Think Progress

Right-Wing Senators Praised ‘Humane’ Conditions At Gitmo During 50-Detainee ‘Mass Hunger Strike’

inhofe.jpgRecently, Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) went on a fact-finding mission to Guantanamo Bay to rally opposition to President Obama’s executive order demanding the closure of the prison within one year. Upon his return, Inhofe unsurprisingly argued to keep the prison open. In a Senate floor speech, he specifically praised the conditions at the prison:

INHOFE: The detainee complex at GTMO is the only complex in the world that can safely and humanely hold these individuals who pose such a grave security risk to the US.

Several other of Inhofe’s colleagues have been singing Gitmo’s praises. House Minority John Boehner (R-OH) remarked last month, “I don’t know that there’s a terrorist treated better anywhere in the world than what has happened at Guantanamo.” “Well, I agree that its gotten an image. I don’t know that that’s all completely deserved,” Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) told MSNBC on Jan 22.

But according to a Guantanamo military lawyer, detainees are still being “beaten” and are living in horrific conditions. The Guardian reports today that Lt. Col. Yvonne Bradley is demanding the release of her client, who is “dying” because of his treatment:

But first, Bradley, a US military attorney for 20 years, will reveal that Mohamed, 31, is dying in his Guantánamo cell and that conditions inside the Cuban prison camp have deteriorated badly since Barack Obama took office. Fifty of its 260 detainees are on hunger strike and, say witnesses, are being strapped to chairs and force-fed, with those who resist being beaten. At least 20 are described as being so unhealthy they are on a “critical list”, according to Bradley.

The detainee told Bradley that “he is ‘very scared’ of being attacked by guards, after witnessing a savage beating for a detainee who refused to be strapped down and have a feeding tube forced into his mouth.” “Guantánamo Bay is in the grip of a mass hunger strike and the numbers are growing; things are worsening, she said.

Sens. David Vitter (R-LA), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Pat Roberts (R-KS) were also on Inhofe’s delegation, but none are speaking about these disturbing conditions. In fact, Burr blogged that the conditions are “well thought out and in keeping with our Nation’s highest ideals.” Burr also had this puzzling assessment:

If anyone receives mistreatment at Guantanamo, it is the guard force. They must endure frequent verbal and physical attacks from detainees while maintaining the highest standard of care for those same individuals.

It is unclear how Inhofe and his conservative colleagues failed to see 50 detainees on hunger strike, some near death, while touring the prison. Conveniently, none of the senators alerted the public to these facts upon their return.



111 Responses to “Right-Wing Senators Praised ‘Humane’ Conditions At Gitmo During 50-Detainee ‘Mass Hunger Strike’”

  1. WellstonesGhost says:

    I LOVE the picture of Inhofe on his way to getting HIS orange uniform.

    Is there one of David Diapers Vitters? Oh please?


  2. kasinca says:

    Every man, woman and child with (R) after their name will lie to protect the entire party for the crimes they committed under the crime family.


  3. blue state bob says:

    Inhofe is the dumbest, most reactionary, most embarrassing senator in the senate. Yes, that is an “accomplishment.” I really don’t understand how he is elected each election, but then I remember he is from Oklahoma.

    Apologies to the progressives in OK. I know they exist, but way too few to counteract the stupid, the intolerant, and the just plain crazy.


  4. katy says:

    INHOFE: The detainee complex at GTMO is the only complex in the world that can safely and humanely hold these individuals who pose such a grave security risk to the US.

    bet the many communities depending on and in the vicinity of supermax prisons are worried now…

    … conditions inside the Cuban prison camp have deteriorated badly since Barack Obama took office.

    why would that be? seriously, why?
    what’s going on?


  5. politicscorner says:

    It is a disgrace to our government that there is someone who has been elected who displays such ignorance.


  6. liberalinaredstate says:

    A journalist for Current TV went to Gitmo for his piece on what’s happening down there. It took him a year and a half to get permission. The military, of course stands by the prison. He was only allowed to film in certain areas, of course. The US Govt has built a small strip mall down there for the soldiers and visitors, complete with a bowling alley, the usual fast food restaurants, and what struck me was the souvenir shop. You can buy a coffee mug that says “I’ve been to Gitmo”. T-shirts are available as well. The film crew was ordered to turn off their cameras once the soldiers realized the inmates were screaming and banging things on the windows. The soldier responded by saying they were only seeking attn. When pressed about the inmates who have not been charged with anything the reply was “They’re enemy combatants. When pressed about the lack of info on any of the detainees, the response “They’re enemy combatants”
    Gitmo Coffee Mug anyone!?


  7. rastaman says:

    NAZI COMMANDANTS ALSO PRAISED THEIR HUMANE TREATMENT OF JEWS


  8. had enough says:

    When I think of OK, can’t help but visualizing the judge that whacked off in his robe while on duty… there is nothing impressive about OK.

    I would love to view OK with respect if they could only get some decent leadership and get it together with the issues.


  9. Mathazar says:

    Yes, those living conditions are so nice that Australian
    David Hicks nearly went insane. Of course he’s not allowed to
    say anything, as per his plea agreement.

    America will never regain the respect it once had until this
    reprehensible purgatory is gone for good.


  10. wiley says:

    Again, the mystification of “terrorists” as being magically dangerous, and the insistence that all these people are terrorists, though most of them were probably just in the wrong place at the wrong time and were sold for a bounty.


  11. Kid Charlemagne says:

    What’s a little water boarding, sleep deprivation and stress position among friends, heh?


  12. APEC not OPEC says:

    The hunger strike started way before Obama became President. The conditions are worsening because they are want them to die so they can’t talk. Two prisoners have been on strike since 2005. Article from Canadian Newspaper Jan 12.

    http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/War_Terror/2009/01/12/8001431-ap.html


  13. celtic cynic says:

    It’s a shame that these elected and appointed officials have no conscience, the same with reporters and other visitors, and worst of all are the clowns in the military that have no backbone. Are they all waiting until it’s “safe’ to talk about it?


  14. e julius drivingstorm says:

    Republican Senators’ behavior reminds of Bill O’Reilly’s trip to Gitmo. Two prisoners committed suicide while he was on his trip. O’Reilly thoroughly promoted his fact-finding look-see ahead of time, then basically made no report afterwards until days later when he simply stated that the hangings took place after he had left Gitmo. Check those plane records.


  15. madstork123 says:

    You know, I’ll bet there were a lot of German politicians who toured concentration camps and Stalags during WW II and found no people being harmed. Of course, by definition, in Germany Jews weren’t people.

    I guess it all depends on your rose colored glasses.

    They have no shame, they’re Republicans


  16. Jackie says:

    Let’s see how much they will cheer when their held as detainees in a Foreign Jail. What goes around comes around.


  17. Jane E. Schneider says:

    INHOFE: The detainee complex at GTMO is the only complex in the world that can safely and humanely hold these individuals who pose such a grave security risk to the US.

    Wow, we have no federal prisons with people like Terry McNichols in them? How safe are we?
    /snark


  18. Jane E. Schneider says:

    Zero Says:

    ,,,less than nothing. Flagged.


  19. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Zero Says:

    Haven’t you ever read how Muslims treat their own? Kinda makes you wonder.
    ___________

    Try making a “real point”. Seriously… I know, I know… it makes yer pointy li’l head feel like it’s gonna ’splode!!! But really… TRY FOR YOUR OWN SAKE!!!


  20. Crusty Old Bastard says:

    “I don’t know that there’s a terrorist treated better anywhere in the world than what has happened at Guantanamo.”

    Boner is lying. I know he has visited the “terrist” that held 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. hostage for eight years.

    Jusr send the rrethug bastards to Gitmo and see if it takes a year for them to close it.


  21. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    “… To President Obama’s executive order demanding the closure of the prison within one year….”
    ____________

    Hey, TP!!!! You need to edit this. When the POTUS gives an order, he isn’t demanding something. It’s AN ORDER. He doesn’t have to demand at all. He TELLS them what to do, PERIOD. If the military personnel in charge don’t do what they’re told… I guess it’s time to relieve them of their duties.

    And for all you righties wetting yourselves at the prospect of ‘teh terraists” being locked up stateside… we ALREADY have convicted terrorists in US prisons… ya know, like the clowns who tried blowing up the WTC in 1993, were caught, convicted, and slapped behind bars for life.


  22. liberalinaredstate says:

    In Northern CA there is Pelican Bay, which houses some of the nastiest and meanest criminals our nation has to offer. Leaders of the Aryan Brotherhood for starters, Drug lords, throw in a few serial killers and you’ve got a party in lockdown.


  23. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    INHOFE: The detainee complex at GTMO is the only complex in the world that can safely and humanely hold these individuals who pose such a grave security risk to the US.

    Senator, please tell us which court determined that these are “individuals who pose such a grave security risk to the US.” Which one declared them to be “enemy combatants”?


  24. Theresa says:

    Well, Inhofe does have a history of denying anything that he doesn’t agree with:

    - Global Warming
    - Teh Gay
    - Divorce
    - GTMO


  25. blue state bob says:

    Zero:

    Your “point” means nothing. Yes, Muslim theocracies commit human rights abuse, so that makes our treatment of prisoners somehow correct??? That’s some sort of 5th grade logic there, and I’m being kind. Please go back to Redstate and let the grown-ups with an IQ higher than the temperature discuss matters.


  26. Hoodathunk says:

    A handful of Repug senators visit an illegal detention facility and someone expects them to find a smoking gun? These are the people who think torture is just cool.


  27. Perry logan says:

    What an amazing mixture of incompetence, delusion, egotism, autism, and sociopathy today’s Republicans are.


  28. Hoodathunk says:

    gee, Zero, we deny ‘homos’ civil rights, treat women who say rape as ‘they were just asking for it’ jail people for twenty years for smoking weed. Ok, no beheadings.


  29. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Zero Says:

    Who knew?
    ____________

    No… clearly you don’t get the point here, ding-dong. This isn’t about how they treat people. It’s about how WE, AMERICANS, treat people. Do I really need to go dig up George Washinton’s comments about treating prisoners better than his British counterparts did?

    Considering the degree of “lock and key” we’ve been keeping the internees at Gitmo under, I doubt if they’re beheading their own in the dead of night.

    We’re supposed to be BETTER than that. Or perhaps you sincerely believe we can water board, eavesdrop, and choose to launch preemptive invasions of other countries and somehow STILL claim the moral high ground. Perhaps You Personally still can convince yourself that even though you espouse the exact same behavior the Nazis, Khmer Rouge, Imperial Japanese, and Inquisition torturers engaged in, you’re still better than them.

    I await your scintillating, enlightened, fact-filled answer.


  30. dbadass says:

    You mean all those stories of beheading, cutting off of hands, hanging homos in Iran or stoning their women for being raped are just made up?

    Who knew?


    You mean Jessica Lynch shot her way to the end and that Pat Tilman (well let’s spare that family)

    What about that grossly misrepresented wiping off the map comment…

    How about Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran

    So how many heads have been beheaded?


  31. Hoodathunk says:

    Nice bit of misdirection, Zero but answer the first question.


  32. rimhotep says:

    A whining baby, a whoremonger, and a eejit: What a triumverate of buffoonery. (Inhofe, Vitter, and Roberts)

    A trio of lying, effing thugs!


  33. blue state bob says:

    “Zero Says:

    blue state bob Says:
    That’s some sort of 5th grade logic there

    Got it right from Barry his own bad self,

    “If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun,” Obama said at a fundraiser in Philadelphia Friday.

    As I recall the MOONBATS cheered loudly that they had a “real man” with balls in the fight this time.”

    Can I get an interpreter? I’m afraid I don’t speak moron….


  34. Hoodathunk says:

    Zero, in case you haven’t figured it out yet, no has made us the world cop for proper behavior. Not surprising since we aren’t qualified.


  35. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Zero Says:
    blue state bob Says:

    “If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun,” Obama said at a fundraiser in Philadelphia Friday.

    As I recall the MOONBATS cheered loudly that they had a “real man” with balls in the fight this time.
    ____________

    Gee… what self-serving false equivalency…

    Like I said before… try making a “real point”, for your own sake… before the brain rot is complete.


  36. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Zero,

    I am guessing that you don’t think much of Bill Clinton, but he did recently say something that bears keeping mind. I don’t know who first came up with it, but I thik it’s brilliant:

    “America leads better by the power of her example, rather than by an example of her power.”

    We do not have to beat the rest of the world into adopting our lifestyles, we need to convicne them that by our way of life, everyone benefits, and some even prosper. The key thing is to live by that example. And under the “Bush System”, we have not been.


  37. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Hoodathunk Says:

    These are the people who think torture is just cool.
    _____________

    They openly admit they got the idea from “24″.

    Wonderful… policy based on a Fox TV series.

    What feckless, absurd frauds.


  38. liberalinaredstate says:

    To me, the fact that you buy a coffee mug that reads “I’ve been to Gitmo” speaks volumns. It’s shameful


  39. Hoodathunk says:

    Ranks right up there with “I Club Baby Seals’.


  40. blue state bob says:

    “Proud Says:
    Stop whining.You complain about defense spending, let them continue the hunger strike we will save money on food. You libtards crack me up. Why don’t you loons start a foster program and take these mistreated men into your homes and give them all the love and care they deserve. These are terrorists not innocent young men, would you be happier if they were free and killing americans.”

    3,000 Americans died while your hero Bush did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, even though he was warned on August 6, 2001. As a New Yorker and an American who cares about his country, not his marginalized, racist party, please kindly STFU.


  41. perris says:

    I’ll tell you guys something very few people know, and it’s the real reason cheney and company does not want gitmo closed, i’s the real reason he gets his marionettes to insist we need gitmo open

    you see, haliburton is one of the contractor responsible for gitmo and cheney makes millions by it being used by this country

    from now on, if you’re wondering why he’s hawking gitmo so hard and so often and why he gets his puppets on the teevee doing the same, you know the real reason


  42. Buckie Boy says:

    I consider ALL repukes as criminals for their support of torture and criminal corruption by the Bush administration…

    …yes, even my own mother and sister, will not speak to either of them.

    If you have ever been in the Military you would know that they go to great lengths to cover up corruption and cornyism…it is just they way they do things.

    Too bad there is no hell, for I truely wish that all who support this kind of war crimes would burn there for all eternity.


  43. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Proud,

    Enough with the politeness. That is a most ignorant and false argument. You GITMO-Defenders keep making the false argument that if we close GITMO, it’s equivalent to letting them all go free. Only an idiot would believe such an argument. We have prosecuted criminals in classified courtrooms before, and we can do it just as easily with these people.

    The problem is NOT that they are dangerous and might have to be released. The problem is that they were illegally detained and treated while they were there, and if they were ever allowed to stand trial, their treatment would implicate the Bush Administration as War Criminals (which they have publicly, and proudly, admitted they were.)


  44. Buckie Boy says:

    Proud Says: he doesn’t have a problem with morals or burning in hell…

    …good, you reap what you sow.


  45. katy says:

    Haven’t you ever read how Muslims treat their own? Kinda makes you wonder.

    kinda makes me wonder what YOU are thinking, zero…

    for conditions in a U.S. run prison to be deteriorating, that can only mean the caretakers area not doing the correct job…

    and i’m trying to figure out why that is happening SINCE Obama took office.


  46. liberalinaredstate says:

    #49 Perris! EXACTLY……..IRAQ IS ABOUT HALLIBURTON/OIL, GITMO IS ABOUT HALLIBURTON! And you can get a coffee cup, sorry I can’t let that one go. It’s just so absurd

    Bush’s never ending mantra…”Freedom is on the March” used to make my ears bleed.


  47. Cats r Flyfishn says:

    Senator Inhofe needs to understand that President Obama is the “Decider in Chief” and he makes the decision whether Guantanamo remains opened or closed. On the other hand, you, Senator Inhofe, are not in a position of authority to make these kinds of decisions.


  48. EdgeOnIt says:

    The Republicans’ respect for office is entirely lacking; whether ‘honor’ was behind it or not, the Administration had some reason for the executive order, no Republican had made any attempt at rebuttal of THAT! Respect, has come to be aborted!


  49. Bozo The Neoclown says:

    Once they get petunia pig rove under oath, we should sent his ass there as a convict. afterall, for eight years him and his buddies have been saying what a nice place gitmo is.


  50. MapleStreet says:

    Let’s see…..Inhofe (R-OK) and Brownback (R-KS):

    While they were there, did they see any dinosaurs walking around ?

    Not to mention, folks held without even habeus for how many years (justice delayed = justice denied ?)


  51. Chris L says:

    President Bush stated several times that he wanted to close Guantanamo. Where was the outrage from the right-wing then? President Bush did free several hundred detainees from Guantanamo. Where was the outrage from the right-wing then? When Condaleeza Rice stated that we needed to close Guantanamo, I don’t remember all of the right-wing freaking out over it. But now they have a new president, elected by an overwhelming majority of the people that they don’t support. They have a congress they don’t support, and a government they don’t support. So, now when Obama is saying the same things that Presdent Bush said before him, now they decide it is wrong.


  52. Cats r Flyfishn says:

    conditions inside the Cuban prison camp have deteriorated badly since Barack Obama took office.

    What? Inhofe wants the “terrorists” to be treated humanely? When did he have this “change of heart”? Oh, after the boy Bush left office, Inhofe is trying to show the world that he is a humanitarian. And here all along I thought that he was a flat earther because of his religious convictions when all along he truly cared about the lives of animals. He really wants all the animals that are being displaced by non-global warming to gather together like they once did, 5000 years ago. Does anyone know if Inhofe is building an arc?


  53. liberalinaredstate says:

    Hey Posters, my good friend John Lee Hooker Jr. is up for a Grammy this evening. Here’s his latest video. It’s very appropriate. Enjoy! “People want a Change”

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWEDNVkoxE8

    It’s worth a watch I promise!


  54. Zooey says:

    Zero Says:

    Thinking, THINKING ?
    February 8th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    Don’t strain yourself.


  55. dbadass says:

    Zero
    I am THINKING you shouldn’t speak for others. Still I understand your overall point if there is one


  56. Chris L says:

    In August of last year, the US military freed more than 10,000 detainees in Iraq. These were detainees captured by US soldiers (unlike Guantanamo Bay, where only 5% of the detainees were cpatured by US soldiers). Shortly after these detainees were freed, a number of republican congressmen toured Iraq for the standard Green Zone two step during election season. I don’t remember any of them blaming Bush for freeing 10,000 detainees that we had previously seen fit to luck up. When McCain stated he wanted to move the detainees from Guantanamo to Leavenworth, Kansas, the right-wing didn’t make a peep about it. But, because it is Obama, and they cannot see any sense in supporting their government at all, now it is different.


  57. Tired Of Fighting says:

    To ALL of those who support torture, inhumane treatment, and other evil acts against humanity, have a family member abducted, imprisoned, and tortured by those who you like to harm.

    Now, how was that.

    RIP
    SGT Stephen R. Sherman
    C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
    KIA 3 Feb 2005
    Mosul, Iraq


  58. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Zero Says:

    Proud Says:
    _______________

    Cool… Zero can’t make a real point to save its life, so it calls in the reinforcements.

    Sorry boys, or girls, as the case may be, but nothing plus nothing stills equals NOTHING. You must be using “teh math”… huh?


  59. katy says:

    Zero Says: I’m just babbling nonsense

    congratulations! admission is the first step to rehabilitation.


  60. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Zero Says:

    Unless of course it’s more convenient to bomb the crap out of Yugoslavia for 78 days. All depends on who’s Al is getting Gored, doesn’t it?
    __________

    Well, when you take into account the fact that Milosevic and the Serbs were indeed engaging in ethnic cleansing… or would you have preferred the Serbs get to finish the job? they were killing Muslims.


  61. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Proud Says:

    You libtards crack me up.
    ___________

    Could you define “libtard” in a meaningful, concise way? It’s hard to understand WTF you’re babbling about?


  62. Allamr18 says:

    lol these guys are lame. they will stick behind stupid to save face as long as possible. they are insulting the intelligence of every human being out there and they seem to think we just somehow forget whats happened.


  63. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Zero Says:

    I’m just babbling nonsense on an insignificant little website…
    ___________

    Insignificant… yet you feel a need to come and disagree…

    At least you’re partially right… you are babbling nonsense.


  64. green says:

    I am so disgusted by the 20%’s (zero and proud included) who justify torture and crimes against humanity because other nations and individuals use those methods. My god, our country has sunk so low I am unsure if we will ever return to our former, better selves. This may be the end of the America we grew to love.

    A huge problem with Gitmo is that most imprisoned there have never been charged with crimes, do not have access to lawyers and therefore cannot begin to wage a defense. Many have been tortured in OUR name – and likely many have confessed to crimes they never committed. Many were simply sold to the U.S. for a bounty. Yep, there it is – all because some fool sat in our white house for eight long miserble years and decided to accuse people of being “enemy combatants.”


  65. liberalinaredstate says:

    #70 The Republic of ….

    I wear my “libtard” at the gym :)


  66. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Well, this is off-topic… but it’s just too good to pass up… heh.

    Seems someone FINALLY uncovered some voter fraud… unfortunately for GOOPers, it’s… Ann Coulter… AGAIN. Dang… is that woman some sort of serial, repeat offender, or what?

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/08/ann-coulter-under-investi_n_165007.html

    Ann Coulter Under Investigation For Voter Fraud

    The Huffington Post | Rachel Weiner | February 8, 2009 12:43 PM

    The New York Daily News reports that Ann Coulter is under investigation by the Connecticut Elections Enforcement Commission for allegedly voting in that state while registered to vote in New York City.

    AGAIN!!!!


  67. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    liberalinaredstate Says:

    #70 The Republic of ….

    I wear my “libtard” at the gym :)
    ___________

    Okay… okay… so a “libtard” is some… sort of garment?


  68. KEVKEV IN APACHE JUNCTION says:

    John Inhofe Jingleheimer Schmidt
    That’s my name too
    Whenever we go out,
    The people always shout,
    John Inhofe Jingleheimer Schmidt
    Da Da Da Da Da Da Da

    Repeat

    John Inhofe Jingleheimer Schmidt
    John Inhofe Jingleheimer Schmidt


  69. KEVKEV IN APACHE JUNCTION says:

    John Boehner Jingleheimer Schmidt
    That’s my name too
    Whenever we go out,
    The people always shout,
    John Boehner Jingleheimer Schmidt
    Da Da Da Da Da Da Da

    Repeat

    John Boehner Jingleheimer Schmidt
    John Boehner Jingleheimer Schmidt


  70. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    TRoS,

    Thanks for the story, and thanks for giving me an excuse to bring up my song parody Coulter”.


  71. liberalinaredstate says:

    To The Republic of….

    Exactly, libtard is a garment! comes in many colors, shapes, sizes and socio economic backgrounds…perfect for the gym. Libtard makes as much sense as “trickle down economics”


  72. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Wayne A. Schneider Says:
    TRoS,

    Thanks for the story, and thanks for giving me an excuse to bring up my song parody Coulter”.
    _____________

    Heh… you’re welcome, and please do.

    Anything that ridicules Ann Coulter, in a proper, tasteful, respectful way, is always welcome.


  73. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    liberalinaredstate Says:

    Libtard makes as much sense as “trickle down economics”
    ___________

    Oh… sumpin’ been tricklin’ down alrighty…



  74. barfly says:

    In all fairness to Inhofe, coming from the shithole that is Oklahoma, Gitmo might seem quite posh.


  75. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Jane E. Schneider Says:

    Eeww, TRoS!
    _______________

    Well, then how would YOU define that phrase?

    Waaaaaaitin…

    It’s almost baseball season gain, Jane.

    What about that A-Rod…??? talk about bombshells. I’d love to be there when Jeter and TheRod talk…


  76. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Anything that ridicules Ann Coulter, in a proper, tasteful, respectful way, is always welcome.

    Is that an Andy-Card-ironclad rule, or a real ironclad rule?


  77. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Wayne A. Schneider Says:

    Is that an Andy-Card-ironclad rule, or a real ironclad rule?
    ______________

    Oh, Lordly… does this mean we all have to start wearing ties and jackets when we make fun of trolls and other unwelcomed sorts here?

    I mean… a dress code? Isn’t that something we should be applying to Rudi? After all, he does likes himself a good dress every now and then…


  78. Jane E. Schneider says:

    TRoS, I never liked A-Rod in the first place. He’s got talent, of course, but I was glad that when he was being shopped around, the Mets didn’t take him.

    If I can afford tickets this season, I wonder what the name of the ballpark that I drive to will be? :(


  79. liberalinaredstate says:

    Right on Barfly

    Isn’t OK home to the world’s largest frying pan or largest ball of rubber bands or something equally insane!? OK is a state I’ve made a point of sleeping thru when I’ve traveled across our beautiful country.


  80. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Jane E. Schneider Says:

    TRoS, I never liked A-Rod in the first place. He’s got talent, of course, but I was glad that when he was being shopped around, the Mets didn’t take him.
    ______________

    So was I, jane. I’m also glad the Mets didn’t pick up Manny. Tremendous talent, but a head case.

    So The Rod is just a cheat like Bonds… can’t say I feel sorry for him at all. I remember his reply to a question about the number of people who don’t like, from about 4 or 5 years ago.

    It was something to effect… “I guess they’re just jealous because I’m so good looking, and make the most money being the best player on the best team in baseball”.

    Oh, and did he forget to mention that he’s modest too?

    Oh… puke.

    If I can afford tickets this season, I wonder what the name of the ballpark that I drive to will be? :(


  81. Alecto says:

    Isn’t it reasonable to get a posse and string GWB up? I mean, if the underachieving guvmint aint gonna protect the Constitution, does it not fall to us to do it? ANd bring those to justice. Even cowboy justice is some form of justice.


  82. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Oops… that last line is from your post.

    So, is Citi backing out of the deal? If so, that is major.

    That’s $400MM hit to the Mets. Ouch. I can understand it, but… ouch.

    Outside of the Yankees, it seems most teams have been reluctant to spend. Yes, the Mets got K-Rod and Putz (talk about names…) but F-Rod didn’t get the rumored 5yr/$75MM deal he was looking for at first.

    I approve of both signings. I like the fact the Mets got Putz as a set up man, because he can also step in a a quality closer, if need be, and he also gives Manuel another look for that closer’s role. I approve.

    I doubt if the Braves will win, even w/ DereK Lowe. Lowe’s a great No 2 or 3, but he’s not a staff ace.


  83. jb says:

    GITMO is a prominent symbol of the WAR CRIMES committed by the USA. As long as it operates the world continues to harden its opinion of the USA. Terror is as terror does.


  84. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    jb Says:

    GITMO is a prominent symbol of the WAR CRIMES committed by the USA. As long as it operates the world continues to harden its opinion of the USA. Terror is as terror does.
    _______________

    As time goes by, the GOOPers and BotchCo will sadly learn that photos exist on the Internet FOR EVER. Those Abu Ghraib sex torture pix? They will be BotchCo’s enduring legacy, for generations to come.

    Charming… a bunch of sick, S&M torture freaks. Own it, GOOPers.


  85. backup says:

    If they won’t eat, is it really abuse if you force them to eat. What would it be if you let them die?

    I’m in favor of shutting it down, but it seems like a stretch to say that forcing them to eat is abuse.

    If you were running the place and it wasn’t going to close for a year, would you let the prisoners die on your watch, or would you force them to eat?


  86. jb says:

    The GOP thinks if they bloviate loud enough and long enough and continue their ridiculous posturing that the world will forget who perpetrated these War Crimes. The world is not so gullible or memory challenged as the American public. One way or another there is a very real price that will be paid.


  87. avchavis says:

    Inhofe and Boehner are Godless -these creeps claim to be conservative christians but they’re the worst scum of the earth! They don’t see the detainees as human beings.


  88. backup says:

    Charming… a bunch of sick, S&M torture freaks. Own it, GOOPers

    Republic. I think that it would be a bad idea to keep Gitmo open. But, to be fair, this hunger strike and the alledged torture is occurring under Obama’s watch.

    Obama has promised to close the facility (in a year), but if there is an ongoing hunger strike or abuses going on there today, it is within President Obama’s power to stop it.

    If you want the abuses to stop, isn’t that where the answer is?


  89. ebbAndflow says:

    backup Says:
    If they won’t eat, is it really abuse if you force them to eat. What would it be if you let them die?

    I’m in favor of shutting it down, but it seems like a stretch to say that forcing them to eat is abuse.

    If you were running the place and it wasn’t going to close for a year, would you let the prisoners die on your watch, or would you force them to eat?

    February 8th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
    ~~~~~
    Yes, forcing someone to eat, against their will, is abuse.
    Shut Gitmo Down.


  90. jb says:

    Shut down Gitmo, prosecute all law breakers.


  91. McWars says:

    Is there a picture of John McCain wandering aimlessly. That would be funny …

    … my friends!


  92. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    backup Says:

    Charming… a bunch of sick, S&M torture freaks. Own it, GOOPers

    Republic. I think that it would be a bad idea to keep Gitmo open. But, to be fair, this hunger strike and the alledged torture is occurring under Obama’s watch.
    _____________

    EXCUSE ME?

    The man’s been in office for what, 18, 19 days? All of a sudden, BotchCo is off the hook for eight years of incompetency, malfeasance, and behavior so f-in’ stupid it’s hard to define?

    That is as ridiculous as the rightie sound bite stating “Botch kept us safe after 9/11″… riiiiiight… like Botch wasn’t POTUS on 9/09 or 9/10.

    Try again, Captain. 19 days in office doesn’t make Obama responsible for EIGHT YEARS of BotchCo. Just what the hell do you think has transpired in less than 3 weeks?


  93. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    BTW, Captain.

    You took my comment out of context. I wasn’t referring to Gitmo in my comment. That was obvious. I was talking about Abu Ghraib and those sex torture photos.

    And what I said was pretty much the truth. BotchCo will be linked to THOSE PHOTOS for decades to come. Care to explain how those pix promote a positive view of America round the world, or how they ever managed to keep America safe?


  94. McWars says:

    backup Says:

    Republic. I think that it would be a bad idea to keep Gitmo open. But, to be fair, this hunger strike and the alledged torture is occurring under Obama’s watch.

    I don’t understand your reasoning. These conditions have been festering; a pattern of behavior wasn’t going to change the second Obama took office or signed off the executive order to close the prison. I don’t understand how the opposition party can create problems in a set of years and expect them to be cleaned up in a matter of days. We’re trying, the GOP isn’t.

    The stench of Guantanamo is one thing for Obama to worry about, but the stench in the Oval Office itself is overwhelming.

    The right wants very badly to pile on so much on Obama as to set him up for failure. That is one trait of an old fashioned bully.

    Why don’t you become part of the solution, backup?


  95. McWars says:

    It’s nostalgia with these folks, TRoS. They long for another edition of the Jimmy Carter Treatment.


  96. dasm says:

    “Right-wing senators” should be placed in Gitmo indefinitely, with no trial, since they think it is so wonderful. What idiots.


  97. conniptionfit says:

    Why can’t right wingers (and the media) see thru this specious argument? Al Qaida and Osama know exactly where these detainees are, and they have yet to bother to attack and free Guantanamo. Why exactly would these detainees be any more dangerous incarcerated in Kansas??


  98. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    McWars Says:

    It’s nostalgia with these folks, TRoS.
    _________

    Siiiiiiiiiigh… the Good Old Days… when we could break the law, torture, and start wars w/ impunity. Shiff… snifff… and now, it’s all gone…


  99. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    conniptionfit Says:

    Why exactly would these detainees be any more dangerous incarcerated in Kansas?_____________

    Or in, say, Florence, Colorado, at the United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility, which currently holds Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman (the Blind Sheik), Zacarias Moussaoui, Ramzi Ahmed Yousef, and Mahmud Abouhalima.

    All quietly securely serving their life sentences, w/out fanfare, publicity or public attention, as should be. Same place the Unabomber is being held, BTW.


  100. Game of Life says:

    Can these nuts go there and cause trouble like that?

    “I don’t know that there’s a terrorist treated better anywhere in the world than what has happened at Guantanamo.”

    How do you know that they are “terrorist”? You haven’t tried them yet.


  101. Jane E. Schneider says:

    TRoS, sorry to reply so late (ok, and OT, too), but there was a thread the other day about the possibility of CitiGroup backing out of the stadium deal. Which is fine with me, I assume that I’ll be paying more for tickets anyway. Hopefully I’ll be able to spring for at least one or two games this season…
    ——————————–
    “How do you know that they are “terrorist”? You haven’t tried them yet.”

    Game of Life, perfect response.


  102. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Jane E. Schneider Says:

    TRoS, sorry to reply so late (ok, and OT, too), but there was a thread the other day about the possibility of CitiGroup backing out of the stadium deal. Which is fine with me, I assume that I’ll be paying more for tickets anyway. Hopefully I’ll be able to spring for at least one or two games this season…
    ___________

    I saw that, Jane. I read an article somewhere of late (maybe the SF Chron?) about the way the current economic climate is starting to affect sports too. Tis… tis, as evinced by this, huh?

    I’ll have to be satisfied w/ my MLB online radio subscription, again. I try to get out and see Oakland play a game or two evry year. W/ that guy from Colorado and Giambi in the line up this year, they should be more entertaining.

    Then there is Lincecum w/ the Gigantes….


  103. zuch says:

    No physician should participate in the force-feedings at Guantánamo, and any who do so should have their license yanked.

    Any person force-feeding a detainee should be charged with assault and battery.

    I blogged on the force-feedings a while back, here, and in more gruesome detail, here. Looks as if they’ve gotten to be even more ‘professional’ about it in the year and a half since.

    Cheers,


  104. labman57 says:

    Vitter would have felt at home wearing an SS uniform while inspecting the concentration camps in Eastern Europe during WWII.


  105. Fontsdeleon says:

    Given the state of the economy under the deranged leadership of Inhofe, Vitter and Roberts, it appears to me they’re a bigger threat than any of the inmates at Gitmo. Just a bunch of warmongers who are on their way to the trash heap of history and they’re taking America with them.


  106. CageyCretin says:

    Haven’t read all the posts yet, so if I repeat something… tough. :)

    I would suspect that the “conditions deteriorating since Obama took office” having to with that the majority, if not all of the workers at the base are Bush loyalists. They were also most likely selected, not only for loyalty (i.e. being Repugnican), but for a desire to work in the facility. With the Obama changes and intent to close, this means that for the sadists working there (and most of them must fall in that category) this is their last chance to have some “fun” before the facility closes.

    House Minority John Boehner (R-OH) remarked last month, “I don’t know that there’s a terrorist treated better anywhere in the world than what has happened at Guantanamo

    I’ve heard this a lot since they opened Gitmo. Funny thing is, For my own part, I do not want terrorists to receive the finest treatment in the world — I want to see justice done, fair trials held, and incarceration for those guilty, as appropriate. And during those proceedings and for any to be incarcerated, I expect HUMANE treatment, which abides by basic moral standards and by all laws and treaties to which America has agreed.


  107. kalver26 says:

    This is crap. Those who were detained illiagaly should be released. Those that were caught in terrorist acts should be shot in the head. Dont wast my money on stupid people who have to get their point accross by having others kill themselfs to kil others. GITMO should be closed. Either kill em or let em go. For those that think waterboarding is so bad, try having 25,000 volts hooked up to your nuts, or having bamboo grow through your body. Waterboarding is not torture. The only thing wrong at Gitmo is that people were not prosecuted and sentanced to jail. However since Gitmo is outside of the usa the rules and laws of the usa dont apply.So Go ahead Waterboard, hook thier nuts up to an electrical outlet, lets see what they know.


  108. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    kalver26 Says:

    This is crap. Those who were detained illiagaly should be released. Those that were caught in terrorist acts should be shot in the head. Dont wast my money on stupid people who have to get their point accross by having others kill themselfs to kil others. GITMO should be closed. Either kill em or let em go. For those that think waterboarding is so bad, try having 25,000 volts hooked up to your nuts, or having bamboo grow through your body. Waterboarding is not torture. The only thing wrong at Gitmo is that people were not prosecuted and sentanced to jail. However since Gitmo is outside of the usa the rules and laws of the usa dont apply.So Go ahead Waterboard, hook thier nuts up to an electrical outlet, lets see what they know.

    February 9th, 2009 at 8:35 am

    Well, I’m certainly glad that you’re not in charge of Justice in America.

    Those who were detained illiagaly should be released. Those that were caught in terrorist acts should be shot in the head.

    And what if the ones caught in terrorist acts were detained illegally? You know, denying someone their right to challenge their detention status would be considered detaining them illegally. By your logic, just about everyone held in GTMO should be released, even if they were caught in the act.

    Dont wast my money on stupid people who have to get their point accross by having others kill themselfs to kil others.

    Isolate them from society and you remove the danger they pose.

    Waterboarding is not torture.

    Yes, it is. Period. We have executed people for doing it to our soldiers precisely because it’s torture. If it were done to you, you would agree that it was. Even if you knew that they weren’t going to kill you in the process, you would believe it is torture. Are you sure you’re not related to Dick Cheney? Because you seem to have inherited his heart defect (the defect being he has none.)

    The only thing wrong at Gitmo is that people were not prosecuted and sentanced to jail.

    Not the only thing wrong. No, another problem is that some of them might actually be innocent. Then there’s the problem that we illegally tortured some of them. That they were not prosecuted is indeed a problem, but they have already been sentenced to jail. We just didn’t bother having a judge decide this.

    However since Gitmo is outside of the usa the rules and laws of the usa dont apply.So Go ahead Waterboard, hook thier nuts up to an electrical outlet, lets see what they know.

    No, GTMO is within the territory of a US Naval Station and, therefore, would be considered American territory (similar to how our Embassies overseas are considered American territory), and the military would still be bound by the laws of the US. But even if we did hold them in another country, torturing them would still violate international law (which is binding on us if we signed the treaty creating it.)

    You might want to start familarizing yourself with reality and facts before you publicly post such nonsense.


  109. dbearton says:

    Inhofe is a worthless pile of shit, that does not deserve the air he breaths.


  110. dbadass says:

    lets see what they know
    —-
    You do realize that torture does not provide useful intel, correct?



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