Why it is absolutely necessary for us to hold war crimes trials.

[Cyrano]

Last Monday, we were on the edge an abyss. Today, we are a hell of a lot safer. Had the Republicans somehow managed to steal the necessary number of congressional seats, does anyone really doubt that, over the next two years, we would have seen the total demise of our democracy?

The Republican loss wasn't for lack of effort on their part. Reports are still flooding in of voter disenfranchisement and dirty tricks. But the sheer volume of votes against them was just too big to allow them to steal a majority.

As much as our sweep of congress has revitalized and thrilled us, we're not yet out of the woods. George W. Bush still occupies the White House and as president, he can still declare martial law for some spurious reason. I don't expect this to happen, but back in 2000, who would or could have expected the vast amount of damage that would or could be done over six years?

Yesterday, Donald Rumsfeld was thrown out of power, but his farewell remarks indicate that he still believes the American public just doesn't "get it." This is a man who has more hubris than brains. And a hell of a lot of courage when it's other people's blood that is being spilled.

So what's to stop another Rumsfeld, or another Bush/Cheney/Rove from seizing the levers of power? What's to stop them from following in the footsteps of these morally, ethically challenged individuals?

The answer is simple. Starting with Rumsfeld, an American (or international?) court must bring him to trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity. And the majority of the American public must be convinced that this a just and proper path.

The point is not so much to punish Rumsfeld (as well as Bush/Cheney and others once they leave office). Rather, we must send a message to any future would-be tyrants. And that message must be crystal clear -- clear enough that even some future George W. Bush will be able to grasp it. The crux of that message must be that anyone who has committed inhumane, barbaric acts will never be safe. And that once their power is gone, they'll have to answer for their crimes.

Put simply, the entire world must be made to understand that hollow people speaking hollow words will never again be permitted to hold positions of power in a civilized society.

[thereismore]

1. because justice demands it. nt

[AndyTiedye]

2. There Is A Place in the HAGUE For People Like Them

[Cyrano]

8. Love the photo. But my point is far larger than that represented by

these thugs.

Every would-be fascist POS must be made to understand that this will happen to them too.

Yeah, I know, it's not a perfect world and we'll always have scum like these. Nonetheless, let's put them on notice that if they aspire to be among the "He who dies with the most toys wins" crowd, will spend the rest of their lives looking at the sky through steel bars.

(Edited for spelling.)

[DinahMoeHum]

3. I look at it this way: if we don't get impeachment. . .

this would be the next best thing. With NO statute of limitations.

:bounce:

[Cyrano]

5. Impeachment isn't sufficient. That only leads to removal from office.

The Bush's and Cheney's of the world must be made to understand that presidential pardons, or any other tactic they use to escape judgment, will be insufficient to shield them from the consequences of their actions and crimes.

There is no statute of limitations on murder under current U.S. law. But that needs to be taken a step further. There can never be a statute of limitations for war crime and crimes against humanity. And any sane person on the face of the planet would have to agree that the Bush administration needs to be brought before the bar of justice to answer for these crimes.

[Xenotime]

4. Why don't you ask Cindy Sheehan? She, like 3000+ other families...

lost their loved ones to wars done for oil and occupation of another country.

[Rosemary2205]

6. For Justice AND our relations in the world

[Selatius]

7. We can take note and consolation in the fact that Germany is going after Rumsfeld for...

war crimes. I hope they get him, too, because the Bush Justice Department probably won't.

[Cyrano]

9. Great point. I read about this and all I can say is that the Germans

learned from history. IMO, the German people are highly unlikely to ever again be taken in by fools, snake-oil salesmen, or human-like monsters.

[Cyrano]

10. Kicked for all you night owls.