Amazon 7 #1 January 17, 2007 OOPS.. me thinks another Administration official has no respect for the rule of law and our constitution... http://www.nysun.com/article/46846 Law School Deans Criticize Pentagon Statement on Detainees By JOSH GERSTEIN Staff Reporter of the Sun January 17, 2007 More than 130 deans of American law schools have signed a letter deploring a Pentagon official's statement criticizing major law firms for representing detainees at Guantanamo Bay. The law deans wrote that they were "appalled" by an interview last week in which the Pentagon's point man on detainee affairs, Charles Stimson, said corporations should be disturbed by the law firms' pro bono work for detainees and might want to reconsider sending business to the firms involved. "We find Secretary Stimson's statement to be contrary to basic tenets of American law," the deans wrote. "Our American legal tradition has honored lawyers who, despite their personal beliefs, have zealously represented mass murderers, suspected terrorists, and Nazi marchers…. In a free and democratic society, government officials should not encourage intimidation of or retaliation against lawyers who are fulfilling their pro bono obligations." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #2 January 17, 2007 Stupid comment by Stimson, but is he an exec at any of the companies? If not, then the response is just laugh at him. Oh no, some stranger made a "comment" . It's the end of democracy as we know it. I don't see how controlling his speech is in the interests of freedom. Only good taste, and what's right. I also never see how the claim of "encouraging intimidation or retailiation" is made. Are corporation that spineless? Are lawyers huddling in fear? This guy's dumb comments will soon be ignored except by those that want to make political hay out it. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,026 #3 January 17, 2007 QuoteStupid comment by Stimson, but is he an exec at any of the companies? If not, then the response is just laugh at him. . I was under the impression he was an official in the US Government. Should we just laugh at Bush too, when he sends our kids off to war?... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #4 January 17, 2007 QuoteQuoteStupid comment by Stimson, but is he an exec at any of the companies? If not, then the response is just laugh at him. . I was under the impression he was an official in the US Government. Should we just laugh at Bush too, when he sends our kids off to war? It might provide a bit of perspective for both him and us. (Really, your son is an 'official of the US Government' - does he really have any control over how Morgan Stanley/Dean Witter structures their investments? How about where Exxon drills, or the curriculum of your university? What does Stimson have power over? Define that and THEN we can have a good discussion. Else it's just crying over some random guy making a stupid comment. Either that, or you guys think that the gov has a lot more power than they really do. And if true, then who's fault is it for trying to grow government so much? If some random flag officer tried to tell me how to manage my program or who to hire, I wouldn't laugh at him. But, I'd smile, say thanks, and then likely do thing according to my values and judgements, not his. He crosses that line only when he's in direct control of my budget. Any other time, he's just annoying. Show me he has direct control over these "corporations" that hire these "law firms" and didn't just make some petulant generic comment, then I'll agree it's a big deal. If not, it's no more important than if you made the same statement in class) ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #5 January 17, 2007 QuoteI was under the impression he was an official in the US Government. Should we just laugh at Bush too, when he sends our kids off to war? WOW That didn't take long. Back on topic, the article states: "Pentagon's point man on detainee affairs, Charles Stimson" Considering his position, his comments were inappropriate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #6 January 17, 2007 QuoteConsidering his position, his comments were inappropriate. Actually, I agree. But in practice it's pretty harmless except for paranoid cowards who are scared of faceless government officials. And those that think what you say is as important as what you do. I've heard a lot worse and more direct stuff from executives at work, college professors in class, etc... ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #7 January 17, 2007 I think the comments suck. I have a problem any time you have a government administration taking a position against a legitimate business interest. These detainees deserve legal representation. Period. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #8 January 17, 2007 QuoteThese detainees deserve legal representation. Period. I wish they would get on with it instead of pulling the old NVA You are a spy...you are a sky pirate.. you are a terrorist.. you have no rights...you will be in this hole forever and we will do with you as we wish . Have the trial.. bring the evidence.. if found guilty in a court of law.. then bury them in the deepest hole you can find.. or if found innocent based on the evidence then release them. If they are the enemy and are prisoners of war.. then hold them.. and follow the conventions we have signed on the treatment of prisoners. In past wars we have done a credible job and pretty much held the higher moral ground, but now are falling into some pretty bad historical company. American Law and International Law is being subverrted.. and this can only come back to haunt us in the future. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #9 January 17, 2007 If those corporations have government contracts, comments by government officials can have a lot of influence. Government contracts are pretty lucrative, and businesses don't want to risk them. If the government (or someone with the right to speak for them) makes comments that these law firms should be boycotted, maybe those corporations will listen. Regardless, government officials should not be making comments about which criminal defendants it's appropriate to represent. It's appropriate to represent any defendant who needs representation. The whole "You have a right to an attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for you." is pretty important. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,026 #10 January 17, 2007 Quote The whole "You have a right to an attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for you." is used to be pretty important.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #11 January 17, 2007 Quote, maybe those corporations will listen. and if they do, they are cowards (and I agreed, after the teasing, that the comments were pretty stupid - but were they the individual just bitching, or was he in an official capacity on the orders of the administration?) ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,990 #12 January 17, 2007 This wasn't the administration, it was a Pentagon official saying something very stupid. Solution - fire him or move him to a position where he can't cause any problems. (Not because what he said was illegal or anything, but because we shouldn't have very stupid people in positions of power at the Pentagon.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #13 January 17, 2007 QuoteCully Stimson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for detainee affairs I believe he is one of the political appointees.that the Pentagon gets saddled with by each administration.. they come.. they go..... which makes him beholding to the other Neo-Cons in the Administration. BUT that being said.... I doubt if this was something he came up with on his own.....its a warning to those who do not agree with the administration Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #14 January 17, 2007 QuoteA Pentagon spokesman, Lt. Col. Brian Maka, said Stimson was not speaking for the Bush administration. Stimson's comments "do not represent the views of the Department of Defense or the thinking of its leadership," Maka told The Associated Press on Saturday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #15 January 17, 2007 QuoteQuoteA Pentagon spokesman, Lt. Col. Brian Maka, said Stimson was not speaking for the Bush administration. Stimson's comments "do not represent the views of the Department of Defense or the thinking of its leadership," Maka told The Associated Press on Saturday. Must be another Bush lie. We all know he is the Puppetmaster with puppet-like drones in his Admin. and that he controls everything they say and do. Haven't you been paying attention? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #16 January 17, 2007 QuoteQuoteA Pentagon spokesman, Lt. Col. Brian Maka, said Stimson was not speaking for the Bush administration. Stimson's comments "do not represent the views of the Department of Defense or the thinking of its leadership," Maka told The Associated Press on Saturday. The news site must have added that little paragraph after it was posted here. Of course they'd say that. Stimson is just a puppet. A scary scary puppet. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,990 #17 January 17, 2007 >I believe he is one of the political appointees that the Pentagon >gets saddled with by each administration. Yep. Who said something stupid that's now being disavowed by pretty much everyone. When the two possible reasons for something involve a conspiracy or plain ol stupidity, stupidity usually wins. He said something stupid. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #18 January 17, 2007 Perhaps a Sock-Puppet? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #19 January 17, 2007 Gee they got caught with their pants down.. he released something he shouldnt have...so of course..... We disavow any knowledge of this dumbass.... par for the course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #20 January 17, 2007 QuoteWho said something stupid that's now being disavowed by pretty much everyone. When the two possible reasons for something involve a conspiracy or plain ol stupidity, stupidity usually wins. He said something stupid. That's what I've been writing this entire time. But you have to admit. The conspiracy to threaten an entire industry thing is a HECK OF LOT more fun. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #21 January 17, 2007 QuoteGee they got caught with their pants down.. he released something he shouldnt have...so of course..... We disavow any knowledge of this dumbass.... par for the course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #22 January 17, 2007 QuoteGee they got caught with their pants down.. he released something he shouldnt have.... Like a former president? ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akarunway 1 #23 January 17, 2007 QuoteQuoteGee they got caught with their pants down.. he released something he shouldnt have.... Like a former president?I don't think he got caught w/ his pants down or his zipper open. Maybe a missed load on a dress. Whatever happened to the swallowers?I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spudboy 0 #24 January 17, 2007 what about this? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16668110/ Attorney general Gonzales stating that federal judges are unqualified to make rulings affecting national security, and that they should defer to the will of the president and congress. So does that mean that the constitution doesnt apply to anything that is labeled as "national security"? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #25 January 17, 2007 Quotewhat about this? Attorney general Gonzales stating that federal judges are unqualified to make rulings affecting national security, and that they should defer to the will of the president and congress. So does that mean that the constitution doesnt apply to anything that is labeled as "national security"? too busy to stick around more than a quick divergence - by definition, the judiciary must defer to the will of congress in ALL cases. i.e., the Congress writes laws, the judiciary ensures they upheld and interpreted correctly. The balance, is that the judiciary gets to slap down Congress if they step outside of the constitutional boundaries. But even then, Congress can get their way just by amendment - good thing it's hard to do. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
