Obama’s False Attack Today
By NoQuarter on March 8, 2008 at 5:54 PM in Barack Obama, Flag officers, Hillary Clinton, Seymour Hersh, Taguba, Torture
Words, just words: “We need a Commander in Chief who has never wavered on whether or not it is acceptable for America to torture, because it is never acceptable. While I have consistently opposed torture, in the course of this primary campaign Hillary Clinton has flip-flopped from her past position of tolerating torture. I believe that we must reject torture without equivocation because it does not make us safe, it results in unreliable intelligence, it puts our troops at risk, and it contradicts core American values. When I am President, the American people and the world will be able to trust that I will outlaw torture, because unlike Senator Clinton I have never made an exception for torture and I never will.” (From Barack Obama’s statement on Bush’s veto today, via The Page, March 8, 2008)
Oh really? Not when a major rightwing blog is attacking Hillary for her “pro-Islamist sop” (more on that attack below). And take a look at how Hillary Clinton handled this trick question from Tim Russert in September 2007:
Oh really? Check out what Barack Obama had to say about Donald Rumsfeld, a chief instigator of the Bush administration’s policy on torture:
Then there are Sen. Clinton’s many statements on torture, as well as the endorsement by Gen. Antonio Taguba based on Hillary’s repudiation of torture — and Gen. Taguba’s endorsement was but one of 30 flag officers backing Hillary Clinton, including General Henry Hugh Shelton (two-term Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff).
Ask Gen. Taguba what HE thinks of Donald Rumsfeld. As I wrote recently:
Gen. Taguba endorsed Sen. Clinton because of her “unequivocal opposition to the use of torture under any circumstances” [NoQuarter story].) Let Sy Hersh tell the story of how Gen. Taguba told the the truth in the report he was assigned to write about Abu Ghraib and, for that, was ridiculed by then Defense Secretary Rumsfeld. Gen. Taguba’s career was “shunted,” says Hersh, and he was “forced out” of the military.
Here is Gen. Taguba’s full statement on his endorsement of Hillary Clinton.
Here are Hillary Clinton’s statements on June 27, 2007 in a speech regarding national security at the Center for a New American Security:
“Toward a New American Security” is exactly the right title for this forum. We are in a moment of profound change and challenge that requires new thinking and a new direction. As Americans we bear much responsibility for the global economic, technological, and democratic revolution we are experiencing.
[...]
It is dangerous for us to be caught up in debates about wiretapping schemes and it is dangerous for the administration to refuse to disavow torture.
We are in a long term struggle in which our values must be more than rhetoric. But we are weakened by Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib and by this administration’s policies on detainees and torture.I voted against the Military Commissions Act because I believe we have to stand for the rule of law before the world, especially when we are under threat. Democrats and Republicans alike believe that terrorists have to be caught, captured, sentenced, punished, killed. I believe there should be no mercy for those who perpetrated 9-11 and other crimes against humanity. But in the process of accomplishing what is essential for our security we must hold onto our values and set an example we can point to with pride and not shame.
The bill allowed the admission into evidence of statements derived from cruel, inhumane, and degrading interrogations. Will our enemies be less likely to surrender? Will informants be less likely to come forward? Will our soldiers be more likely face torture themselves if captured? Will the information we obtain be less reliable? As Lieutenant [General] John F. Kimmons, the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence has said, “No good intelligence is going to come from abusive interrogation practices.” Allowing coercive treatment and torturous actions toward prisoners violates the rule of law, fails in intelligence gathering, and promotes radicalization.
Al-Zawahri, Osama bin Laden’s second-in-command, the architect of many of the attacks on our country, throughout Europe and the world has said over and over again if we would only pay attention – it is on their websites – that torture helps the cause of extremism, watering the seeds of jihad. I’ve called for the closing of the prison at Guantanamo Bay because it represents in the eyes of the world abuse, secrecy, and contempt for the rule of law. Rather than keeping us more secure, Guantanamo is harming our national security. It compromises our long-term military and strategic interests and impairs our standing overseas. …
You know that Hillary Clinton has to be right on torture when the rightwing blogs — like Captain’s Quarters — are attacking her stand against torture with this:
Why would Wahhabists be putting chips on Hillary Clinton and her unofficial running mate? Running down their wish list, you’ll find that Hillary checks off on just about everything — from promising to pull out of Iraq and the Middle East to creating a Palestinian state to closing down Gitmo. She also wants to stop interrogations and surveillance of jihadist suspects.
All this is spelled out in her foreign policy manifesto published in the latest Foreign Affairs magazine. Among other pro-Islamist sop, she argues that:
• “Getting out of Iraq will enable us to play a constructive role in a renewed Middle East peace process that would mean security and normal relations for Israel and the Palestinians . . . (and) a Palestinian state.”
• “I will replace our military force with an intensive diplomatic initiative in the region.”
• “We cannot support torture and the indefinite detention of individuals we have declared to be beyond the law.” …
“Pro-Islamist sop.” What better affirmation do we need that she’s got it right on torture? Then there’s this, and she speaks in the Senate chambers last year on the history of this nation’s opposition to torture, including the policy of George Washington:
So, what about Obama’s lame attack on Hillary today? It’s words, just words:
Yes, it’s absolutely despicable. Anyone notice how when Obama attacks, he makes things up? Hillary may be starting to play hardball with him, but she doesn’t make things up. She points out stuff that the MSM isn’t reporting, but should be. That’s a huge difference. Let’s just hope that she is able to get the message out to voters that she has NEVER been for torture. I want to see this increasingly repugnant wannabe eat his words!
When Obama made these remarks in 2004, it makes one wonder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gexyfVpFMU&eurl=http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/02/26/experience-and-experiences-of-the-rezko-sort/
After all, he is a fairly intelligent person and knew Clinton was the Expected nominee back then even, everyone did!
Reading Rezko Watch today, something started to make some sense!
http://rezkowatch.blogspot.com/
the article of “One-degree of separation: Obama’s 2002 speech and Rezko’s power plant in Iraq” leaves valid questions and exploring more I think, based on Obama’s own words again, now in his Iraq 2002 speech:
But I also know that Saddam poses no imminent and direct threat to the United States, or to his neighbors, that the Iraqi economy is in shambles, that the Iraqi military a fraction of its former strength, and that in concert with the international community he can be contained until, in the way of all petty dictators, he falls away into the dustbin of history.
Let’s focus on the key words “I also know that Saddam poses no imminent and direct threat to the United States, or to his neighbors”.
To say that you know something requires an explanation. It has to be based on information certain—not a belief and certainly not hope. How did Obama know? How could he speak with such certainty?
Obama certainly knew going against Clinton would be a dog fight, so it makes you wonder, as timing is everything! Obama in Nov 2004 says no run for President!
2004 Obama fundraiser financed by wife of Auchi!
2005 Rezko under Fed investigation and facing charges!
2006 Rezko charged!
2006 Obama decides to run for President!
2007 Obama announces run for President!
Question becomes, was Obama ordered to run for President by his money people?
Was the house and the land strip additional perks to force him in light of Rezko’s mounting problems!
Was the newly made position and huge money increase for Michelle Obama at U of Chicago Hospital a measure to bring her onside of Obama’s bagmen?
Did Rezko et Al know they won’t be set free and need their “get out of jail free card” in place now and not in 2012?
This is and would make a very interesting blog!
OK, ok, ok, so she killed Bambi and Thumper too.
So how has the Clinton campaign reacted?
Hey Guys,
Off Topic … but I laughed until the tears rolled!!
OBAMA SPEAKS
http://news.yahoo.com/s/uc/20080306/cm_uc_crlelx/op_245452;_ylt=AvN7WCn4rchhFRxB2BmLecH8B2YD
That is a great read! BWHAHHHHHAHHAAA!!!
That was an ill advised statement on Senator Obama’s part.
“trust that I will outlaw torture” ?
good one…It is illegal already!
Ha! You caught the obvious. You’re so smart.
I really think Senator Obama does not understand we are signitore to the Geneva Convention and this person lectured constitutional law?
My My
Obama is out of ammo, has been for a while, so he’s again making stuff up, misrepresenting his opponent and pretending outrage. It’s true, he is an empty suit? Or is he filled with something?
OT - I just read a post by Big tent Democrat about an interview between Carvilland some Obama guy about redoing primaries in Michigan and Florida. Carville offered to raise 15 million and he suggested Obama could find 15 million, too since he’s bragging about raising 55 million in one month. They could pay for the primaries.
Obama’s guy was definitely cool to the idea. They do not want these states to have primaries. Not at all. He said tehy don’t have machines. Carville said print some ballots and count them by hand. It’s not like that’s never ben done before.
I don’t like Carville much, but this was brilliant.It made Obama’s guy look just terrible and forced him to practically come out and say, they really do not want these millions of voters to have an opportunity to have a voice in the nomination.
By the way, I posted a comment here a couple of days ago with the same idea, almost. I said the DNC could have a big fundraiser and dig up the money for this primary. They caused this mess. If there are millions of dollars being donated to have a fair election, then use that money to make it fair for real.
“It’s true, he is an empty suit?”
The New York Times swallowed hard and printed this today:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/us/politics/09obama.html
I just watched ABC news and didn’t see Larry. Did I miss it?
He was there IndyRobin but it was a very short.
Hi Susan,
Here’s a new video for you. Follow-on to 2+2=5
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZydhWoEHCdM
FLINEO! Thank you for coming here. I tried to sign up to be a subscriber but it keeps asking me for e-mail confirmation, even though I’m logged in. I don’t understand. So it’s great that you sought me out so I can see your new video. My e-mail address is susanunpc at gmail dot com … e-mail me …
and now to watch your new work. I’m sure it’s as brilliant as the last.
FLINEO..
That VIDEO is very Powerful..Looks like a Preview for the Suspense Movie of the Year..
Dramatic..Love the grapics and music..
Thats the Way things are done..The Spokes connect to the Axel..and the WHEEL Turns..
Flineo: another top hit: it is awesome — and so rated it in YouTube
I loved the 2+2=5 as well. Thank you.
flineo, your videos are awesome.
Flineo -
Fnominal! Blew me away!
Question - the drawings and characters in the second video what are they from?
Thanks for helping save this country.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAjvlqJTWB4
Larry,
Obviously Obama is referring to the one instance when Hillary said she would consider torture in a “ticking-bomb” situation. Later, after consulting with military people, she changed her position to being categorically against the use of torture.
Now, I don’t believe what Obama says is honest, but there is a tiny justification for it. Simply calling him a liar may not pan out, IMO.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=R5Gqm8sZ6vg
Listen to where Obama says he has won, Michigan??
apparently Obama was for experience before he was against it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gexyfVpFMU&eurl=http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/02/26/experience-and-experiences-of-the-rezko-sort/
Hillary supported torture until she stuck her finger in the air.
Clinton backs off support for torture
Clinton once said torture might be acceptable in narrow circumstances, but closed the loophole Wednesday.
Senator Hillary Clinton (N.Y.) ended her support for legalized torture at a debate in New Hampshire Wednesday night, splitting with her husband – and with her own recent stance on the charged issue.
But in a pair of interviews with the New York Daily News last October, Clinton outlined the same narrow exception that Russert described, and which had also been floated by former President Bill Clinton in an interview last year with National Public Radio.
“If we’re going to be preparing for the kind of improbable but possible eventuality, then it has to be done within the rule of law,” Clinton said at the time, in a telephone interview with this reporter, expanding on comments to the Daily News Editorial Board that there should be “lawful authority” for torture in some cases.
She said then that the “ticking time bomb” scenario would be a narrow exception to her opposition to torture.
read the rest
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0907/6050.html
Cee, the your wax is melting.
“If we’re going to be preparing for the kind of improbable but possible eventuality, then it has to be done within the rule of law”. Hillary Clinton
mmm Barak seems to think he would do “whatever it takes to keep America safe”…
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=defusing_the_ticking_time_bomb_excuse
TEAKWOODKITE..
You make a Great Contribution to this Site…You Know your stuff..and You Have a Great Named..
Thanks for Your Contributions..
Yo! This site gives me a lot of great homework!
But ya gotta give it up for the General!
I am just a private praying I don’t latrene duty.
Teak,
Hillary supported torture and you can’t deny it.
Cee, the your wax is melting.
What is this supposed to mean? My Hillary voodoo doll is on fire? What?
Want a laugh?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0–PJecGmTE&feature=user
Re Sen. Clinton’s speech admonishing torture: Yes, I agree that Gen. Washington issued an order for humane treatment of British captives, however I know of no such order being issued on behalf of Native American captives & I have read their treatment was many times less than humane; just mentioned this so we won’t ride too high on our historical horses.
Obama’s comments are outrageous !! When Clinton asks questions about him; the media and party surrogates blame her for attacking him. Sleazy Obama, on the other hand, just lies his head off : this is by definition an attack. Where is the media outrage?
Has the Clinton camp reacted to Obama’s statements?
I just saw Bill Clinton on CNN talking about how Hillary is open to a Clinton/Obama ticket ’cause she’s a uniter not a divider, or something like that.
It seems it was followed by a jaw clenched Obama saying “I will never be VP” or sth. like it ?
(saw a clip in a store)
So much for “Obama the uniter” …
’cause she’s a uniter not a divider
Just,
Some people will fall for that stupidity too.
Bill is begging for his loser wife.
It seems that BO has to lie to win now. They must be seeing something in their internal polling that they don’t like, or maybe they are just crapping at the thought of a Florida revote. I’m thinking he isn’t going to do any better on a revote than he did first time around, wouldn’t be surprised to see him do worse.
The snowbirds down there aren’t going to fall for his line of bull. I think that’s one reason he doesn’t do so well with older folk, we’ve been around the block and most of us know a pile of bull dung when we see it.
The Che flag in his Houston office will lose a good bit of Florida.
Finally, the truth has been allowed to be spoken outright on msnbc!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LU6NiMEaHko
Hillary points out Obama’s inexperience versus McCain = SHOCK, HORROR.
Obama’s big-deal foreign policy advisor calls fellow Dem and potential nominee “a monster” = YO, ALL HILLARY’S FAULT.
Hillary foreign experience?
Bill Maher quoted her. She said Monica was the most trying thing in her life. Boo hoo.
Either she can’t keep her story straight or she lied about being in a plane dodging bullets in Bosnia.
Cee is a guy. Many women would prefer dodging bullets to betrayal.
rjj,
Since when am I a guy?
Torture? What is torture? Is waterboarding torture? If it is, is it outlawed? If it is, is anybody penalized for this crime? If it is not outlawed and it is indeed torture then
Obama’s speech is relevant. Yes, torture is already outlawed, but…mmmmm….not quite. Over analyzing things is just as bad as under analyzing things. But, I understand the need for people to be anti-something. So, here are some things that we can all be against:
POVERTY, JOB LOSS, DISEASE, GUNS IN SCHOOLS, RACISM, HATRED, INJUSTICE, INEQUALITY.
YES YOU CAN!
The man whoi takes no money from PACs actually ran a PAC.
Anti PAC leader runs his own PAC.
That’s why Obama talks about change. He wants another quarter to play PAC man.
Torture? What is torture? Is waterboarding torture?
Who you Jivin with that Kosmic Kebris?
So, here are some things that we can all be against: You for got Obama’s immorality.
[...] Senator Clinton I have never made an exception for torture and I never will.” The problem is that Clinton hasn’t made an exception for torture. Where’s the outrage, Obama fans? You get furious when someone tells you Clinton [...]
Have you seen McCain’s new ad comparing himself to Churchill and Teddy Roosevelt? [Poor Franklin must have been skipped because he was a Democrat. Maybe he's free for Hillary to cite]. Seems he is going to run on war:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_A53PAxeR8
(sorry, I can’t seem to make the link, but there it is)
After reading the Feith article yesterday, where the Dougster blames everybody but himself, and Rumsfeld, for the catastrophic failure of American foreign policy under Bush, I came to the realization when faced with intractable idiots, it’s best to use them as a tool, as a pawn. It’s not like they have the intellectual capacity to figure it out, anyway. I feel so badly for those trying to do their jobs, under this crew, I wonder how they cope?
Poor McCain.
I see him, and I think he’s as much a pawn of his consultants as Obama is…