Someone stated that he belived that there is nothing wrong with torturing anyone who is not an American Citizen in light of America having been subjected to 1 terrorist attact (not caused by a US national), because no-one that is not protected specifically by the American consitution has any rights in international law.  I'm interested to know if this is common current thinking w/in the new belief system that you are developing?
215332
Well, if you read the text of most (most) of the protections guaranteed by the US Constitution, it says "no person"  rather than "no citizen".... which kind of begs the question how some conservative strict constructionalists can argue that "person" really only means "citizen"...\n\nBut I've heard a lot of people say that they don't think non-US citizens should have rights. What's even more frightening is that a lot of people I've talked to think that even US citizens shouldn't have any constitutional protections if they are SUSPECTED of being involved in terrorist activities. The whole "innocent until proven guilty" concept is totally out of the window. At least, according to the Bush administration's current policies (see US v. Padilla).\n\nI'm just stocking up on popcorn (and canned goods) and waiting for the fireworks to start.
65949
Unlike the hypocrites running the US now, I believe in following international law and following consistent standards of conduct even when it's inconvenient or unpopular.  A violation of international law is equally reprehensible whether it is committed by the US, Nazi Germany, Egypt, or Iran.  That used to be considered a "conservative" view, but conservatism has given way to radicalism, and radicals can justify anything they want to because they're so morally smug and self-righteous.  \n\nI don't think the Geneva Conventions for POW's apply fully to Al-Qaida suspects because those laws were written for conventional warfare, but a civilized nation would not assume a license for abuse and would instead be pressing for new international law to cover new situations, just like Congress writes new laws for new situations like the Internet.
631146
I (american) completely agree with you that our country has been completley out of line in trying to be the worlds "big brother". You should know that your mirror will only show what is shown to it.  My mirror would show acceptance and love for all people. I was deeply disturbed by one of your previous posts. Please dont think that americans actually have a voice in whether or not we go to war! How would you feel if I was one of the closeminded americans that thinks that just because you are middle eastern, you know the terrorists and can make them stop if you want. I can't even begin to understand what it feels like to live in a warring country, my condolensces to you and yours. But remember that not seeing all sides of the story is one of the problems that led us to where we are today.  You are obviously very upset, and for good reason. So I would like to personally appologize to you for the occupation, although I have absolutely no control over it. By opening our eyes and truly thinking about things before we believe them, we might eventually be able to achieve peace. I wish you, and your family, and Iraqi and American troops peace. Please rethink your hatred for all americans and know that there are many of us here that agree with YOU rather than our own government. By finding a way to see that no culture as a whole is inherantly evil and that every individual is different and needs to be respected, you too will be a part of the path to peace.  Peace to you my brother. Tasharrafna. Shukran.
509547
so that's the Republican answer?:\n\nIt doesn't matter what I say - you have your opinion and I have mine. Minds are not going to be changed on YA.\n\nAt least I respect your opinion - but you obviously don't respect mine. \n\nMeanwhile we've been called traders, communists, nazi's, and terrorist sympathizers. After we've been smeared like this for 6 years, I don't think we need to respect the opinion, at least for now, of any of the clueless people that still support the worst President in American history.\n\nAs far as international laws he's broken, lets START with illegally invading a sovereign nation? Or how about human rights violations in GITMO.
561722
there are inalienable human rights, agreed upon in the Geneva Conventions, that apply to all humans.  Though they may ultimately be executed, they are afforded the right to due process.  This prevents using some label like "terrorist" to rob just about anyone of their rights and have them killed.  Like in the days of the Salem witch hunts- all you had to do was call someone out as a witch, and they lost all their rights and were burned at the stake.  If terrorists had no rights by law, then if the system wanted someone destroyed, all you have to do is accuse them or frame them as terrorists and you've got them canned.  At least with due process, the system would have to really spend a heck of a lot of time and effort on pushing a falsely-accused person through the system.  It's always doable, but with due process, framing someone is harder to pull off and there are a lot more chances for the plot to unfold.\n\nWhen people defend human rights rollbacks by saying "if you're not a terrorist, you have nothing to fear!" it's not true.  We're founded on the principle that we have the right to overthrow our government if it fails to work for the people (Declaration of Independance) and if due process is taken away, we lose that power because the government can annhialate anyone they perceive as a threat.  I hate to sound like some sort of extremist or anarchist, which I'm not, but let's not forget our founding documents and what concepts this country was built on.
376865
Yes it does bother me. Especially when you consider than many of these people are wrongly accused of being terrorists.\n When we first invaded Afghanistan, people were spiteful and accused people they just didnt like as being terrorists and we captured held and tortured them. After finding out they werent really terrorists and released do you not think these people would go join the terrorists? \n How are we supposed to be a civilized nation and do something like this? It is outrageous that people think it is okay because the person it is being done to is classified as a terrorist. Any US citizen who thinks this is okay should go live somewhere else.
90010
People do have a right to burn a lot of things, including a flag!  But if you are burning the American flag, then you might as well set yourself on fire!  That's because the American flag stands as a symbol for the freedom of expression, and the freedom to burn flags!  And if you are burning the symbol of expression, the very symbol which allows you to burn the flag itself, then in effect you are rejecting you freedom of expression which the American flag stands for!  If you are burning the flag, you are basically saying that you do not want to have freedom to express yourself constructively, and in a positive manner!  In a sense you are rejecting the very freedom which enables you to burn the flag!  It does seem kind of odd for most people that anybody would want to burn the flag of their own country, especially a country which is very tolerant of these types of irrational expressions!  All I am trying to say is - don't bite the hand that fed you!  If you do not like this country, then leave!  Go to Canada, or Mexico, or Iran, (while there, try burning that country's flag for everybody to see, I would pay money to see that)!  But no, you see just the opposite happening, more people want to come to this country, because this country more than any other allows for Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness, and amongst many other things, the right to express yourself, and speak your mind!  No, I am not saying that this country is perfect, but compared to the rest of the world, it just might be!
37963
First of all, it has nothing to do with religous leaders.  That makes no sense at all. So obviously you are a moron.  It has nothing to do with a "few" U.S. citizens typing on the internet.  It is catching people in this country who want to destroy it and communicate with terrorists and evil people like the ones who killed 3,000 people on 9/11. I don't understand who you mean by cowards.  It is the complete opposite of coward if you are on the offensive and try to stop violence by terrorists before it happens.  Democrats want to sit back and wait for something to happen before taking action.  That is a coward.  So again you make no sense. Our military does put there life on the line everyday to protect punks like you and this country.  Information they get from NSA wiretapping helps them do this and to stop terrorists from killing innocent Americans.  Maybe even someone close to you.  Would you want to keep your "liberty" or have your mom killed in a terrorist attack when it could have been stopped by wiretapping?  Freedom of thought?  Go ahead and think whatever you want!  Type it on the internet.  Talk about it on the phone.  No one cares!  The government doesn't care.  But if you are talking to al Qaeda then yes they will care and take your a** down!  And if it weren't for that "little protection" you so casually talk about when thousands of Americans have died for it, you would not have your liberty or freedom.
62219
islam as a religion isnt the problem.radical extremist have hi-jacked a country and its people! slowly but surely neighboring countries have been handled the same way.I just want to clear up a misconception about suicide bombers.It isnt always suicide, when your family is held randsom and the only way to insure their safe release is to blow yourself up, come on,I would do the same. I am a democrat and not a huge Bush fan but we cannot stop trying to weed out the evil regimes. On this, I know it is the only way to give the gift of freedom that Americans and many other countries are born with and take for granted. breaking down walls and making sure that free trade and more than one ideology is the only solution.
591757
2000, when the Supreme Court decided that a fair and accurate recount must be stopped. Read the dissents in that case (see link below).\n\nAnd I think Mr.Danger's title is more accurate, though I prefer "Commander in Sheik". Captures the flavor better.\n\nYou've hit the real problem though. Hypocrisy. This administration would never tolerate another country doing what they claim is justified. \n\nRegardless of whether we like North Korea or Iran or not, if Germany or England or Brazil tried to tell the US that it could not engage in particular research or test weapons in international waters, the US would tell them to go bleep themselves. And then defend their rights with force.\n\nAnd every other country that has invaded another sovereign nation because they didn't like the way things were being handled has been denounced as tyrants. But it's alright for the US to do it?\n\nAnd the US denounces other countries (well, they used to last decade) for torturing people or violating civil rights. But the current administration can ignore not only its own Constitution but many international treaties (signed and ratified), because it feels like it?\n\nHypocrisy has always bothered me. And the current US administration is the best case for why in at least the last century.
284728
quite the opposite my friend...for it is uniquely American to have the right to say such things without fear of reprisal....try to do that in any other country and quite possibly you will pay for your moment of indiscression with your life......life free or die....~~
20858
The folks defending the US's behavior in Gitmo are basing their ideas on emotions, anfd often thinly-veiled racist beliefs.  There is only two legimate, legal, MORAL options concerning the "Detainees"-  they are either classified as EPWs- who then would be treated as such under the rules of armed conflict, Geneva Convention accords, and US law- OR they must be considered criminals and in turn be charged with a crime- in addition to all the legal entitlements accused persons in the US are due. Of course, neither is occurring- they are in some sort of Bizzaro World of Political and legal Limbo- and no one (except us wet-blanket crybabies who are so "Un-Umerican" as to concern ourselves with (gasp!) human rights and the rule of law) seems to care one bit.  In fact, I feel the majority of people- like the ones answering above, feel quite a vulgar little thrill at the thought of inflicting such indignities and/or suffering on the detainees.\nWhat next?  How far will this crazy train of racist backwoods justice take this country and this world?      Yikes.
489327
Since day one.  "Most of our imports come from overseas" is not the kind of talk from our president that makes me proud.  "Nucular" has also stuck as an irritant.  He seems to pride himself on that stuff.  On the more serious side, invading a country that did not  attack us, voiding the Geneva Convention and advocating of torture, wiretapping without court orders, detaining people without charges, trial or representation, calling those that disagree traitors; these and many other such things coming from our government is much more than embarrassment.  It is contrary to everything I hold dear about being American.  And then there is all the death and destruction, for what?  I think we all would like to find that out, in open hearings.  If that happens, there are going to be a lot of very angry Americans.
162272
Read 1984.  It is not a war on terror.  It is a war.  Just a reason to go to war.  It is ambiguous.  It can continue indefinitely.  It has no terminus.  It is an excellent reason to violate rights.  It is an excuse to seize power and not let go.  It tramples constitutional rights.  It is a pseudo-martial law. (I could go on, but I won't)
622374
Let me put it to you this way:\n\nThere is such a thing as America, and there is such a thing as an American citizen and their rights, you may not deny that.\n\nWE WILL NOT SUSPEND OUR CONTSTITUTION TO ACCOMODATE YOU OR BEND TO THE WILL OF ANOTHER COUNTRY.\n\nThank You.
640551
I think us Americans are described as "ugly Americans" because many (but not all) of us assume that our nation is superior to all others and that our culture should be imposed on others' wherever we go.  This is just stupid.  To my knowledge, there is no other nation that is so self-righteous.  President Bush has no right to turn Iraq into a democracy.  Only the Iraqi people have the right to decide this.  So many people say they are "proud to be an American", but I don't believe it is a thing deserving of pride anymore.  Yes, we have many freedoms that so many other countries don't have, but does that include the right to dictate policies to other nations?
278372
Hey ST.  Maybe you need to stop accepting everything that the US government does as being something handed down from God on Mount Sinai.  And maybe you should stop asking "questions", only then picking answers that are to the effect of: "I totally agree with you!  GO USA!"\n\nedit - You are so easy to get riled up.  Okay here's a quick stab at it.  Lets say I murdered someone in an extremely brutal manner.  I cut their skin off and injected them with a colloidal heavy metal, then hooked them up to a car battery and let the metals cook them from inside their veins.\n\nNow lets say you murdered somebody, but you only shot them through the heart.\n\nI am guilty of murder.  You are guilty of murder.  Is your murder any less wrong?  No, of course not.  A death is a death.  Do you see the point I am making?  A crime is a crime is a crime.  Just because a crime appears to be lesser than another one doesn't mean anything.  Read a philosophy book before you start asking questions like this.\n\nIt is wrong for us to strip terrorists of their human rights.  An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.  You would do well to remember that, Mr. Trooper.  Or do you think Ghandi was wrong for saying that?\n\nYou have very narrow views, Mr. Trooper.