“Well, when the (DECIDER) does it, that means that it’s not illegal.”

[Jcrowley]

“Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal” - Martin Luther King Jr.

“Well, when the President does it, that means that it’s not illegal.”

(Richard Nixon explaining his interpretation of the idea of Executive Privilege to David Frost, 19 May 1977)



Nixon’s self-serving statement was not surprising, but expected from a man who would be king.  Such brings us to appreciate the regime of G. W. Bush.  Bush has committed a host of actions fit for a king.  And now widely admitted, they are exhibit one:

1) Bush authorized warrantless wiretaps – in direct violation of FISA, and in violation of the spirit of the Fourth Amendment;

2) Bush ordered renditions for Maher Arar, Khalid al-Masri and others – in direct violation of federal and international law;

3) Bush ordered an invasion of Iraq without a declaration of war or UN resolution in support of the invasion;

4) Bush authorized violations of the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners and civilians (cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment)

5) Bush authorized torture of military detainees (I guess one could dispute this claim, it depends on the definition of water-boarding or stress positions); and

6) Bush ordered that at least 14 men to be held in secret prisons, without access to attorneys, the International Red Cross or independent tribunals that could judge the legitimacy of their detention.

Bush says...

“Any time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap … a wiretap requires a court order.  Nothing has changed … When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so … because we value the Constitution.” - G.W. Bush, 20 April 2004

“We strongly believe constitutional and if al Qaeda is calling into the United States we want to know why they’re calling.” - G.W. Bush, 17 August 2006

I told all four that there are going to be we don’t agree … but that’s okay.  If this were a dictatorship, it would be a heck of a lot easier.  Just so long as I’m the dictator.
G. W. Bush (18 December 2000)

“A dictatorship would be a heck of a lot easier.  There’s no question about it.” G. W.  Bush (27 July2001)

[Jcrowley]

1. The Decider

[roguenkatz]

2. With all due respect Mr. President,

but which part of "preserve, protect and defend" are you having difficulty understanding.

"no no no no no no NO!"
—Queen (Bohemian Rhapsody)