From ideals to expedience...

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.

Our founding fathers faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations.

Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.

Six months later [via WaPo]:

The Obama administration, fearing a battle with Congress that could stall plans to close the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, is drafting an executive order that would reassert presidential authority to incarcerate terrorism suspects indefinitely, according to three senior government officials with knowledge of White House deliberations.

Such an order would embrace claims by former president George W. Bush that certain people can be detained without trial for long periods under the laws of war. Obama advisers are concerned that an order, which would bypass Congress, could place the president on weaker footing before the courts and anger key supporters, the officials said.

Does this really require any additional comment?

Comments

Miko said…

Well, that's the straw that's convinced me to give up strategic voting.

June 26, 2009 at 11:54 PM

Bowly said…

Well, that's the straw that's convinced me to give up strategic voting.

Then you are just almost frustrated enough.

June 27, 2009 at 2:21 AM

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