What can one say about the amazing outcome of “The War Crimes Trial of the Century” (seriously, the only American “war crimes trial” since right after World War II, and the only one so called in this 21st century), that of Hitler’s OBL’s personal chauffeur motor pool driver and mechanic, Salim Hamdan. Yesterday, Hamdan was convicted of the made-up charge of “material support of terrorism” and acquitted of the made up charge of conspiracy to commit a war crime. Today, the same herd of kangaroos magically sentenced Mr. Hamdan to a term of 5 1/2 years, which, since it amazingly includes time served, just happens to correspond to the end of the Bush Adminsitration (just as David Hicks’ sentence just happened to correspond to the end of the Howard Government in Australia)!
Andy has more… and more still.
tdog
Tonight on the “O’Stupid Factor”, much was made of the fact that when arrested, Hamdan supposedly had a “surface to air missile” (which, if there’s any truth to this at all, probably means he had some bottle rockets) in his car. Of course, Mr. “No Spin Zone” never explained exactly how posession of such an item in a foreign country was in any way a violation of US law.
From what I understand the administration still maintains that he can be held in Gitmo after his sentance is up because the “war” isn’t over.
Both commenters have nailed the essence of this: convicted or acquitted matters not at GTMO– Hamdan can, according to the Bushmen, be held for the duration of “the war on terror” even if it lasts generations. Meanwhile, the charge, of course, is not a war crime– possession of military weapons intended to be used against another military is not and has never been “a war crime.” (Compare and contrast, say, orders to mistreat, abuse, and torture prisoners in custody. Just saying.)