Posted by
Gary Winebarger on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 6:43:57 PM
I’d like to take a minute to comment on legality.
We have recently had two presidents faced with significant decisions, namely the use of the water-board by the Bush administration and the bankruptcy/merger proceedings of car companies by the Obama administration.
On the one hand, Bush was faced with a decision to use the water-board on enemy combatants in search of intelligence. Laws are vague and multi-jurisdictional whereas the failure to consider all interpretations results in international condemnation. Bush sought legal counsel from the Justice Department. After review of applicable laws and treaties, the technique was deemed legal, thus implemented. Details of the success of this technique remain classified. Obama has referred to the Bush administration as “lawless.”
On the other hand, Obama was not faced with a decision regarding the bankruptcy/merger proceedings of GM and Chrysler. Laws are concise and uni-jurisdictional, have been employed since the beginning of our nation, have a track record of success and have been emulated around the world. Failure to comply with these laws would result in an overt snub at the Constitution and the values of a great nation which have also been emulated around the world. Where, Mr. President, are the legal opinions which you sought from the Justice Department?