, but you sir, can certainly lose it!

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:51:32 GMT

Let's see...who do we want to be POTUS? The guy that TAUGHT consititutional law (guaranteeing rights for everyone)and graduated near the top of his class, or the numbnut that was a POW and graduated near the bottom of his class( 100 years ago)? Hmmmmm, doesn't seem too hard of a choice. Obama '08!

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Bill P., LA — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:51:38 GMT

Of course, Bin Laden would have habeas corpus rights. What kind of an tyrant is John McCain? Our country was formed on the basis of a rule of law and on the foundation of over 400 years of common law, including the right to know what you are accused of under law.
What could John McCain possibly be afraid of? Our system of justice has worked relatively well for the past 200 years. At any rate, it sure beats tyranny.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Pete - Albany, NY — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:53:22 GMT

...and after the update it becomes clear.

The GOP has no intention of ever bringing bin Laden to justice. He serves them far better by being their own personal Boogeyman!

"Vote for us or bin Laden will get you!"

...makes a pretty lame campaign slogan!

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Keith, PA — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:53:51 GMT

Who gets to distinguish between terrorists and criminals? Who gets rights under our constition and who doesn't? McCain/Bush seem to think they're Kings of America. McCain is pissing on the flag and constitution.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

abbymac, tampa, fl — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:54:03 GMT

I suggest that the next time the McCain campaign starts with this "habeas corpus is outrageous" argument a reporter ought to ask the spokesman (or McCain) if he/she actually knows what habeas corpus means? It's pretty clear that they don't.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:54:15 GMT

Why shouldn't OBL receive Habaeus Corpus? What differentiates America from the terrorists and the rest of the world is that we give everyone the opportunity to earn their freedom and rights even if they don't deserve it. Even Hitler would've received a trial. If we have overwhelming evidence that OBL or anyone else committed a crime, then it should take a day or two to convict them and either imprison them or execute them. Why all of a sudden we don't want to follow our own laws when it comes to foreigners is beyond me.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

tired of waiting for comments to be posted — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:54:27 GMT

comments take FOREVER to be posted.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

KD, Chicago — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:57:16 GMT

Sell the fear! Guess what, it doesn't matter who is president, a terrorist attack could happen at anytime.

All I know is that if in the future we are having the argument on if Bin Laden gets habeas corpus, at least it means we CAUGHT him right? Sounds good to me!

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

obama 08 — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:58:53 GMT

Well maybe if the GOP hadn't produced such a complete LOSER to run our country the past eight years, Bin Laden would already be DEAD.

And as we ALL KNOW, John McBush is promising to CONTINUE GWB FAILED FOREIGN POLICY.

I hardly think the GOP should be talking about Bin Laden. They had their chance and they BLEW IT.

NO MORE WAR.

NO MORE GWB FAILED POLICY.

NO MORE MCBUSH

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Billy, MI — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:00:02 GMT

Sorry guys. You're not going to scare me into giving up constitutional rights. Habeus Corpus is just as important as the second amendment and the other nine. This country has faced threats throughout it's history and we always kept our constitutional rights. There's noway I'm going to give terrorists the satisfaction of knowing they scared us into changing our laws. Give me liberty or give me death!!

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

larry, fort wayne, indiana — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:02:06 GMT

After the defeat of the Nazi didn't they go on trial? They did far worse that Osama did. They killed millions of people and yet there were trials. It has nothing to do with being a pacifist it has to do with being better than our enemies.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Tim, Albany, New York — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:02:11 GMT

This is utterly laughable. Of course Bin Laden would and should get Habeas Corpus rights should we capture him. It's not going to do him much good though. He would rightfully hang after the trial regardless.

This whole notion that our criminal justice process doesn't work without breaking the rules is ludicrous! Give Bin Laden his lawyer and his day in court and then hang him at ground zero.

The idea is that if you're guilty, you pay the price. But guilt or innocence must be determined in a court of law. Not at Guantanamo bay by Blackwater operatives.

How stupid does McCain think we are?

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

JK, PA — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:02:35 GMT

Let's face the facts, folks. ObL would be killed outright either by his own bodyguards or by NATO force personnel. There is NO WAY this scumbag would see a court of law.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Expelliarmus, OH — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:03:15 GMT

McGestapo; papers, please!

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

JAZ — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:04:08 GMT

LEt's see under the old policies of treating terrorists and enemy combatants as criminals the WTC was bombed, 9/11 was planned, two embassies were blow up, our barracks at Khobar Towers was destroyed, the Cole was bombed.

Since we started taking the fight to them in Iraq and Aghan there have been no attacks inside the US or at any of our installations abroad. The GOP must be doing something right.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Judy — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:04:35 GMT

Scare tactics just won't work any more. I thought that was Bush's own court that made that ruling. We need a law abiding president for a change. GWB should be tried for treason and war crimes.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:04:48 GMT

Mjstep - Yes, and it's even more insidious than that! The job of the Republican party is to maintain power sufficient to modify the business climate sufficiently to favor an elite corporate group at the expense of the rest of us. Of course, if we knew what was really going on, we would stop it in a minute. So, in order to be successful, the Republican party, especially since the Lee Atwater days, deflects attention from their real motivations and methods by throwing us red meat topics such as African-American parolees run amok, burning flags, gays getting married, fear of terrorism, fear of immigrants, and fear of non-Christians. I still do not understand why anyone who is not a millionaire, elitist, warmonger, religious fanatic, blind patriot, person of limited ability to think for oneself, or recovering alcoholic or sexual deviant would vote Republican in the first place.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

tina, ar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:05:04 GMT

Oh, and I suppose throwing people into a cell without charging them forever and letting them rot and be tortured is a great way to handle things. Or, let's stick them on military vessels in the ocean and let their bodies rot to be fed to the fish and birds. Good, idea. Let's see, which makes more sense. To be open and honest and let the rest of the world see and hear what these people have done. Or to add to our horrible name and reputation around the world. Let's see which one makes more people terrorist. The policies of Bush-Cheney-McCain on terrorism have caused more deaths and economic loss around this entire world, than anyone can attribute to Obama. This is another right-wing failed policy and approach that has consistently caused anger and bombings.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Young Democrat — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:05:46 GMT

By continuing this law enforcement approach that Obama advocates for is "very, very dangerous" and is representing the "mindset of 9/10," claimed the campaign.
---------------------------------------------------
Er, wasn't George Bush president on September 10th??!!!

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Bob, New York — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:06:11 GMT

I respectfully refer John McCain's campaign to George Will's column in the Washington Post today. SCOTUS' latest Guantanomo decision is not as black and white, nor as outrageous, as McCain's campaign suggests. If McCain cannot recognize that Guantanamo, and the war on terror generally, presents some legal complexities about which reasonable people can disagree, then our chances of getting a terrorism policy that is mindful of the the Constitution under a McCain administration is about as good as under the current President, who views the law as a mere annoyance.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Midwest Mom, Illiana — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:07:00 GMT

How on EARTH do the McCain people believe that denying basic rights is the American Way? Do they not trust a jury of honest, hard working Americans to convict someone like Bin Laden!??!?!?

I think their approach to this issue shows a basic mistrust in the common sense and judgment of the American People.

http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Brian M. De. — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:07:17 GMT

Somebody needs to tell John McBush's campaign that this is the era of Computers ,Civil Rights,Human Rights and that the tactics of fear dont work just like McShady's cheesy smile doesn't work either MY FRIENDS! :).

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:07:28 GMT

Jerry - its Republicans who shake with fear at every two-bit dictator. Why are you guys so scared?

Obama didn't call for an attack on Pakistan. He called for Pakistan to act on any intel of bin Laden's location, and if they couldn't, he said with him as president, the U.S. would.

That's not an attack on Pakistan. That's an attack - presumably a precision missile strike, but who knows - on bin Laden, who happens to be in Pakistan. Big difference.

Since saying that, the Bush Administration has adopted the same policy. We've conducted multiple strikes now inside Pakistan.

McCain seemingly doesn't even understand his own flip flop on this issue. He doesn't criticize the Bush Administration for its strikes, but he does repeat the Clinton criticism of Obama... while saying he himself would follow bin Laden to the gates of Hell.

It sounds like McCain's position is that its okay to strike or even invade Pakistan, when a Republican does it.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

keepthemhonest — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:07:31 GMT

THE REPUBLICANS SHOULD EXPLAIN WHY THE PRESIDENT JUST DAYS AGO MADE FINDING HIM A PRIORITY.

TOO LITTLE TOO LATE, AFTER TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS BEING SPENT ON THE WRONG PEOPLE

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Coleen, Seattle, Washington — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:09:46 GMT

Actually, the terrorists have more to fear with an Obama administration. First, there will be no more propaganda and made up intelligence to justify military action. Obama will insist on our intelligence agencies going after hard data and real facts and then tasking the military to perform its duties under the rule of law and within the treaties we now abide by. This will make other countries realize that we are not go-it-alone cowboys who are out to "clean up" the world. Real terrorists and the countries that harbor them will be dealt with and not placated or paid off to do nothing. Read Pakistan. Once the focus is on the real terrorists and their supporters (Read Afghanistan) the bin ladens of the world will have no place to hide. Bush had many, many years to close the net on bin laden and failed us miserably. Time to do the job right. We've learned our lesson about putting mega-corporations in charge of our foreign policy.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

TLA — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:10:57 GMT

America's prison for terrorists often held the wrong men

http://www.mcclatchydc.com:80/detainees/story/38773.html

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

T, Hampton, VA — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:13:01 GMT

Oh please! Our Country has a system of LAWS!!! If you don't want alleged terrorists to have habeous corpus rights then..CHANGE THE CONSITUTION! This is So typical GOP.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Democrat — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:15:52 GMT

Obama is neither a pacifist nor will he restrained in defense of our country.

There are three branches of government in the United States for a reason: checks and balances. Based on their posture, Bush, McCain and their like would rather we be a dictatorship and eliminate the courts and Congress altogether unless they agree with them 100%. The last eight years has seen some of the greatest abuses of power out of the White House than we have ever seen (Guantanamo, sanctioned invasion of privacy, diminished civil rights, misleading the public and Congress on the threat of Iraq, etc.)

So much for small, non-intrusive government. I prefer pre 9/11 to what we have now by every stretch of the imagination. Let's be ready and vigilant of the terrorist threat, but don't let it rule our lives in fear. That is the very definition of terrorism and what the Republicans have constructed is accomplishing Bin Laden's goal much better than any additional attack could ever do. Al Qaeda doesn't have to do anything so long as the Republicans are in or running for office.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

PEM59, Central Jersey — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:16:00 GMT

"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Attributed to Benjamin Franklin

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Tired of it — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:17:06 GMT

Are American courts the right place for these persons to be tried? That is a great question for debate.

Should America go around the world snatching up suspects, imprisoning them for a decades without representation, without being allowed to see the evidence of their crimes, without getting to cross any government witness?

The answer has to be NO. So, the republicans promise to continue the status quo which has been found to be constitutionally illeagal. The republicans should at least put forth another option.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:17:43 GMT

Re: bin Laden and habeas corpus –

Timothy McVeigh had the benefit of habeas; last I heard, he's still dead.

McCain's policies – keeping our troop strength tied down in Iraq and creating a de facto sanctuary for bin Laden in Pakistan – give our real enemies more protection than our courts ever could.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Matt, Idaho — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:18:38 GMT

Anything less than observing Habeus Corpus for Bin Ladin would result in his death being seen as a Martyr.

Talk about energizing the terrorist base.

McCain is an idiot to not see this.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Larry J Clearwater FL — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:20:17 GMT

Your poor lost Obamatrons, Clinton had Bin Laden handed to him on a silver platter and let him go. Now its Bush's fault that hes still out causing death. As for habeous corpus, I certainly hope he's not tried in front of the bleeding heart liberals. Im sure they will want to rehabilitate him.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

dusual tx — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:20:40 GMT

Jerry in Corpus Chris is right and Obamas idiot liberals who have no war fighting ideas are wrong again. Terrorists are going to win every time when the weak democrat party is the elected not what would happen if navy man John McCain who is a hero from Viet Nam. If Gore beat Bush would we be beating the muslims in Iraq or telling Iran no nucs? No way! John McCain is the choice of real Americans but Barr must be watched out for.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Jay, Indiana — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:21:04 GMT

1) People who say "Sept. 10th mindset" need to stop talking.

2) Why would it be problematic for Osama bin Laden to be entitled to Habeas Corpus rights? Isn't that what the United States is about? Freedom, Liberty, Equality? Whence the notion that these things are bad?

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Larry R — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:23:29 GMT

The problem with McCain's attack is that Pres. Clinton warned the Bush Administration of the threat posed by bin Laden and al Qaeda, but they were only interested in information on Iraq!!! In addition, the Bushies also dismissed information on impending attacks by al Qaeda on American soil. Just another example of how McSame doesn't get it at all, and is joined at the hip to W.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Luanne, TN — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:23:45 GMT

I agree Barry can't take the 3 a.m. call. McCain can and so could Hillary. Thanks to the DNC I guess it'll be McCain taking the call. My poll of dems and independents are voting McCain, writing in Hillary or just not voting. Most of us feel the DNC stole the nominee from Hillary...giving a man votes from MI and his name wasn't even there to vote for....so to heck with the DNC, you have lost the faithful.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

sara, mesa, az — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:24:38 GMT

John McCain: you are now officially on notice:

every time you or your cronies use fear mongering I'm donating another $50 to the Obama campaign. How DARE you try to manipulate Americans with this heinous strategy.

'guess I'll be in bankruptcy by the end of June.

cha ching.

55 y.o. white woman with a brain who votes in Purple AZ.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

New Independent — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:24:48 GMT

Umm, let me see, the four people who were responsible for the first World Trade Center bombing are currently serving life sentences, and Osama is where? I think Habeas Corpus worked well enough in the first bombing. The McCain group acts like following the law means letting them go free!

jerry - Liberals aren't afraid at all of defending this country which is why we went into Afghanistan to capture Osama Bin Laden. I have NO idea what going to Iraq had to do with defending this country whatsoever, other than to remove soldiers from Afghanistan where we should have been. And I believe George Bush was president when the WTC was attacked the second time, and he was warned that an attack was imminent and HE chose to ignore it. What he was doing, I don't know. As far as Obama paying little attention to foreign policies, he was one of the few who got it right about going to war in Iraq. He also believes talking (which is NOT the same as appeasing) is not out of the question. Especially since the U.S. currently talks with South Korea, Russia, China and many other countries under what is currently called "diplomacy".

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:25:14 GMT

I thought terrorists were just common criminals. Or does McCain think they deserve some form of recognition of a higher standing? This is McCain's weakness. He sees the terrorists as some form of well organized Army of 1,000,000, ready to invade the shores of the U.S. Is not McCain actually giving them more credit then what they are due by arguing they are more then common criminals. The terrorists are common criminals and it will require the cooperation of many Nations to hunt down and to eliminate these thugs. GWB has all but destroyed any working relationships we have had with other Nations where such cooperaton is now difficult to achieve. McCain wants to continue this go it alone search and destroy mission against terrorists in a world where the terrorists can leap-frog from one location to another because of this lack of cooperation with other Nations that GWB has created. Whereas Obama will be able to rebuild the confidence and cooperation we need from other Nations in order to elimnate any safe havens for the terrorists and increasing our ability to elimnate terrorism across the globe. McCain on the other hand wants to continue to provide the terrorists a training ground in Iraq, and to ignore the leap-frogging of terrorists to other parts of the world by keeping our strength and forces bogged down in Iraq.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

rodeo, ellensburg, wa — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:25:58 GMT

I don't understand McCain's logic here--
Nobody declared a global war on Neo-Nazis after the OKCity bombings, tho the movement extends all over the world. McVeigh was a criminal who was caught by the FBI and got what he deserved after a fair trial conducted according to US law.
9/11 WAS a criminal act and does not represent Islamic thought except in a perverted way. A huge international police force exists just for the purpose of bringing criminals to justice wherever they might hide. In Afghanistan, US Army Special forces and the CIA with the aid of the Pakistani forces were ALMOST allowed to do their job and catch the ringleaders and "bring them to justice" (Bush) Those are all legal terms and the Afghanistan conflict was necessary and almost successful.
The war in Iraq was, as we now know, prosecuted under the auspices of a global war on terror but was really about securing Iraqi oil reserves and promoting the Bush view of democracy in the Middle East; and it really represents another "crusade" in the historical sense. This war has had the result of inflaming anti-Americanism not just in the Islamic world but throughout the world, and brought the reality of real terrorism closer to the US.
And, yes, Osama if caught (and I also prefer dead to alive) would get habeus corpus rights under both US and International law. As McCain so famously put it "This is not about who they are, it's about who WE are."
We need as a nation and as individual Americans to put fear-mongering politicians out to pasture; and to stop being afraid of our own-created shadows in order to prevail and wind back our reputation in the world.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Molly — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:29:24 GMT

Obama is a FRAUD and Not qualified to lead our country. He has ZERO foreign policy experience. OBama is scary for our country - McCain will take good care of us - that is why the Millions of Hillary supporters will vote for him.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Michael — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:25 GMT

Wow. Not only is it total ignorance of the last forty years of American foreign policy towards the Middle East, not only is it total ignorance of how the military tactics of the past eight years have not just failed us but have strengthened the enemy, and not only is it glossing over the Bush Administration's failure to even recognize the blatant and obvious threat for the first eight months of their first term, a failure so incomprehensibly inept that a small portion of this country refuses to believe our leaders could be so dumb and actually thinks that they were complicit in the attacks themselves, but it is also making the appeal to the lowest common denominator by saying Senator Obama would "grant" habeas corpus rights to Osama bin Laden, dancing around the fact that the rule of law, the principle upon which this nation was built, requires it.

At this point, I have to make an effort in order to respect Senator McCain.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Felix, CO — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:28 GMT

Actually all of the successes against terrorists who threaten the west have been of the old fashioned law enforcement variety. The Iraq invasion, the failure to pursue the actual terrorists who attacked us where they actually are, betrayal of those like interpreters who have worked with us, torture, the incarceration of the innocent along with the dangerous with no recourse to justice, rapacious war profiteering, have all been boons to the cause of terrorism.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

aluyi, Orlando,FL — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:42 GMT

People like Alecki from Greenville, SC ( Gore-acle post ) are one of the reasons why Senator Obama has had to have more Secret Service protection earlier than everyone else in this campaign. I think it's sad the amount/pecentage of people in this country that are led by ignorance and fear and are obviously not very intelligent. They would rather be lied to (WMDs in Iraq) and take part in an illegal/immoral war that has ruined our reputation around the world; wasted money and lives rather than vote for someone because they are afraid that that person MAY have lied about their military record (Kerry)or who MAY be a possible terrorist or racist (Obama) even though there is no concrete evidence to back this up except for some of the tangential associations these people have. They are again being brainwashed by the same people who keep lying and instilling fear into them through their attempts at character assasination every election cycle. If McCain wins in November (just like Bush did in 2004)it will be testimony to the fact that the percentage of ignorant/unintelligent people in the country is alot higher than we all imagined. Those Hillary supporters who want to go and vote for McCain now are either doing so out of bitterness becuse she lost (which is normal and goes away after a while) or are all closet racists and will continue to throw up weak excuses like Obama is inexperienced (both JFK and Clinton were younger presidents; JFK was just a senator as well) etc to mask this fact. Senator Obama has the same policy stances as Senator Clinton and went out of his way to be very respectful to her in last few months of the primary. The only times he fought back was when the attacks became unbearable ( e.g. the ABC debate, bitter-gate etc ).If they want to blame the media or the DNC I can understand that but it doesn't make sense to blame Obama. Come November if these Hillary supporters still want McCain we all know what was really in their hearts. They simply cannot respect the fact that a black man (or someone who appears to be too black in their view) has the abilty or right to lead this country.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Ian Walter, Denver, Colorado — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:44 GMT

Fascinating. When Bill Clinton was President and was parsing "is" and committing perjury, Republicans were rightly decrying his blatant disregard for the rule of law. And where were democrats? Defending him, of course. They claimed that his infractions were not really serious, just character flaws. But the rule of law has never been the same.

And now we have the Republican leadership showing contempt for the rule of law because it infringes on their desire to scare citizens about the dangers of Islamic terrorists. (Guess what, Repubs? Most of us get it already.) They have endorsed the use of torture, proclaimed the goodness of perpetual imprisonment without checks or balances, and a variety of other ideas which should brand them as un-American traitors. And what are everyday Republicans doing? The same the democrats did with Clinton--defending them.

The real problem here is not democrats or republicans. It's us. We defend our own wrongs and screech about the danger of the opposition. Shame on all of us.

I would rather live with some danger in a nation of laws than live without danger in a nation that holds the law in contempt.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Thoughts, Not Emotions — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:49 GMT

Sorry, jerry, I don't agree.

It's called a "civil rights violation". You can't act like "common sense" will help us decide who is evil enough to waive due process. Common sense is objective. So how many people get killed before the person is "justifiably tortured"? Whaddya say: 7 adults and 2 children? 300 women and 1 infant?

The fact is that everyone deserves the right to speak for what they've done. Even if you're that crazy guy in the US who tortured that woman for 19 hours, you get a right to trial. Hammurabi may disagree, but whatever.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

America, love it or leave it! — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:32:55 GMT

When will everyone get their heads out of their collective behinds and realize that we are dealing with a new world type order. We live in a society where liberalism has created an every man or woman for himself mentality where through the courts, the needs or wants of the one, outweigh the rights and pretections of the many. In every decision someone has to compromise because the majority has to be considered. People who act based on any form of ideology rather than accepted law will never play by the rules if those rules do not favor them. They then can count on the far left insisting that the rules are followed for them so that they can skate free or at least work the system without any form of punishment for years to come without any form of punishment for their actions. Sometimes, the job just has to get done

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

freddie, cleveland — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:25:36 GMT

wow...mccain freaks me out. heck...even saddam got a fair trial in irag!! duh mccain.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Kelly, Chicago, IL — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:26:08 GMT

Basically under my interpretation of the Supreme Court ruling, soldiers who capture UBL would need to read him his Miranda rights in Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, etc. He'd have to have his lawyer present during any military questioning. The CIA would need to get a warrant and follow evidence rules before searching for time sensitive info. regarding terrorist attacks/ other Al Qaeda bigwigs. The U.S. would have to either risk declassifying evidence regarding intelligence methods and operatives or risk UBL going free. Such an approach is unprecedented and ridiculous during a time of war and Team McCain is pointing out the obvious.

I'm also quite disturbed about the comment above concerning "several life sentences;" if there's a clear cut case for the death penalty, then it's definitely this one.. the people who callously slammed planes into buildings and vaporized three thousand Americans. A good tact for McCain and co. to expose how liberal the Messiah is would be to go after what punishment is appropriate. Methinks that he might come of as to the left of 80+% of America

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

John B, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:26:36 GMT

"Bill was more worried about Monica then he was about Bin Laden" One more time with that false claim. Clinton sent cruise missiles against the al Qaeda training camps and publicly warned that bin Laden was the biggest terrorist threat anywhere. Republicans and talk show hosts everywhere belittled that pronouncement and opined that Clinton was only trying to distract attention from his affair with Lewinsky. By now you should know, jerry, that EVERY time you claim the Clinton Administration ignored al Qaeda someone will point out the historical revisionism.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Erik, Bowie MD — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:26:38 GMT

Our courts we're designed to work in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. It's anti-American to suggest otherwise.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Young Democrat — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:30:03 GMT

Most of us feel the DNC stole the nominee from Hillary...giving a man votes from MI and his name wasn't even there to vote for....so to heck with the DNC, you have lost the faithful. - Luanne, TN
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They voted UNCOMITTED when Hillary's name was on the ballot. And there were also about 30,000 write-ins. If they didn't vote for her when her name was right there, who do you think they were voting for??? Papa Smurf? Additionally, it was clearly known that even if full voting rights were given to Michigan and Florida (though they broke the rules) and Obama was not given uncommitted, he still would have been ahead in the delegate count. That's how well he was doing! You can go ahead and vote for McCain whose policies and plans are in direct contrast with Hillary Clinton's and the rest of the Democratic party.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Elizabeth — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:30:42 GMT

Giving a prisoner habeas corpus "rights" if of no concern so long as the government is not acting unlawfully. Frivolous petitions (usual ones about food, bedding, etc.) are dismissed routinely and easily (and writing them up kept the prisoner occupied, too busy for getting into fights). Legitimate petitions SHOULD be brought, even by Osama bin Laden, because for one to succeed, the government has to be violating its own laws. Habeas corpus is more important as a check on abuses of power than it is a granting of any sort of individual right. The only "right" it gives to someone in prison is an assurance that the government has to abide by the law ... just like he had to. ------------ The right to habeas corpus is not granted by the Constitution; it is not contained in the Bill of Rights. It is an ancient right recognized under English common law and incorporated into the main body of the Constitution (Art 1, section 9) as a LIMIT on Legislative power. "The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it." Granting persons held in Guantanamo (or anywhere else) the right to petition for habeas corpus does not pose a threat to public safety -- it only threatens government officials who want to be able to abuse their power.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

terry, Great Plains — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:32:20 GMT

This much we do know. Bush/McCain took us into a war of convenience and took the eye off the ball on Bin Laden.This group of incompetents never have caught the father of the attack, never put enough resources in Afganistan so we now have a resurgency of the Taliban. Instead we hold hands and kiss the cheeks of the Saudi's who fathered the 9/11 attackers. Mismanaged a war from day one and they have the audacity to comment on the stance of Obama. Come on guys you are the ones who manipulated intelligence to get us into Iraq. By the way the Supreme Court decision was not the worst in history John McCain. What about Dred Scott? or Plessey v. Furgeson? We can not afford this type of incompetence and poor judgement for another FOUR years.

Would bin Laden get habeas rights?

Linda Montgoemry, AL — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:32:32 GMT

The more I hear from the McCain campaign the more convinced I am McCain is an idiot.

For despite all good sense, they continue an all front effort to make Obama the problem, when the problem is the economy, the wars, wounded veterans, and the broken government that caused it all.

But it appears they are so very threatened by Obama, and so unimpressed with McCain, that the only way to make the latter better is by attacking the former.