Barack Obama has decided to go with an improved military commissions
system. This offends my sense of justice. Edward R Murrow said
"was it hearsay, rumour, gossip, slander or hard ascertainable facts
that could be backed by credible witnesses" in relation to the
McCarthy issues and I think the same principle should apply now.
I think that now is the time to decide the strategy on what to do
if the President holds to this position. The election of Mr Obama is
a battle won but the war is not over. The country may have wanted
change but the exact nature of that change is yet to be determined. With
the long-term security of the US in mind (and even the ability of the
US to deal with the financial situation), I think it is important to
be able to stand up to the Republicans.
I suggest the strategy should be to hold Mr Obama's feet to the fire.
He should be pressurised to change course and that should be done by
threatening to primary out those in Congress who do not take up the
cause. This risks dividing the Democratic party but if action is not
taken now, when should it?