First, two U.S. presidents and Canadian prime ministers ignored their international legal obligations under the UN Conventions On The Rights Of The Child and locked up a kid, without trial for eight years. Then, they forced the kid to choose between life in prison in the U.S. or self-denunciation with repatriation (eventually, maybe). Having taken the only logical course, the U.S. government then entered all kinds of suspect testimony into the record, duly and uncritically reported by the corporate press (and the state owned CBC). Next, the kid, who should have been home 8 years ago had to sit in court and listen to a
government psychiatrist testify that the kid is dangerous because he spent eight years in Gitmo (as if he had a choice). Finally, even as Khadr was being railroaded, the current sick fuck to occupy the White House, was signing exemptions so that his allies can
press more kids into the meat grinder (h/t to
pogge), again contrary to both U.S. and international law. All in all, a disgusting display of hypocrisy and an arrogant display of victor's justice. Now excuse me while I go have a shower.
Correction: I don't want to forget Jean Chretien's contribution to this mess, so that makes three PM's who failed to live up to international treaty obligations.
Update: Andrew Sullivan (an American no less) is the only journalist with the balls
to call bullshit.
Why are Canadian pundits hiding under their desks?
Updater: Behold an example of
a Canadian pundit who also calls bullshit.
Updaterer: And Jesus,
George Jonas too. I am beginning to see a pattern here.
Updatererer: Bejing York points to this
really interesting interview with David Lindorff.
