Almost every week, Republicans join a competition to see who can say the most outlandish things, and in the process, they push the envelope on just how demented InsaniTEA can become. I trust that you will believe it, when I tell you that last week was no exception.
Antonin Scalia: Torturing convicts is a no-go, but torturing suspects is A-OK.
Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia was asked this week by the BBC about the CIA’s fully exposed use of torture in the years after the 9/11 attacks, and he found, shall we say, some rather interesting hairs to split.
“We have laws against torture,” Scalia said. (Whew.) But then he added, “The Constitution says nothing whatever about torture. It speaks of punishment; ‘cruel and unusual’ punishments are forbidden.”
“So torture is forbidden, in that case?” his interlocutor asked.
“If it’s imposed as a punishment, yes,” Scalia responded. “If you condemn someone who has committed a crime to be tortured, that would be unconstitutional.”
OK, good. But notice how it seems to leave a bit of an opening for torture. That’s not a mistake. When Scalia is asked about torture as a tool for interrogation, his tune changes: “We have never held that that’s contrary to the Constitution. And I don’t know what provision of the Constitution that would contravene.”
Uh oh.
“Listen, I think it is very facile for people to say, ‘Oh, torture is terrible.’ You posit the situation where a person that you know for sure knows the location of a nuclear bomb that has been planted in Los Angeles and will kill millions of people. You think it’s an easy question? You think it’s clear that you cannot use extreme measures to get that information out of that person? I don’t think that’s so clear at all.
“And once again, it’s this sort of self-righteousness of European liberals who answer that question so readily and so easily. It’s not that easy a question.”
There you have it, you European liberals always unreasonably saying never to torture people. It’s fine to torture some people, sometimes. Just not convicts.
Inserted from <Alternet>
This fascist statement is just one od last week’s seven most demented Republican moments. Click through for the other six.
11 Responses to “Last Week’s Most Demented Republican Moments”
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1. Scalia ~ The powers that be at the Hague strongly disagree with him. They have already convicted G.W. Bush and Tony Blair in absentia of war crimes for starting a war for no good reason and say the torture is an even worse charge. Weh did sign International Treaties against torture quite a few years ago.
2. Fox ~ What can I say about those morons? I'm still very happy for Dish customers because they no longer have FAUX in their lineup.
3. Ann Coulter ~ I was wondering why the Coultergeist hasn't been on the list lately. Was she resting up after Halloween?
4. Fox Business ~ Elizabeth Warren should be cheering that these botto feeders consider her the devil.
5. Missouri GOPer ~ Is he legitimately sane?
6. Gordon Klingenschmitt ~ I bet he has a cadillac health plan.
7. Rick Santorum ~ Tee-hee-hee.
4.
Like Gene J (Care2) my breath was taken away by Fox News admitting ANYTHING. But, Gene, like all Republicans, they will do anything for money, and money is what they are demanding.
Beyond that, I think I will just echo the President on this.article:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=0CAUQjBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia-cache-ak0.pinimg.com%2F736x%2F4b%2Fcf%2Fbc%2F4bcfbc325c2625b5e4b8ca9e972ee5d9.jpg&ei=mJiZVMDAOsWcygSv7YCoAw&psig=AFQjCNGnUgi6UsbZOiJKDHZe3qgkA7zxvQ&ust=1419438617058636
Scalia thinks that torture isn't 'cruel and unusual' then? What does he do in his time off I wonder – help!! Thanks TC.
Somewhat out of context with the TC's news. Important.
Amy Goodman in 'Democracy Now!' presents a really good program on Bush, Cheney and others on War Crimes & Crimes Against Humanity with many guest speakers and interviews, video quotes. Not to be missed!
"…39 people were "murdered" during captivity…"
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014
LINK: http://www.democracynow.org/
I use either Miro and/or iTunes to get this program, Democracy Now! and for Rachel Maddow. I don't have a TV hookup. lol.
You can get both of them through here:
http://www.democracynow.org/2014/12/23/stream
You may need to download the apps for your computer. They are free.
Oh, PU-LEASE! Someone find us a new SCOTUS, and get rid of the fossils that are there! The Fascist Five need to get “wings”. I don’t think they will ever get them, but at the very least, replace the un-godly relics!
It makes sense to RepubliCONs that "preemptive" strikes on an innocent country is more important than a guilty verdict for a "frenemy" (no Iraqis, but plenty Saudis involved in 9/11) – so of course "aggressive questioning" & lengthy, uncharged "holding" of Suspects would be Totally Different than Constitutional Mandates of a speedy trial & no cruel or unusual punishment. The "pre-convicted" are the Opposite of the "pre-born" to RepubliCON nuts! Everyone knows that if Someone suspects you of something then you're probaly guilty of Something…unless you're upper tier GOPers & 1%ers & Bankers..you Know..;)
Patty, I cannot think of a thing to add, still chuckling!
Fox Business Newsian: Elizabeth Warren is the devil. — Elizabeth the devil? The devil is in the details, and Warren is always after the details! I believe the Fox Business Newsian is demonstrating a total fear of Warren and her populist power. Thing is with Warren, the right can run but they cannot hide. Read her most recent book, "A Fighting Chance", and you'll know what I mean.
Missouri GOPer: Women should get men’s permission for abortion. — Only in your dreams moron! My body, my decision.
Gordon Klingenschmitt recommends you pray for your healthcare. — And atheists or non Christians? Get a life dude. Pray is good, but God also gave various people (doctors, nurses etc) the talent to heal others, to use those talents in the service of others. Like the rest of us, they want to be compensated. That's where healthcare (Obamacare) comes in.
Rick Santorum assures us he has had sex, not that we asked. — I bet Sanctimonious Santorum was a real blast at toga parties during college!
Antonin Scalia: Torturing convicts is a no-go, but torturing suspects is A-OK. — OK, Scalia is a suspect in the impersonation of a SCOTUS Justice. Does that mean we can torture him till he squeals, . . . or whatever?
Fox Newsian: No fair. Colbert got rich off of our idiocy. — Is this Fox Newsian still employed by purveyors of lies? My guess, he will lose his job for telling the truth!
Thanks all. Pardon my pit-stop please. I feel wiped-out.
Yeah, I will be signing up for Mitch McConnell Care at http://www.walk-it-off.gov