Perino Can’t Explain Why Bush Administration Opposes Cluster Bomb Treaty
Perino Can’t Explain Why Bush Administration Opposes Cluster Bomb Treaty
Today in Oslo, Norway, over 100 countries began signing the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The nations signing the cluster bomb treaty argue that the unexploded munitions pose a “deadly hazard to children, farmers and others long after a conflict ends.” In a surprising last-minute change of policy, Afghanistan agreed to join the treaty.
Russia and the U.S. remain two of the key holdouts to the agreement. Today during the White House press briefing, veteran reporter Helen Thomas pressed spokeswoman Dana Perino to explain the Bush administration’s opposition:
THOMAS: Is the President going to sign the anti-cluster bomb treaty? Apparently this is –
PERINO: Right, this is a treaty that was passed out of the U.N. Security Council several months ago. We said then that, no, we would not be signing on to it. And so I think that the signing is actually — we did not participate in the passage of it, and therefore we’re not going to sign it either.
THOMAS: Why not?
PERINO: What I have forgotten is all the reasons why, and so I’ll get it for you. (Laughter.)
Watch it:
When Perino was asked about the administration’s position on the treaty last May, she stressed the importance of cleaning up the munitions but not ending the practice. “We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian impact, not only of just cluster munitions, but really the whole range of munitions that are used at war,” she said. “It’s a moral obligation to clean up, and we do so.”
The State Department has acknowledged that “there are legitimate humanitarian concerns” about the use of cluster bombs, but argues that “it is going to be impossible to ban cluster munitions, as many in the Oslo process would like to do, because these are weapons that have a certain military utility and are of use. The United States relies on them as an important part of our own defense strategy.”
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No but your is? I think I might threaten to track you down and hurt you really badly. See even though I think that TP has a rule against that sort of thing, I have noticed that the rules aren’t really enforced. Don’t worry so much about your ISP. Worry about me!
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:40 pmPERINO: What I have forgotten is all the reasons why, and so I’ll get it for you. (Laughter.)
Did she happen to add “you betcha” in her statement?
Is it January 20th yet?
PEACE
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:45 pmFaiz…..why is ablecluster still here? Is he paying you for the privilige of spamming our threads? If so you should let us know…..
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:46 pmI’m not at all surprised Bush won’t sign it – he still hasn’t quite grasped the concept “do the right thing”.
So the next question is – will President Obama sign the cluster bomb treaty?
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:47 pmFred. My last abuse report asked that we just be told so as to not have to be bothered with wasting time reporting the abuse which they can’t act on since it appears to be inhouse.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:47 pmFor the same reason that bush only wants Israel and the US to have nuclear capabilities. The war hawks and chicken hawks want to fight with the upper hand. It’s the old double standard that has cost us so much in international relations around the world.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:50 pmWhen has this peroxided airhead ever explained anything intelligently?
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:50 pmPERINO: What I have forgotten is all the reasons why, and so I’ll get it for you. (Laughter.)
Laughter at the end of that? Why is it funny? Forgetting why you won’t sign a treaty that could help save people’s lives or enhance their well being. Real funny.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:50 pmoh and AbleCluster, I intend to cut you f ucking heart out and after an al izing it, I intend to cram it down your throat and then burn down the Privacy Center as well as your home. I dare you to report this abuse!
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:51 pmIt’s a sad we humans keep finding more and more ways to kill each other. And a some of the ones killed and maimed by these terrible devices are complete innocents.
On a lighter note, it was good to hear Helen Thomas again.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:51 pmyeah, bush and Obama are the same, huh? I mean Democrats sign peaceful, humanitarian treaties like kioto and republicans spit on the floor of the UN and stomp thier feet and whine….much like what you are doing here.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:54 pmAbleCluster I’m joining dbadasses militia. Sometimes you just have to organize to root out ignorance.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:57 pmDo we really have to wait 47 more days before we can get an adult in the White House??
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:04 pmI whish the US would sgin the agreement. However, signing it or not the US always disregarded signed agreements.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 pm… and so I’ll get it for you. (Laughter.)
channeling another bimbo… ha ha ha.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:13 pmThanks Fred. That took a lot longer than it should have. Still better late than never.
Faiz, Whereas AbleCluster was just the most recent incarnation, might it be possible to just look for the Privacy Center link and ignore whatever dumb ass name comes back next time which will assuredly happen?
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:14 pm“The United States relies on them as an important part of our own defense strategy.”
Does that mean that our own military will use these weapons on our own soil (”defense”), and our own children and grandchildren will have to avoid blowing themselves up? On our own soil?
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:16 pmPERINO: What I have forgotten is all the reasons why I am a spokesperson for murderous demons, and so I’ll get it for you. (Laughter.)
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:25 pmWayne A.Schneider:
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:26 pmAs someone knowledgeable as to many things military. Is there any reasoned justification for these weapons? I am appalled by this but I can not claim real expertise in this area. Also what is the current status as to the US position on the international landmine agreement
Well, that depends. Will Jeb Bush become president in 2012?
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:30 pmWhy a treaty? chimpy proved he can break laws/rules or make up names to describe the obvious (combatant whatever, surge.) he uses the lie that he is following “terrorist” to invade and occupy other countries and to exploit their national resources. What’s the purpose of a treaty? If chimpy broke the treaty then what? We starve their children?
GMAFB.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:32 pm“Perino Can’t Explain Why Bush Administration Opposes Cluster Bomb Treaty”
That’s asking a bit much of Dana, isn’t it?
I mean, really. She could barely explain how a pencil works.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:33 pmNo. Clusterbombs are much more effective.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:35 pmSpeaking of Jeb Bush. Is Mel Martinez being “retired” so Jeb can have his job. And who has what on Mel to get him to retire? Inquiring minds want to know.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:36 pmYou are asking what the Bush Crime Family has on Martinez?
You had better figure out what they have on you first.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:39 pmHi ralph. Might I trouble you to visit the climate/emissions deal below for a moment?
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:41 pmIf Perino found an old cluster bomb in her backyard, she might remember the reasons for signing on.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:43 pmdbadass,
You credit me too much. I was in the Air Force and got out more than 20 years ago. (Excuse me while I sigh deeply at how old that makes me feel.) And I do not know the status of any agreements the US has signed regarding landmines and similar weapons.
It appears from these people’s site that we have not signed the treaty. (I used The Google.)
http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Landmines_html/Signers_LMtreaty.html
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:47 pmNo. She would just send her kids out back to play. She can always make more.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:48 pmThe treaty bans the production as well as the use of cluster munitions.
The US is a war profiteer, first and foremost. The Bush Administration will not do anything that threatens to cut into the profits from making and selling weapons, ammunition, high-octane fuel, whatever feeds the war machine.
This is a matter of money, not of morality.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:49 pmPERINO: I can’t elaborate the reason because it would cause your soul to wither.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:52 pmThis is a matter of money, not of morality.
Those who cherish the former in spite of the latter will soon be lacking both.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:53 pmYeah shoeless, she can make more babies and more cluster bombs. Such a deal.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:53 pmWayne A.Schneider:
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:56 pmMy interest in the landmine issue arose from my interest in the story of Loung Ung as well as my deeply held obsession with Queen Noor. Not that Loung Ung is not also a tremendously attractive woman. I just am unsure she if is a birder. If she is, well than I may have a real conflict on my hands. So can anyone else here make a reasoned claim for the continued use of either of these indescriminant weapons?
DNFP Says:
This is a matter of money, not of morality.
Those who cherish the former in spite of the latter will soon be lacking both.
Those who cherish the former already lack the latter.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:57 pma nervous laugh from the airhead is expected. she would laugh at a train wreck.
the media laugh is spooky.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:57 pmSo can anyone else here make a reasoned claim for the continued use of either of these indescriminant weapons?
I seriously doubt one exists. Not a reasoned one. Emotional ones abound, but not reasoned ones.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:58 pmOne of his crony friends must be the manufacturer of these things and Bush doesn’t want to cut into his friend’s profit margin.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:03 pmshoeless Says:
Game of Life Says:
We starve their children?
No. Clusterbombs are much more effective.
Does the treaty include the consequences if one uses “clusterbombs?”
Did Israel sign on?
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:07 pmWayne A. Schneider Says: I was in the Air Force and got out more than 20 years ago.
Hey buddy!
I was one of the sac’s. How about you.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:10 pmBush foreign policy is very simple. There are no consequences for the big dog.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:23 pmShayne Says:
Speaking of Jeb Bush. Is Mel Martinez being “retired” so Jeb can have his job. And who has what on Mel to get him to retire? Inquiring minds want to know.
Gawd if jeb gets back into elective office it will be devastating. I thought the idiot era was over.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:29 pmshoeless Says:
Game of Life Says:
Does the treaty include the consequences if one uses “clusterbombs?”
Bush foreign policy is very simple. There are no consequences for the big dog.
Yep!
chimpy doesn’t know the meaning of integrity. the big dummy thinks Iraq is his prize. what a sh.
Did you see him f-u his own history. he invaded a country on his own know erratic intel. when does the Downey Street Memo come into play. Is he that sick of an ah? Please let January come.
Please !
President-ELECT Obama doesn’t have to try to show up the chimpy aH. Briefing only 6 days a week. what a simp.
Then he sits their and has the nerve to says everyone one else is wrong because they believed his unsubstantiated bs. What a jf.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:40 pmGame of Life,
SATCOM Ranger. (Glorified electronics repairman.)
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:43 pmWhy did the Press Corps find this funny? I find it insulting and disturbing.
December 4th, 2008 at 12:01 amThese bombs are like her speaking. No control of the content or direction and completely unaware what happens 10 seconds after.
December 4th, 2008 at 12:01 amWhat is the price to get in to one of her shows?
Can she really get paid to do this?
Is this a paying job?
If so we bet ol sarah p from that colder place near to russia would take a shot at this line of work.We hear she can say just about anything anytime.
Wayne A. Schneider Says:
Game of Life,
SATCOM Ranger. (Glorified electronics repairman.)
reciprocal engines, propeller repair specialist. Known as the professional screwers. HAHAHHAA
December 4th, 2008 at 12:30 amthese nasty bombs blow up later for a reason. these are call momentous surprised from the winner. It’s psychological.
December 4th, 2008 at 12:54 amSo let me see if I have this straight. A minute amount of stolen radiactive left over high school science lab waste taped to a cherry bomb and fired in the bathroom of some suburban foodcourt is some sort of dirty bomb evilly executed by freedom haters type shit but this all them little missing limb and scarred up kids in some place that those foodcourt people couldn’t even locate on a map type shit is A-okay? Wow!
December 4th, 2008 at 1:16 amBimbo Perino don’t have the capacity of explaining anything… Her job is to LIE! In this case, what can she say for yet another immoral stand from this administration. I’m also interested if Obama, who surrounded himself with a bunch of ’same O same O’ clintonites and neocons, is going to CHANGE this situation!
December 4th, 2008 at 1:34 amDespite his hawkish stance I believe that Obama, unlike Bush, is fundamentally a decent man. He could at once obey a moral imperative incumbent on all civilized peoples, regain support among his core progressive constituency, convince our allies of his good intentions, deprive our potential enemies of some of their grievances and uphold the tenets of his personal faith by simply announcing that he will, upon taking office, sign the treaty and submit it to the Senate for ratification.
December 4th, 2008 at 3:13 amPERINO (thoughtfully): Keep in mind, this is a President who used to blow up animals.
December 4th, 2008 at 6:52 amThe whole problem only arose because some U.S. cluster munitions had a dud rate of about 10% and littered the countryside with dangerous duds in the past two decades.
Many such cluster munitions / submunitions / DPICM have a dud rate of only about 1% – that would likely not have provoked such a treaty.
The treaty isn’t perfect, but going unilateral once again when the overwhelming majority of the world thinks differently is simply poor policy.
DPICM can be replaced with unitary warheads, it just means a reduction in ammunition lethality.
December 4th, 2008 at 7:39 amBush won’t sign the cluster bomb treaty because he is cluster-f ucked in the head. Or Haliburton has a deal in the works to do the cleanup on unexploded ordinance. Princess Diana must be rolling and screaming in her grave because these things are just like landmines.
How many days until we get a really intelligent president again? The shifty little chimp can’t get out fast enough and he is doing more damage to us and our status in the world by the minute. What an A$$
December 4th, 2008 at 7:41 amand why would Chimpy sign a treaty and do the right thing when he goes against the Geneva Convention every chance he gets?
December 4th, 2008 at 7:44 amWe couldn’t care less whether children in war zones lose their limbs even years after a conflict … laughter … because cluster bombs are really good at killing people.
December 4th, 2008 at 8:17 amhahahahahaha…. listen to all the media monkeys laugh. too bad they won’t have any experience of their families being shredded by these weapons.
December 4th, 2008 at 8:29 amI wonder if she’ll be able to get the all the correction fluid off her computer screen by January 20th?
December 4th, 2008 at 8:45 amHey, we’ve waited almost 8 years, so what’s another 47 dayz among friends?
December 4th, 2008 at 8:46 amSo this is a step-up for him. Nice!
December 4th, 2008 at 8:49 amAnother funny little story to tell you grandchildren, Dana.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:00 amsarc/off
Perino Can’t Explain Why Bush Administration Opposes Cluster Bomb Treaty»
Cuz we’re flinging ‘em all over the Pakistan/Afghanistan border region…
December 4th, 2008 at 9:40 amPerino Can’t Explain Why Bush Administration Opposes Cluster Bomb Treaty»
Cuz there are still many outstanding orders to fill.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:42 amPerino Can’t Explain Why Bush Administration Opposes Cluster Bomb Treaty
And this is news …why?
December 4th, 2008 at 10:45 amPerino said she’d get back to us with that.
Any idea of how long it will be till she does ?
December 4th, 2008 at 11:58 amSock Puppet Jettison Countdown…… 17 days.
Bush/Cheney Prison 09′
January 4th, 2009 at 3:15 pm