US Attorney General Questions Habeas Corpus

spiedrazer writes "In yet another attempt to create legitimacy for the Bush Administration's many questionable legal practices, US attorney General Alberto Gonzales actually had the audacity to argue before a Congressional committee that the US Constitution doesn't explicitly bestow habeas corpus rights on US citizens. In his view it merely says when the so-called Great Writ can be suspended, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the rights are granted. The Attorney General was being questioned by Sen. Arlen Specter at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Jan. 18. THe MSM are not covering this story but Colbert is (click on the fourth video down, 'Exact Words')." From the Baltimore Chronicle and Sentinel commentary: "While Gonzales's statement has a measure of quibbling precision to it, his logic is troubling because it would suggest that many other fundamental rights that Americans hold dear (such as free speech, freedom of religion, and the right to assemble peacefully) also don't exist because the Constitution often spells out those rights in the negative. It boggles the mind the lengths this administration will go to to systematically erode the rights and privileges we have all counted on and held up as the granite pillars of our society since our nation was founded."

Comments

Re:Rights? Wrong.

[GrumpySimon]

Well sure, but the best comment you're ever going to see on Digg is either 'Blogspam!' or 'Lame! No Digg'

Re:old

[chrispatch]

We should have STRICT term limits. 1 term. You can be a representative in congress 1 time in your life. You can be a senator 1 time in your life. You can run for President or Vice President 1 time. (win or lose). You can be a federal judge for 4 years 1 time in each of three levels (district court, court of appeals, supreme court). Former federal judges can never serve in the legislative branch or executive branch. Former senators , presidents or vice presidents can not serve as judges. *** I *** think there should be no such career as politician.

Re:A$$Fucker.

[corbettw]

Yes, because bad mouthing the AG is going to get you modded as a troll in this forum. Seriously, there are posts on this article calling for the man's murder being marked 'Insightful', do you really think you'd be marked 'Troll' for calling him names?