Duh!, Tell Me It Ain’t So

Even after 4 years it seems the Bush Administration has not been able to think themselves out of this most simple of conundrums.

A federal judge ordered the Bush administration Tuesday to immediately free 17 Chinese Muslims from Guantanamo Bay into the United States, rebuking the government in a landmark decision that could set the stage for the release of dozens other prisoners in Cuba.

U.S. District Judge Ricardo M. Urbina said it would be wrong for the government to continue holding the detainees, known as Uighurs (WEE’-gurz), who have been jailed for nearly seven years, since they are no longer considered enemy combatants. Over the objections of government lawyers who called them a security risk, Urbina ordered their release in Washington D.C. by Friday.
“Because the Constitution prohibits indefinite detentions without cause, the continued detention is unlawful,” Urbina said in a ruling that brought cheers and applause from a standing-room only courtroom filled with dozens of Uighurs and human rights activists.

Letter to Senator McCaskill

Dear Senator McCaskill,

I voted for you in 2006 and glad to see you win over Jim Talent. I voted for you, a Democrat, because I thought it was time for a change from the big business interests represented by the Republicans. I believe the coming showdown over the FISA immunity of the the big telecoms will be a time where true blue Democrats can show they hold our Constitution and the freedoms it guarantees to be of key importance. In the past, unfortunately, Democrats have not shown the discipline of the Republicans. Republicans repeatedly were on the wrong side of issues and still held together. Now is the opportunity for Democrats to be on the right side of the issue. My bet is that like in the past the caucus will be divided. Your vote on this issue will be one I will not forget when it comes time for your re-election.

Sincerely,

RichMc

My Email to Obama Today

Up to this point I am committed to voting for Sen. Obama in November.
One issue that is of great concern to me is defense of our Constitution. These past 7 years have threatened more than just a few of our constitutional guarantees. FISA is currently before the Senate. It is my sincere hope Senator Obama does the right thing and helps to prevent passage of amnesty for those who broke the law.
In the past month Republicans have shown what a united caucus can achieve. I hope Senator Obama can demonstrate the same holds true for Democrats. From all indications Republicans seem to able to unite for all the wrong reasons whlie Democrats can’t even get behind the right ones. If that remains to be the case what difference will it make to put a majority of Democrats in power this fall?