Political Quotes

“I oppose this bill. It would send a message to the world that the United States can disregard international treaties and law and, instead, do as it pleases. For generations, we have been the beacon to guide the actions of other nations. If we descend from the high moral ground, we are, in effect, losing ground to the terrorists. Secretary of State Colin Powell was so accurate when he said, part of this war on terrorism is an ideological and political struggle. Our moral posture is our best weapon to prevail in that struggle. This is not a good bill. Since the inception of the Geneva Conventions 60 years ago, no other country in the world has tried to undermine and negate its provisions its spirit as this bill would. For enemy combatants, the bill eliminates the right of habeas corpus. This is a right enshrined in our Constitution that may be abandoned only, and I quote, 'when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.' The elimination of habeas is not just illegal, it is flat out wrong. The purpose of habeas corpus is simple. It is to avoid injustice, to avoid the detention by government of any individual that is erroneous, unwarranted, or in violation of law.”