This Convention further states that, in relation to those outside of combat-a category that explicitly includes detainees and prisoners of war-"the following acts are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever with respect to the above-mentioned persons: (a) Violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture; b) Taking of hostages; (c) Outrages upon personal dignity, in particular, humiliating and degrading treatment."
Article 13 of the third Geneva Convention reads: "Likewise, prisoners of war must at all times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity."
So, when current Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez infamously referred to the Geneva Conventions as "quaint" and claimed they did not apply to detainees of the war on terror, this statement was not only morally despicable but-much like Yoo's argument that the Bush Regime can override international law-complete stupidity.
And so, here we are in the spring of 2008, living under a regime whose arrogance and cruelty have reached such heights that its leaders are committing war crimes in broad daylight, practically daring the citizenry to stop them.
It is a challenge the American public is long overdue in answering.
According to the ABC News, during the top secret White House meetings authorizing torture, former Attorney General John Ashcroft exclaimed at one point: "Why are we talking about this in the White House? History will not judge this kindly."
Indeed, let us hope that when all is said and done, it is the Bush Regime-and not us-that lives in historical infamy.
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