RubySoho
Winston
Here Comes The New Boss, It's The Same As The Old Boss
February 22nd 2009 02:11
Are we getting fooled again? Just 30 days into his presidency and the first pangs of doubt are hitting me. Is Obama really all that those of us who believe in him so desperately want him to be?
Like so many others, I took his decision to close Guantanamo as an indication that his administration was to be the beginning of the end of the policies of George W. Bush. Hooray for human rights we cried. So why then, did I read this on the BBC this morning?
'No US rights' for Bagram inmates
Detainees being held at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan cannot use US courts to challenge their detention, the US says.
The justice department ruled that some 600 so-called enemy combatants at Bagram have no constitutional rights.
Detainees being held at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan cannot use US courts to challenge their detention, the US says.
The justice department ruled that some 600 so-called enemy combatants at Bagram have no constitutional rights.
What exactly does this mean? Is closing Guanatamo an empty gesture? One meant to placate those of us who believe in due process and following the rule of law, whilst in the meantime, the new administration continues to follow the policies of the previous government which did neither? Are people still going to be held without charge or trial and subject to torture whilst Obama is Commander in Chief? He, who ran on a platform of change and hope and compassion? He, whose entire campaign consisted of telling us just how different to Bush he is and will be?
According to the BBC:
the move has angered human rights lawyers, with one saying the new White House was endorsing the view of the old one, that prisons could be created and run outside the law.
It is certainly evidence that having set the tone for his administration by announcing plans to close Guantanamo Bay, Mr Obama intends to adopt a much more cautious approach to the problem of detainees held elsewhere by the US military, our correspondent says.
It is certainly evidence that having set the tone for his administration by announcing plans to close Guantanamo Bay, Mr Obama intends to adopt a much more cautious approach to the problem of detainees held elsewhere by the US military, our correspondent says.
I am so disappointed i cannot even say. That's not change. And it's not something I can believe in. I can only hope that Obama will rethink this position.
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Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
but presuming he does have the power to change the policy, i wonder if he is just going to handle each new issue as it is brought to his attention
take a reactive approach rather than a proactive approach?
or maybe hes busy trying to change policies and the paperwork just hasnt come through yet?
id like to see a statement from him regarding his intentions
i think its good the you, and people like you, are keeping an eye on him though
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Thanks for re-visiting!
Comment by matt from virginia line
It's really good to see you posting again.
I was pessimistic about Obama. Guantanamo appears to be a cosmetic change. Most of the responsibly for the other rendition camps are simply being delegated to security services of the host country, same prisoners, same methods, nothing really changes.
As far as foreign policy goes the US (since around the second world war) has continued to flex its muscle and dominate weaker nations with little regard to international law or human rights, and that's regardless of who was president at the time. Predator drone operations in Pakistan have increased since Obama took presidency and even that was a campaign promise nobody seemed to take notice of. I just can't applaud this guy while civilians in Pakistan are getting killed by remote control aircraft. As far as I'm concerned he's joined the club of Clinton and Bush.
It was easy to get caught up in the magic of the campaign, his charisma, the first black president etc. We've bought the car, now we start noticing the scratches and dents.
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Well put. I'm still a little confused over the whole thing. I didn't really think Obama would change the world but I did think he believed in a better one. One of my friends said that maybe baby steps is the only way he can move things forward but I'm not so sure anymore. How does he really feel about torture, secret prisons and the like?
America is America I guess, regardless of who is in charge.
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
I am not too keen to write Obama off yet and I am sure, no matter what he believes, he will be walking some sort of tightrope for a while.
But it is real what you have said. Obama has portrayed himself as a pacificist and one who has human rights high on the agenda. Can he see this through? Only time will tell.