US Senate again backs prisoner torture ban

[deadparrot]

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US Senate reaffirmed its support for an amendment outlawing the torture of prisoners, approving the measure that is attached to the 2006 defense spending bill and that President George W. Bush has threatened to veto.

An identical amendment was passed in a 90-9 Senate vote a month ago. On Friday the senators unanimously approved it, attached to a revised defense appropriations bill, by a simple voice vote.

The amendment would "prohibit cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of persons in the detention of the US government", according to the text.

Republican Senator John McCain, who authored the amendment, said he was concerned about "Machiavellian" attempts to remove the amendment from the defense appropriations bill.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051104/pl_afp/usattacksciaprisons

[jasmeel]

1. So um if we're violating that rule right now can we immediately

prosecute those involved? * and Cheney should be taken immediately to jail if they refuse to stop torture!

[tx_dem41]

2. Its not a law yet. And I don't think it works retroactively.

[louis-t]

3. Rummy ain't gonna like this.

[Chipper Chat]

5. Neither will

RushLiarbaugh, HanNitwitity, Glen Blowbeck, and Nancy-the defendant is always guilty-Grace.

[Rose Siding]

4. Will Cheney back down?

This is so in his face-

Another Republican senator, Lindsey Graham, said: "I will not entertain a retreat, I will not entertain an exception that washes away what we've been fighting for."

[ChairmanAgnostic]

6. thank you, senator. Sincerely.

I am proud that you stood your ground, along with 90 other rational (some temporary) thinkers.

let me guess. Ted Stevens is for torture, right?

[Pachamama]

7. So, you think George is going to show Americans that his 1st veto is for

allowing him to continue torturing people? :eyes:

[Pachamama]

8. So, who are the torture nine?

:shrug:

[FlashHarry]

9. It says it was unanimous this time

Even Frist, Stevens, Coburn, Hatch, Cornyn and the other theocons voted for it, I guess.

[Rainscents]

10. Bush can vito this bill, however, if the vote is over 60%, it will become

law automatic! FU George!

[lumpy]

11. CIA torture exemption ?

Cheney asked for an exemption for the CIA to use torture with presidential approval. Clue me if this is included in the approved Senate amendment. Confusing reports have me baffled. Help!

[Thangalin]

12. Humanity in Politics?

I do believe I'm dumbstruck. Fortunately, my fingers can keep typing for me. Hey, being cruel, inhuman, or degrading to any other living human being (or other creature for that matter) is just wrong.

[twaddler01]

13. Oh well

Don't we put these guys in other countries? :shrug:

[liveoaktx]

14. AUDIO- MP3's of McCain and Graham from today

McCain

Graham