Think Progress

Cornyn delays Holder’s confirmation to make sure Bush administration isn’t prosecuted for torture.

In his confirmation hearing, Attorney General nominee Eric Holder unequivocally declared that “waterboarding is torture” and has signaled a willingness to investigate Bush officials. But torture advocate Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is holding up the nomination because he wants to know exactly whether Holder will pursue criminal prosecutions of “intelligence personnel” involved in torture.

“It could well be there will be a request to delay the markup for a week so those questions can be asked and answered,” Cornyn said. “Part of my concern relates to his statements at the hearing with regard to torture and what his intentions are toward our intelligence personnel who were operating in good faith based on their understanding of what the law was.”



104 Responses to “Cornyn delays Holder’s confirmation to make sure Bush administration isn’t prosecuted for torture.”

  1. Zimzone says:

    Let me assure you, Senator Cornbread, that we will only investigate, prosecute and jail those at the command level.

    LIKE YOU!


  2. pablito says:

    OK, so start with John Yoo and go down the line from there.


  3. rastaman says:

    HECKUVA JOB JOHNNY


  4. stateofthedivision says:

    Cronyn is part of America’s crisis of leadership.

    Cronyn the Repugnicant Barbarian.


  5. Leftside Annie says:

    Gee, Corny, GET OUT OF THE WAY – or we will run you down.


  6. spencers mom says:

    Today’s GOP – saying anything to try and appear relevant.

    Not working… sorry. Time to dust off both the US Constitution and the Geneva Convention for a re-read.

    Now, President Obama, it’s time to sign the United States onto the International Criminal Court. Granted, nothing is retroactive, but it would be a good first step. And while that signing pen is out, how about the Kioto Protocol?

    PEACE


  7. Marie says:

    This is ridiculous – repugniscum are just being obstructionist now. Strutting around the Senate trying to look important.
    They are just afraid that Holder’s DoJ might prosecute Bush&Co. and – maybe even themselves

    A plague on all of them.


  8. ecthompson says:

    Everyone should remember that Cornyn is closer to Bush than Laura is. He was appointed to the Texas supreme court by Bush. He was “elected” to the Senate with a ton of backing from Bush. He is Bush.


  9. coskibum says:

    Sen. Cornball is still of the mind set of

    Either you’re with us or you’re against us

    Bush is no longer in charge, what are you afraid of?


  10. spencers mom says:

    “…who were operating in good faith based on their understanding of what the law was.”

    I hate to bring up the Nazis after the great high of yesterday, but isn’t this what has become known as the Nuremburg Defense?

    PEACE


  11. Shayne says:

    I thought Republicans didn’t believe in a litmus test. Why is one guy allowed to hold up the vote?


  12. kindness says:

    How about if we just torture Darth a lil?


  13. Shayne says:

    ecthompson Says:

    Everyone should remember that Cornyn is closer to Bush than Laura is. He was appointed to the Texas supreme court by Bush. He was “elected” to the Senate with a ton of backing from Bush. He is Bush.

    Most of us didn’t know that. Now if you could just tell the media maybe he’d shut his pie hole.


  14. Nevar says:

    “Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is holding up the nomination because he wants to know exactly whether Holder will pursue criminal prosecutions of “intelligence personnel” involved in torture.”

    You’re activities have the potential to be considered obstruction of justice, Senator…


  15. Nevar says:

    Your activities…


  16. StratRat says:

    Ladies and Gentlemen: Your modern Republican Party, always party over country – always. So do our GOP trolls think what Cornyn is doing makes sense? Why can’t we prosecute people who break the law?


  17. LiberalVoter says:

    God forbid actual justice and rule of law be observed. Cornyn need to visit Dr. Frist and have his cranium removed from his rectum.


  18. liukas says:

    There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited.Now put down the Cheetos and Diet-Cokes,get out of your mothers basements,and make yourselfs useful.


  19. Ape-Man says:

    I wonder if TV will pick up on this story?


  20. LiberalVoter says:

    Ah, speaking of the ‘lunatic fridge(sic)’, did someone call for Dynamo? And watch out for those ‘lunatic fridges’. I hear they can go crazy and freeze milk.


  21. barfly says:

    That’s what he gets for trying to enforce emotionally driven policies made by the lunatic fridge.

    As opposed to lunatic policies that got us into this mess to begin with.

    Bush was asleep at the wheel on 9/11. Deal with it.


  22. bonzo 1958 says:

    9/11 Families Outraged by Obama Call to Suspend Guantanamo War Crimes Trials

    The people at Gitmo aren’t the ones who flew planes into the towers and killed those people.

    While I have every sympathy in the world for the families, you don’t prosecute/convict/kill everyone who looks like the people who committed the crime.
    “To me it’s beyond comprehension that they would take the side of the terrorists,” said Peter Gadiel, whose son, James, was killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11. “Many of these people have been released and been right back killing, right back at their terrorist work again

    That last statement has already been debunked. Someone, somewhere pulled numbers out of their wazoo and tried to scare people. And obviously it worked.


  23. LiberalVoter says:

    Great, more of the ‘lunatic fridges’ are arriving. Welcome liukas. Please, spew on. We could all use another laugh.


  24. barfly says:

    Dynamo Says: Look here, bum,I got a twenty dolla bill, says you can’t make me come – you just can’t do it…


  25. ElBruce says:

    Cool. Way to slap that ugly heap of foul right out on the table for everyone to look at, Cornyn. You have no interest in the rule of law, only in protecting your buddies.


  26. Marie says:

    Arlen Specter is involved in this delay – the guy who allowed Gonzo to testify without taking an oath (so as to protect him from perjury).


  27. Nevar says:

    Cornyn said. “Part of my concern relates to his statements at the hearing with regard to torture and what his intentions are toward our intelligence personnel who were operating in good faith based on their understanding of what the law was.”

    This is not your job, Senator Cornyn, to try and predetermine the outcome of future judicial proceedings. Your job, as a legislator, is to determine the will of the people, and enact the laws.
    It is the job of the judiciary to determine if the rule of law is being followed, and to prosecute if need be.
    You may, Senator, in the course of your confirmation hearings, attempt to determine if the candidate will uphold the rule of law.
    Period.
    Anything else that even remotely looks as if you may be trying to influence future proceedings of the judiciary is, I repeat, obstruction of justice.


  28. Buckie Boy says:

    And Holder should tell him to “Fck off Senator, or I’ll charge you with obstruction of justice.”


  29. Ape-Man says:

    liukas Says:
    There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited.

    I guess the crimes will only come out after the investigation. Of coarse the investigation only comes after the DOJ is repaired.


  30. Perry logan says:

    This is why Republicans are not good at government. They have no principles.


  31. Zimzone says:

    “Many of these people have been released and been right back killing, right back at their terrorist work again-Dynamo

    Bushco release the ones mentioned, oh asshat…Obama wasn’t President.

    Do all Trolls suffer Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or are some just mentally retarded?


  32. MysteriousTraveller says:

    9/11 Families Outraged by Obama Call to Suspend Guantanamo War Crimes Trials

    Flown there on our dime.


  33. liukas says:

    Hey Liberal Voter sorry I have better things to do.If you don’t get it there’s not much I can do about it.Have a nice day.


  34. Marie says:

    They will claim that this is about the Marc Rich pardon, but it’s really about Bush&Co and their advocacy of torture.
    Marc Rich’s pardon was heavily advocated by the Jewish contingency (Echoing Ehud Barak’s pleas on behalf of Rich were Clinton’s old friend Shimon Peres, former Mossad director general Shabtai Shavit, and a host of other important figures in Israel and the American Jewish community. Winning the pardon was a top priority for Israeli officials because Rich had long been a financial and intelligence asset of the Jewish state, carrying out missions in many hostile countries where he did business. )– that doesn’t change the facts, but it does contribute to the information on how it happened.


  35. Winski says:

    I’m with Zimzone above….PROSECUTE!!! Cornyn INCLUDED!


  36. dasm says:

    “..operating in good faith” ??? What? From the beginning there has been an outcry & debate about the torture the Bush Admin. carried out. “In good faith” should have meant that they had the smarts to abstain from torturing since it is outlawed internationally.


  37. McWars says:

    Was Cornyn appointed the minority obstructionist for the 111th Congress?


  38. wiley says:

    O.K. So is he trying to make some kind of deal? You can have the job if you don’t intend to investigate. You can have the job if you don’t. Hmmm. Hinky.


  39. Shayne says:

    Dynamo linked to a Fox News site. That’s funny Dynamo you just won the price for most clueless rube.


  40. krystalviews says:

    Hmmmmmmmmm
    Cornyn ? Again ? And again ???
    hmmmmmm…….
    Oh yeah, I remember now !!!
    He represents the putrid cesspool of conservatism.
    OK, I get it now.


  41. dbadass says:

    There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited.Now put down the Cheetos and Diet-Cokes,get out of your mothers basements,and make yourselfs useful

    Wjo are you talking to? I won’t eat highly processed shallow calories and my mom’s place has no basement. Not that I am within 4 states of it…


  42. McWars says:

    liukas Says:
    There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited.

    Please understand how due process works. You don’t enter a Not Guilty plea until after a criminal complaint has been filed.


  43. Game of Life says:

    Damn right cornyn we will prosecute any crime.

    cornyn’s action is a crime in itself and he should be impeached asap.

    This is getting super ridiculous as usual. First the repugs are asking questions as if they are on “24″ now this, blackmail attempt.

    and who said comics will run out of material during President Obama’s eight years.


  44. Wayne says:

    Dynamo Says:
    That’s what he gets for trying to enforce emotionally driven policies made by the lunatic fridge.

    So wanting the LAW to be followed and having a fair Justice system is delegated to the “lunatic fringe”?

    Do you ever listen to your own drivel?


  45. Tired of being lied to says:

    So Cornyn thinks it is more important to protect someone who has done something wrong, than it is to do what is right, regardless of who has done it, and let the appropriate consequence follow?

    Situational ethics? Protecting ones’ friends? Placing constitutional law second to an illegal act? Covering your own backside – and those of your tribe? Party loyalty above everything else? All of the above?

    Wow, Cornyn, you are quite the champion of truth, justice and the American way! And a US Senator, too! I’d be so proud of you if I were one of your constituents.


  46. Shayne says:

    Hillary spanked Cornyn yesterday at the inauguration (caught on camera) and the hold up was over and Cornyn voted to confirm her today. Obviously he needs to be disciplined before he acts properly.


  47. lagerblager says:

    Yea, and maybe Hitler’s personnel were operating in good faith based on their understanding of what the law was. I like the trash flying out of this Texas sewer. The Nazi right is slowly digging their own hole and are WELL ON THEIR WAY TO DEFEAT IN THE NEXT ELECTION. People like Cornyn, Coulter, Malkin, and Gingrich are a sure firte way for the Dems to kick their asses agin and again.
    lmao!!!!


  48. Luis M says:

    Dynamo Says:
    9/11 Families Outraged by Obama Call to Suspend Guantanamo War Crimes Trials

    Well, I wonder how many of those families were outraged when Bush let Osama bin Laden escape.


  49. Mathazar says:

    Let me get this straight. Cronyn doesn’t want the highest law
    enforcement official to investiate and prosecute the most heinous crimes committed in our name.

    Tell me again how republicans are tough on crime.


  50. paintbrush says:

    We have rid the White House of fascists but we need work on the nuts in the Senate. Torture is against the law and the Fascists – sorry right wing Repbs- will do everything to avoid the consequences of their actions.

    My father many times related accounts of GI’s punished for mistreating German prisoners in the WWII. How pathetically little have these people learned from our history.


  51. Bullsmith says:

    I was just following orders is a tried and failed legal defense. Till America forgot about obeying laws instead of ridiculing them.


  52. RationalRadioJett says:

    We should never ever allow one man to have so much power.
    Cornyn is a nutjob. At what point, and how much money do we who donate money, have to give in order to purchase a balls for the democrats to put betwen their legs.

    Does Cornyn have that much power?


  53. KingCranky says:

    If Cornyn feels so strongly that waterboarding is NOT torture, then he should apologize, on behalf of the United States, to the Japanese soldiers convicted of torturing US military personnel with waterboarding.

    Bonus points if Cornyn actually tells those US soldiers, marines and sailors subjected to waterboarding that they weren’t really tortured during WWII.

    That’s what knuckle-draggers like Cornyn just can’t accept, that waterboarding is either always torture, or its never torture, it can’t be torture sometimes, but acceptable in other cases.

    As a Texan, Cornyn infuriates me, he led the charge to shut down the Tigua’s casino here in El Paso, because the state of Texas-which sponsors, promotes and operates the lottery-doesn’t allow gambling.

    John Cornyn, one of the dimmest bulbs in the Senate chandelier.


  54. misshusseinmolly says:

    It appears that Cornyn is admitting that Bushco is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors — and he’s protecting them from accountability. This may not be the smartest move on his part.

    If our system is set up in such a way that ONE PERSON can hold up the confirmation of a qualified appointee, then we need to change the system. Or, at the very least, get rid of that one person.

    If Bushco has committed actual crimes, they should be prosecuted no matter who the AG is. If Bushco has merely implemented unpopular policies, they will be exonerated no matter who the AG is. Surely the legal system we have established can determine the difference. But when Cornyn attempts to solve a perceived problem by creating a logjam, he only serves to make himself and those he protect look guilty as h*ll.


  55. the Lone Voice of Reason says:

    Keith Olberman said it right the other day, if we allow these hideous people to get away with this they will only come back to bite us in the tush at a later time (think Watergate and Rummy or WWI Germany and the Nazis). Prosecute the bustards to the hilt and show no mercy!!


  56. kasinca says:

    Not that it will make any difference but I just wrote this goofy bastard for the second day in a row to remind him that he campaigned on not doing business as usual in DC and now he is doing nothing but obstructing business. He should realize that he is in the minority now.


  57. LiberalVoter says:

    Come on liukas, you can do better than that! Your not even trying. Even the other trolls are laughing at you. Geeze.


  58. Jackie says:

    Sen. John Cornyn is a loyal Republican and it’s sad that no matter what the GOP does the Bush Administration will be charged with War Crimes and every honest lawyer would say the same as Eric Holder. The GOP had hoped that McCain/Palin had won so nothing would change and all the crimes could continue and Bush/Cheney would be safe from prosecution for the crimes they committed.


  59. shoeless says:

    Cornyn readily admits that he is interfering specifically in order to prevent prosecution. Could Cornyn’s interference make him an accessory to the crimes?


  60. daveincolorado says:

    Torture is, by definition, illegal. Doesn’t matter who did it; if you are torturing someone, you know it is torture. If you didn’t know that torture was illegal, you’ve been living under a rock. If you torture or you agree to torture, or if you order the torture, you absolutely should be prosecuted for it and put in a dark place for a long time in an orange coverall.


  61. Nevar says:

    Dynamo ho ho hum…
    “That’s what he gets for trying to enforce emotionally driven policies made by the lunatic fridge.

    Any policy in particular?
    The cold shoulder?
    Frozen with fear?
    Sour scream?


  62. shoeless says:

    liukas Says:

    There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited.

    Well, I’m glad that’s settled.


  63. MapleStreet says:

    Of course, in the past 8 years, the repubs would tell congress anything and then go and do what they wanted.


  64. the Lone Voice of Reason says:

    Nevar #28–well stated my friend.


  65. shoeless says:

    daveincolorado Says:

    Torture is, by definition, illegal. Doesn’t matter who did it; if you are torturing someone, you know it is torture. If you didn’t know that torture was illegal, you’ve been living under a rock.

    Are you saying that ignorance of the law is no excuse? What are you, some kind of liberal unAmerican hippie Marxist or something.


  66. Shayne says:

    When is Cornyn up for reelection because he definitely needs to go. And his opponent has to point out his obstructionism during the campaign.


  67. Buckie Boy says:

    liukas Says:
    There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited.

    Hahahahaha….idiot, Bush admitted to war crimes on national television.


  68. the Lone Voice of Reason says:

    liukas Says:

    There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited

    Actually, turd ball, I believe there will not be some trials because some of these people were tortured–and because some of the allegations against a few of them are blatantly false and they will be released before then so the truth of those blatant lies will be covered up. Of course then, the numbers keep bouncing around so drastically that who the heck knows how many detainees there really are. There has been reports that those released went directly to their countries’ versions of Gitmo-gotta find the link but I know that I saw it somewhere recently, most likely on msnbc. And then there is the kid who was only 14 when he was captured by us and has spent the last 7 years of his life behind those walls. Would you really call his not being given a trial something fair?


  69. 666lattes says:

    the Lone Voice of Reason Says:

    RIGHT! I didn’t see Keith Olbermann, but these are the exact same people who were involved in the Iran/Contra scandal that Clinton was convinced to sweep under the rug for the sake of bi-partisanship once he came to power… Now look what they have done to our country.

    There is every incentive to investigate.

    Ingnorance of the law (not that I buy that) is not an excuse, let alone a defense. How could they not know what they were doing was illegal if I did?


  70. tmhout says:

    What I would really like to see happen, is for Holder to unequivocally claim that he will not prosecute anyone for torture. Once he is confirmed, let the prosecutions begin. Bonus payback for Mukasey


  71. Old Goat says:

    Some nameless one said… “There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited.Now put down the Cheetos and Diet-Cokes,get out of your mothers basements,and make yourselfs useful.”

    And what room are you in, Chuckie?


  72. the Lone Voice of Reason says:

    The Repugs can’t hold out on this forever before Obama finds a way around them. He’ll just keep pressing and making appointments until we get someone who will do the right thing.


  73. ElBruce says:

    The “obstruction of justice” argument fails, since it’s within the right of Senators to oppose a confirmation. And you can’t obstruct a case that hasn’t been open yet.

    You know, it occurs to me that Holder could always promise Cornyn that “based on the evidence I have, I have no intention of opening such an investigation,” then once he’s in point out that the additional evidence he has access to indicates that an investigation should be opened.

    Dynamo Says:

    9/11 Families Outraged by Obama Call to Suspend Guantanamo War Crimes Trials

    Those aren’t trials. Military commission hearings are a different process. That’s the problem.

    Did FAUX News interview all of the families of 9/11 victims, or just some of them?

    .

    liukas Says:

    There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited.

    If you’re so confident there were no crimes committed, why all the concern over Holder’s confirmation?

    .

    Nevar Says:

    It is the job of the judiciary to determine if the rule of law is being followed, and to prosecute if need be.

    The Executive branch, actually.

    .

    Nevar Says:

    You may, Senator, in the course of your confirmation hearings, attempt to determine if the candidate will uphold the rule of law.

    He is. He’s stating his intent to block any candidate who will uphold the rule of law.

    .

    wiley Says:

    O.K. So is he trying to make some kind of deal? You can have the job if you don’t intend to investigate.

    That clearly seems to be his intent. We’ll see how long he manages to keep that up.

    .

    Mathazar Says:

    Tell me again how republicans are tough on crime.

    IOKIYAR


  74. KingCranky says:

    #67

    Unfortunately, Cornyn won another term this past November.


  75. nanlichi says:

    Thanks a lot barfly. Now I can’t get that song out of my head. Always a classic.

    Got a spot that gets me hot, but you ain’t been to it.

    You tainted it a bit by applying it to the current Dynamo, who is more of the Poodle chews it type. Come on Frenchy, snap it!

    Back on topic, what an inane statement, There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited. What an ignorant statement. I guess we don’t need to investigate any crimes, we can just ask the Oracle liukas. What a dumbfck.


  76. krystalviews says:

    Shayne,
    Unfortunately, Cornyn just got re-elect in Texas. Those of us who have despised him and his ilk for years, worked our asses off to unseat him, but failed.

    I’m afraid America is stuck with this particular scumbag for 6 more years. However, a sex scandal, or discovery of corruption could help our cause.
    We are working on it !


  77. cromulent says:

    I know that nominees are supposed to show deference toward the Senators who decide whether they get appointed or not (witness HRC silently putting up with a lecture on ethics from diaper-wearing prostitute-hiring David Vitter).

    But I think Holder needs to put Cornyn on the defensive…something along the lines of “Sir, if appointed, I will take an oath that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God. As attorney general, I would be the top law enforcement official in the country. Should I start my tenure by publicly refusing to prosecute possible violations of a law enacted by, and an international treaty ratified by, this very institution that is now deciding whether I should be appointed? Would you have me take that oath in bad faith?”


  78. the Lone Voice of Reason says:

    #78–Awesome! Let’s hope he says just that.


  79. spencers mom says:

    You know what? I’m already tired of Repub obstructionism.

    While I understand the logic behind equal representation in teh senate, it’s time to tip the scales.

    In this era of telecommuting, what are the chances we can find enough willing to move and establish residency in small(er) states where senators are up for re-election in 2010?

    Here’s the list of Republican incumbents running in 2010:

    Richard Shelby of Alabama
    Lisa Murkowski of Alaska
    John McCain of Arizona
    Johnny Isakson of Georgia
    Mike Crapo of Idaho
    Chuck Grassley of Iowa
    Jim Bunning of Kentucky
    David Vitter of Louisiana
    Judd Gregg of New Hampshire
    Richard Burr of North Carolina
    Tom Coburn of Oklahoma
    Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania
    Jim DeMint of South Carolina
    John Thune of South Dakota
    Bob Bennett of Utah

    And the open GOP-held seats because of retirement:

    Kit Bond (R) of Missouri
    Sam Brownback (R) of Kansas
    Mel Martinez (R) of Florida
    George Voinovich (R) of Ohio

    I’m not talking about a “permanent Democratic majority” although I wouldn’t complain, but there is much to be done and what’s left of the GOP can’t be marginalized enough.

    And Vitter? David “Diapers” Vitter There’s a seat right there, no pun intended.

    PEACE


  80. EugeneDebs says:

    Dynamo Says:

    Instead we should forget about the rule of law and go with policies spouting from cowardly bedwetters like YOU. You call US fringe. YOU are just an ignorant punk so afraid of his own shadow that you would destroy our countries values because you are a coward. You hide under mommys bed and whine torture the brown guys. I need to feel safer. WWWWAAHHHHHH. Your cowardice and the cowardice of those like you will no longer define our policies. Get over it punk


  81. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Dynamo Says:

    That’s what he gets for trying to enforce emotionally driven policies made by the lunatic fridge.

    Dynomutt,

    I’ve got news for you, since you obviously don’t pay attention to reality. The Republican Party has been campaigning on emotionally driven policies for more than thirty years. It’s how they managed to get their addle-brained leader Ronald Reagan (who is dead, BTW) elected. Republicans NEVER campaign on intellectual issues, or even important issues. They campaign on things like banning gay marriage and rights (which comes up every two years and disappears in between), anti-choice abortion policies, and the illogical, virtually phobic, fear that the terrorists are going to want to blow up Dubuque, Iowa, and other Midwest towns just like it.

    When they do talk about important issues, they never do it intelligently, they appeal to people’s emotions. Close Guantanomo? But what will we do with all the “dangerous” terrorists down there, some of whom are so dangerous, that we won’t even let them have a day in court where they can challenge the fact that we say they are dangerous? Prosecute war crimes committed by our administration? But that would be criminalizing “policy-making”! (Never mind the fact that having a policy of breaking the law on a routine basis IS criminal already.) Repeal Bush’s irresponsible tax cuts for the very wealthy? That would destroy jobs! (No, it won’t, and they can provide no proof that it would; the only jobs that might be lost are those of the illegal immigrants hired by the rich to manicure their lawns. Ironically, if these illegal immigrants don’t have a job here, they might actually go home.)

    No, Dynomutt, it is you and your side that operates on “emotionally driven policies made by the lunatic fridge”.


  82. EugeneDebs says:

    liukas Says:

    We DO get it. That you are too STUPID to get it isnt our fault. Nice try at blaming US for your stupidity. When it goes over YOUR head it isnt OUR fault MORON


  83. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    cromulent Says:

    January 21st, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    Well said. I, too, hope he answers this clown like that. Of course, me being the sarcastic New Yorker that I am, if it were me, I would say that to him and add, “Because if that’s what you want me to do, then I would have to conclude that YOU have taken your oath of office in bad faith. Otherwise you would not be advocating for me to ignore the war crimes committed by this administration, including by those at the very top.”

    Like I said, that’s probably just me.


  84. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    liukas Says:

    There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited.Now put down the Cheetos and Diet-Cokes,get out of your mothers basements,and make yourselfs useful.

    January 21st, 2009 at 4:34 pm

    If there were no crimes committed, then why are we holding them indefinitely? Now, put down the blow-up doll, get our of your closet, and make yourself useful by learning something!


  85. politicscorner says:

    If that’s the deal, let’s bring it out in the open, Cornyn.

    If that’s the deal, NO DEAL!

    Prosecute the torturers all the way to the top!


  86. Buckie Boy says:

    cromulent Says: Something very smart…good call on that one.


  87. misshusseinmolly says:

    liukas Says
    January 21st, 2009 at 4:34 pm

    There won’t be any trials because there were no crimes commited.
    ____________________________________________________________

    If there were no crimes committed, Cornyn has nothing to be afraid of from an honest AG. So could you explain to us why he’s going to great lengths to hold up the works? Why would he risk looking this guilty if there’s nothing to be guilty of?


  88. EugeneDebs says:

    Let justice be done though the Heavens fall.


  89. wolfsinger says:

    Cornyn is the new face of the Christian right Republican agenda. An agenda that is totally broken and morally bankrupt. I think it is wonderful that this empty suit of a Senator from Texas wants to lead the discussion of Bush administration torture. Lets all listen to him. The more he opens his big stupid mouth, the more the world will know that he and every single one of the Bush enablers knew full well that what they were doing was illegal and a war crime. Let Kyl jump in. Limbaugh and Hannity too. Let this band of goose stepping jack-booted thugs have their say. Cornyn is afraid people! AFRAID! If the Dem leadership was smart, they would find a way to make Cornyn and his mindless rubber stamp Bush voting record the focus of these hearings. Then, after Cornyn has hammered the final nail into the Christian right Republican agenda under the glare of Senate lights for all the world to see to see, it will be REPUBLICANS who will call for Bush and Company to be brought up on war crimes and acts of Treason. Just like the final Nixon days – to save what was left of their party.


  90. sacopenapa says:

    If the US does not pressecute Bush/Chenney & Co. it will never regain its moral and ethical international status again. Never! It will be up to an International court to bring the war criminals to justice!
    All we want is JUSTICE! Not revange! If the rule of law get to hold accountable for war crimes Bush/Chnney & Co., that should be sifficient! Not less, not more!
    HAGUE NOW!


  91. rainsan says:

    Who cares? Hillary was only confirmed with 94 Senators. Two Rethugs jerks voted against her, too. He is just one guy.


  92. osage says:

    Apparently, it’s going to take the GOP leadership a few ass whippings before they develop humility and or acceptance of their minority position. They are in the minority because the majority of voters rejected their irresponsible and reckless support for George W. Bush’s destructive policies, transparent lies and cover-ups of his administration’s malfeasance. Republicans didn’t grant Democrats equality or compromise what they wanted when they we in the majority. Why should the Democrats self-destructively accommodate them and or perpetuate the political philosophies and moral values of arrogance, incompetence, negligence, subversion and failure when the voters elected them to do otherwise? Mr. Cornyn and his pip-squeak obstructionist ilk can continue to voice their rejected views and exemplify the intellectual and moral bankruptcy of their callous and mercenary elitist values, but Republicans expecting Democrats to give them what they want at the expense of what the voters want is ridiculously arrogant and politically self-destructive. The only thing Republicans are going to get is the option of jumping on the bandwagon and giving the voters what they want or being ground to dust under the wheels of American governmental progress. The days when the common good is ignored in favor of political and corporate greed are over. The Republicans don’t seem to have realized they’ve awakened a sleeping giant with the moral and political authority to allow them to cooperate and be treated with compassion or to rebel and be treated with benign indifference. Frankly, I find their contrived “mouse that roared” chutzpah delightfully bemusing.


  93. realpatriot says:

    Ever notice how insane politicians from Texas are…?
    LBJ
    GBush 1 and 2
    Tom Delay
    Cornyn


  94. winddancer says:

    Cornyn is protecting himself. Check out the subcommittees he’s on, as well as the Judiciary Committee. He knew plenty, supported it and no doubt, helped cover it up.

    Subcommittee On Human Rights and the Law
    http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/subcommittees/110...

    Subcommittee On Immigration, Refugees and Border Security – Ranking Member
    http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/subcommittees/110...

    Subcommittee On Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security
    http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/subcommittees/110...

    Subcommittee On The Constitution
    http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/subcommittees/110…


  95. curious says:

    Well he would try and subvert the process wouldn’t he?

    God help me, I am so fed up with the lot of them. Same old thing time after time. The obstruction of anything and everything that smacks of accountability. They hate Democracy.


  96. ElBruce says:

    Actually I think Holder can get by just fine with the old “I can’t comment on hypothetical situations” line. God knows it’s worked for enough Republicans in the past.


  97. helenahandbasket says:

    I suspect that if they were torturing in “good faith” (whatever the hell that means. I was only following orders or something along those lines?), they won’t be prosecuted. But if they said a big FY to the Geneva Convention and our laws, throw them in jail.


  98. wizard2000 says:

    Well, we at least now know that Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) was lying when he swore to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution.

    Of course, he’d vehemently disagree, even though he stood idly by while the corrupt and criminal Bush/Cheney administration overthrew federal and international laws banning torture, turning everyday that a detainee has been in custody into an episode of “24″. (I’ve never watched a single episode of “24″. I recognized just from the description of its fictional format that “24″ was just a right-wing propaganda program. One has to wonder, though, why Kiefer Sutherland continues in his role as the fictional Jack Bauer instead of telling the show’s producers to go shove it, to go waterboard themselves. I guess money trumps principle and integrity once again, making “24″ a perfect match to the Bush/Cheney administration).


  99. nofltwlt says:

    So Cronyn thinks Bush is above the law. Does he think Bin Laden is above the law? Does Cronyn think it is he and not the AG who should decide who to prosecute?


  100. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    I don’t if anyone already posted it, but here is Sen Cornyn’s contact form:

    http://cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

    Let him know what you think. I certainly will. It’s my obligation as a citizen. And I take this obligation freely , without mental reservation or purpose of evasion, unlike Sen Cornyn.


  101. House of Roberts says:

    realpatriot at 7:26 pm
    Ever notice how insane politicians from Texas are…?
    LBJ
    GBush 1 and 2
    Tom Delay
    Cornyn

    One rebuttle point to that statement:
    Governor Ann Richards


  102. nickrhoward says:

    The Bush maladministration defined torture as something causing damage approaching organ failure or death.

    That means that applying electricity to genitals and ripping out fingernails wouldn’t be considered torture under their definition of torture.

    But didn’t over 100 people die during these “enhanced interrogations”? How is it that those people were not TORTURED TO DEATH?


  103. lvdragonlady says:

    Cornyn is just one more OLD MAN that needs to call it a generation and retire. Your day is done and gone and now it is time for you to leave.
    There is a NEW generation running the country now.


  104. Yankeluh says:

    I am embarrassed that John Cornyn was re-elected to represent Texas in the Senate. When the investigations start concerning the last eight years, I sincerely hope people will remember Cornyns threat against the judiciary.



Jump to Top

About Think Progress | Contact Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy (off-site) | RSS | Donate
© 2005-2009 Center for American Progress Action Fund
View Most Popular

Advertisement

What We're About

Featured

image
Subscribe to the Progress Report



imageTopic Cloud


Visit Our Affiliated Sites

image image
Reports


Got a hot tip?
Have a hot news tip? We'd love to hear from you. Use the form below to send us the latest.

Name:
Email:
Tip:
(required)


imageArchives


imageBlog Roll