Mr. Torture

The above video is a clip from Countdown, with Keith Olbermann discussing George Bush's efforts to legalize torture and eviscerate Article III of the Geneva Convention.

Paul Krugman also discusses "President Bush’s demand that Congress “clarify” the part of the Geneva Conventions that, in effect, outlaws the use of torture" in King of Pain. He asks the question:

But I haven’t seen much discussion of the underlying question: why is Mr. Bush so determined to engage in torture?

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To show that it can.

The central drive of the Bush administration — more fundamental than any particular policy — has been the effort to eliminate all limits on the president’s power. Torture, I believe, appeals to the president and the vice president precisely because it’s a violation of both law and tradition. By making an illegal and immoral practice a key element of U.S. policy, they’re asserting their right to do whatever they claim is necessary.

* * * *

Mr. Bush would have us believe that the difference between him and those opposing him on this issue is that he’s willing to do what’s necessary to protect America, and they aren’t. But the record says otherwise.

The fact is that for all his talk of being a “war president,” Mr. Bush has been conspicuously unwilling to ask Americans to make sacrifices on behalf of the cause — even when, in the days after 9/11, the nation longed to be called to a higher purpose. . . .

Only now, five years after 9/11, has Mr. Bush finally found some things he wants us to sacrifice. And those things turn out to be our principles and our self-respect.

See also this article by Marty Lederman at Balkinization, Getting with "The Program": Clarity Through Obfuscation, for a good discussion of the issues.

Finally, Jack Balkin provides The Top Ten Reasons President Bush Wants to Limit the War Crimes Act and the Geneva Conventions:

10. You see, I'm a war crimes President!
9. I'm hoping to try some "alternative sets of procedures" on Nancy Pelosi.
8. I need to keep Dick Cheney busy!
7. Americans are sick and tired of us outsourcing our torture jobs to other countries.
6. It'll come in real handy when we invade Iran.
5. Com'on, they use waterboards in Southern California, right?
4. A lot of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay are really into S & M.
3. Did you know they speak French in Geneva?
2. John McCain, Colin Powell and Former head of Joint Chiefs of Staff John Vessey are just not serious about protecting the American people.
1. Too many people think my Presidency is an "outrage upon personal dignity."

(Krugman's article is also available at The Unknown Candidate)

Tags: Commentary, Countdown, Keith Olbermann, Paul Krugman, Bush