Obama DOJ affirms Bush’s state secrets position in extraordinary rendition lawsuit.
Obama DOJ affirms Bush’s state secrets position in extraordinary rendition lawsuit.
In federal court today, the Obama administration signaled it would uphold the Bush administration’s state secrets position in a lawsuit regarding Bush’s use of extraordinary rendition. Five men who say they were victims of extraordinary rendition — including current Guantanamo detainee and torture victim Binyam Mohamed — sued, but the case was thrown out last year after Bush declared it to be a matter of state secrets. In an appeal today, the new administration took the same position:
A source inside of the Ninth U.S. District Court tells ABC News that a representative of the Justice Department stood up to say that its position hasn’t changed, that new administration stands behind arguments that previous administration made, with no ambiguity at all. The DOJ lawyer said the entire subject matter remains a state secret.
Last Wednesday, Britain’s High Court of Justice revealed that the U.S. had threatened to stop sharing evidence with Britain if it disclosed evidence of the torture Binyam Mohamed has endured.
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
so disappointed.
February 9th, 2009 at 3:53 pmOne more time for the hard of hearing:
I said this yesterday and i’ll say it again today. To ALL of those who support torture, inhumane treatment, and other evil acts against humanity,may you have a family member abducted, imprisoned, and tortured.
Now, how was that.
RIP
February 9th, 2009 at 3:56 pmSGT Stephen R. Sherman
C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
KIA 3 Feb 2005
Mosul, Iraq
Spies Like U.S.
February 9th, 2009 at 3:56 pmIf this is true, The President had better be ready for a Category 7 sh*t storm of protest.
February 9th, 2009 at 3:57 pmThe ( non-prosecutorial ) future is becoming more clear every day. Not a pretty picture!
February 9th, 2009 at 3:58 pmMr. President, if you do NOT prosecute, you become part of it!
Be ready for more news of this type.
February 9th, 2009 at 3:59 pmBoth parties are controlled by special interests.
No change is NOT a change I can believe in.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:00 pmDamn. Just damn.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:05 pmThe Borgen Project has some good info on the cost of addressing global poverty.
$30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:08 pm$550 billion: U.S. Defense budget
i hate saying it… so i’m not going to say it.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:08 pmbut i’m guessing you already know what i was going to say.
anti-war lawmakers worry over afghan plan
February 9th, 2009 at 4:10 pmAs Pogo said, “we have met the enemy, and he is us.”
February 9th, 2009 at 4:11 pmPeople give it some time, it has not even been 100 days. One problem at a time. cheney/bush’s dirty secrets will come out they are too huge to keep under the rugs. And accountability will happen, I really believe it.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:11 pmIf this report is accurate, it is very disappointing.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:15 pmYet, today I heard Sen. Leahy say he wants to proceed with investigations of Bush&Co.
There is a distinction between ordinary renditions and “extraordinary” renditions.
I don’t know if all the details are released here yet – I find it hard to believe that Obama will follow in the path of Bush&Co. I want to learn more.
well, if I were president obama, i’d say, ‘i have to read and think about this news and right now i’m trying to save my country and so i’ll get back to that soon… meantime, status quo’…
February 9th, 2009 at 4:15 pmor something like that…
wishful thinking at least…
meet the new boss.
Same as the old boss.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:17 pmatsegga and all of those others who promote the borgen project – just so you know, every time you spam this site the credibility of your ‘project’ is reduced.
Scram!
February 9th, 2009 at 4:17 pmAh, CHANGE… we hardly knew ye.
PEACE
February 9th, 2009 at 4:18 pmNow, who is really surprised?
There has not been a single case in history where the ruling class steps down pacifically from its position of power. Do you think an election was going to change that?
February 9th, 2009 at 4:18 pmAaah, the Blue Dog so-called “centrist” Democrats strike again, siding with the torture and rendition policies of the worst Republican administration in American history, keeping hidden what can only be disinfected in the sunlight.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:20 pmWith this position, law, moral principle, democracy and justice are rendered meaningless.
So may we all, as citizens, start torturing anyone we please now?
February 9th, 2009 at 4:20 pmTexaslady, I would really llike to believe that and your right lets wait and see, but so far all this appeasement is nonsense. I will give OUR President the benefit of doubt, for he is much wiser than I and I’m not to big-headed to admit it. These people HATE Mr. Obama for every reason under the sun, there is no reason to appease these idiots unless your complicit in their crimes.
So I will wait, hell I’ve waited for 40 years, whats a few more.
RIP
February 9th, 2009 at 4:21 pmSGT Stephen R. Sherman
C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
KIA 3 Feb 2005
Mosul, Iraq
Tired Of Fighting Says: the game is still afoot so you have a point. I just wish there were a few more bones being tossed to the hungry dogs.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:28 pmI’m going to withhold any knee-jerk reaction to this until I have pondered the possible circumstances where Obama’s DOJ would take such a position.
Bush taking such a position would be an obvious example of CYA, and one wonders why Obama would continue to protect Bush and Cheney at the expense of p!ssing off the rest of the world — that just doesn’t make sense. After all, Obama has already demonstrated on a number of levels that he’s sincere about making the changes he promised.
So it must be something else. But what? Does Obama really want to keep torture in his toolbox, even though he said he doesn’t? That doesn’t make sense. Is Obama afraid that if word got out that we tortured our captives this news might be met with hostility? That doesn’t make sense, either — since the fact that we torture is pretty widely known already. Are there special interests like AIPAC who have reasons of their own to want torture of captives kept under wraps as much as possible? That’s possible. And money talks.
Of course, it’s possible that there is some matter of national security that might be compromised in a trial scenario, and what we’re being told is the truth. It just seems highly unlikely to us because it’s been years since the government has told us anything resembling the truth. We’re so used to being lied to, we’ve come to expect it. I’m not saying that’s the case here, but it’s a possibility.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:32 pmIt’s getting harder every day to believe in him.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:43 pmThis really pisses me off, first his war stance and now this ugg. GRR
Oh well it was expected Democrats aren’t known for standing up…
Hopefully something will happened after Republicans vote on the stimulus package or between the first 100 days in office if not GAH.
Hoodathunk Says:
We have been more than patient and yes there is a sense of wanting to go ballistic on some of these moves and appeasement and all this kumbaya sh_!, and again they know what they’re doing (we hope) so lets play it cool and see how it plays out. Remember WE brought them into office, WE can take them out of office.
RIP
February 9th, 2009 at 4:48 pmSGT Stephen R. Sherman
C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
KIA 3 Feb 2005
Mosul, Iraq
Tired Of Fighting Says:
Remember WE brought them into office, WE can take them out of office.
HOW?
February 9th, 2009 at 4:50 pmJuan C. Says:
HOW?
Vote, Man. What the hell you think I mean?
RIP
February 9th, 2009 at 5:01 pmSGT Stephen R. Sherman
C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
KIA 3 Feb 2005
Mosul, Iraq
Where is the transparency of government we were looking for?
February 9th, 2009 at 5:06 pmVery disappointing.
Until I hear Eric Holder and President Obama assert this themselves I am skeptical, especially with the financial crisis at this moment, that this is set in stone.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:10 pmMaybe the victims can sue these administrations under R.I.C.O.
Sure sounds like they qualify…
February 9th, 2009 at 5:11 pmVote, Man. What the hell you think I mean?
Vote? That’s it?
I think that’s the problem. The people have no other tools other than elections in order to “punish” a party instead of another. But that can hardly be called a democracy, a system designed to serve the people.
We have no means to pressure political criminals. That’s a very well thought plan from those in the govts.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:14 pmThis Policy will be used by other countries as they detain and torture Americans prisoners who are innocent. President Obama will learn another lesson as he continues on his journey as President. History has shown how many countries learn and then follow the policies of the United States of America. Iraq learned how to start their own Stock Maket and China is doing very will the cars. Secrets always come out check the history books. Who would have known Prescott Bush plotted to assasinate Franklin D. Roosevelt.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:16 pmThe entire subject matter remains a state secret ?
WTF
Surely this is something the Obama DOJ would want to expose. What kind of message does this send to the rest of the world.
That we can imprison and torture on hearsay evidence as long as we cover it up with the lable of “state secret”?
Are we no better than Augusto Pinochet?
February 9th, 2009 at 5:20 pmWell, now, that’s highly disappointing.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:27 pmThis is truly disgusting.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:27 pmMy heads going to implode.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:29 pmJuan C. Says:
Vote? That’s it?
Yea that’s it. That may sound trivial or whatever to you but to some of us its a big deal. Should I do soemthing criminal and become just like the rest of them, or do I wake up enough people to join me in the fall cleanings of inept politicians every two years. Thats my only recourse, and violence isn’t an option so I’ll take that one. Vote.
And your plan would be to do what? I’ll be waiting to hear what it is.
RIP
February 9th, 2009 at 5:44 pmSGT Stephen R. Sherman
C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
KIA 3 Feb 2005
Mosul, Iraq
Zero,
Yeah we bang our keyboards, write and call our congressmen and senators, we talk to our neighbors and we vote.
What do you do?
February 9th, 2009 at 5:47 pmWe’re in the process of closing Gitmo and releasing some of the most dangerous terrorists in the world back on the worlds streets. Some have already disappeared after being released to the Saudi authorities. They should have just killed the a……s and been done with it. NOW they get another shot at us. Torture? That’s the LEAST of Obamas mounting problems!
February 9th, 2009 at 5:49 pmZero bangs his pot.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:50 pm“Some have already disappeared after being released to the Saudi authorities.”
They’re coming for you, deetjay…
February 9th, 2009 at 5:51 pmNevar
I’m busy watching Zero’s clever posts on Couric. I just came back to see if he had an answer. Obviously not.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:54 pmThree tours in Vietnam and 30 years in law enforcement later, at least I have the tools to meet them the way they deserve! As much as I detested Dubya, I will paraphrase one of his most famous lines…BRING ‘EM ON!
February 9th, 2009 at 5:57 pmSaved by Zero
February 9th, 2009 at 5:59 pmmore, getting legs now…
Obama lawyers maintain Bush position in suit
San Jose Mercury News – 1 hour ago
AP SAN FRANCISCO—An Obama administration lawyer is urging a federal appeals court panel to throw out a lawsuit accusing a Boeing Co.
Justice Department Follows Bush Administration in Invoking ‘State … FOXNews
Obama Stands Behind ‘State Secrets’ Defense ABC News
Examiner.com – Atlantic Online – The Washington Independent – San Francisco Chronicle
all 53 news articles »
http://news.google.com/?ncl=1302492977&hl=en&topic=n
February 9th, 2009 at 6:02 pmIn all that time, deetjay, did you ever ask yourself why?
February 9th, 2009 at 6:02 pm“Oh, am I a troll for supporting the president, make up your mind people.”
Sure, someone has to prop up the crumbling bridges.
February 9th, 2009 at 6:09 pmIs this complicity to the treason and war crimes of the Criminal Bush?
February 9th, 2009 at 7:43 pmNow they’re blackmailing the UK. How much more trouble will they get us all in before they are arrested the guilty are punished.
February 9th, 2009 at 8:06 pm“State secrets” do NOT include the process of torture.
Proud to be stupid, you are a troll for supporting torture. PERIOD.
February 9th, 2009 at 8:39 pm5th Estate Says:
With this position, law, moral principle, democracy and justice are rendered meaningless.
So may we all, as citizens, start torturing anyone we please now?
Exactly, the rule of law is quaint, and passe. SO get a posse together and go after ROve, Bush, Cheney, Rummie, Condi, Harriet, Yoo, Addington, Bibee, WOlfie, Feith, Rushbag, et al, and hang them in the street. Just do it, there is not ramification. F UCK em all.
Posses for everyone.
February 9th, 2009 at 8:46 pmThe cases must be carefully reviewed, and the conclusions given to President Obama. This takes time. In the meantime, its just sensible for the Admin. to keep quiet.
This does not mean we should shrug and keep quiet, too! We must complain and complain long and loudly! And proudly.
February 9th, 2009 at 8:49 pmOhBLAHMA doesn’t know shit from shinola about civil liberties issues.
February 9th, 2009 at 8:54 pmBuh Bye Alecto!
February 9th, 2009 at 9:04 pmAlecto Says:
February 10th, 2009 at 12:00 amFebruary 9th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
RIP
.
C H A N G E…
… Is easy when it’s nameplates and underwear. What’s new?
.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:37 am.
#48
(R)ushpuppetProud asks”:Nope. Just for supporting inhumane treatment and torture, that’s all.
.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:43 am#52 Alecto said:
It does if you want to conceal international war crimes you’ve been a party to…
… See, it’s not a war crime if America does it, YES?
.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:47 amBush must be punished.
Submitted by Andrew Yu-Jen Wang
B.S., Summa Cum Laude, 1996
Messiah College, Grantham, PA
Lower Merion High School, Ardmore, PA, 1993
“GEORGE W. BUSH IS THE WORST PRESIDENT IN U.S. HISTORY” BLOG OF ANDREW YU-JEN WANG
ONLINE, ANTI-BUSH, EDUCATIONAL, SCHOLASTIC RESEARCH: LISTING OF MAJOR ISSUES
http://andrewyu-jenwang.blogspot.com/2008/10/bush-is-worst-president-in-american.html
February 10th, 2009 at 2:00 amAll that takl about a ‘transparent government’…
February 10th, 2009 at 7:31 amI knew it! ‘Oba Oba’ means no CHANGE!
Hel, hello, RandomChaos
February 10th, 2009 at 8:36 amNot Buh, Bye
I had held out one last effort to maintain belief that Washington can change, and that the change would be real.
Secrecy is not something I can believe in because it is… a secret, something cloaked, hidden. This is action of a free nation?
Bitter pill, but I guess revolution is the only real change; everything else is just a masquerade for the masses.
February 10th, 2009 at 9:20 amNew World Order Guy – Obama?
Change we can believe in?
Four Years and Out.
Progressives need a New Party – Democrats are Rethug lite.
February 10th, 2009 at 2:36 pmctcadguy, what party do you belong to? What have you done to help this country?
February 14th, 2009 at 8:20 pm