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Octafish

(55,745 posts)
142. Oh! So, THAT's why all the Immunity for Banksters, Warmongers and Traitors.
Mon Apr 4, 2016, 03:42 PM
Apr 2016


Alfred McCoy explained why on Democracy Now, way back on May 1, 2009:



Historian Alfred McCoy: Obama Reluctance on Bush Prosecutions Affirms Culture of Impunity

EXCERPT...

AMY GOODMAN: Well, talk about President Obama’s approach, on the one hand, releasing the torture memos — and I’d like you to respond to specifically what’s in those torture memos —

ALFRED McCOY: Sure.

AMY GOODMAN: — but then saying he will not be holding the interrogators responsible, people involved with it; we have to move forward, not move back.

ALFRED McCOY: Right. That’s exactly how you get impunity. That’s what’s happened every single time in the past. For example, in 1970, the House and Senate of the United States discovered that the Phoenix Program had been engaged in systematic torture, that they had killed through extraditial executions 46,000 South Vietnamese. That’s about the same number of American combat deaths in South Vietnam. Nothing was done. There was no punishment, and the policy of torture continued.

In 1994, for example, the US ratified the Convention Against Torture. There was no investigation of past practice. So, when that ratification went through, it was done in a way that in fact legalized psychological torture, because when we ratified that convention, we also, if you will, passed a reservation, which then got codified into US federal law, Section 2340 of the US Federal Code. In that code, we said that psychological torture, which is actually the main form of torture practiced by the United States since the 1950s, is basically not torture.

And we defined, very cleverly, under that code, what psychological torture is. We simply said it’s four things. It’s extreme physical pain, forced injection of drugs, threats against another, or doing that to a third party. OK? That’s all that psychological torture is. In other words, everything in those torture memos, all those techniques of belly slaps, face slaps, face grabbing, waterboarding, is, under US law, supposedly not torture, because when we — President Clinton ratified the UN Convention Against Torture, he didn’t look into the past, he didn’t discover what the nature of American torture was. And so, we’re now at a moment where if we don’t prosecute or don’t punish or don’t seriously investigate, that this will be repeated again.

Another thing that emerges from the memos is, in fact, that the Bush Justice Department is very well aware. If you read the May 2005 memo by the head of the Office of Legal Counsel, Steven Bradbury, he says, “Look, I can’t assure you that waterboarding is not torture. You know, the courts may find that it is torture. But don’t worry about it. Because you know what? The courts aren’t going to rule on this.” So in other words, don’t worry about the law, because the law doesn’t apply to you. The law will not be brought to bear. And that’s the problem of President Obama’s procedure. The men were assured that they could torture, because it wouldn’t come before the courts.

There’s another problem with those memos, as well. Those memos argue again and again that the most extreme of all the authorized CIA techniques, waterboarding, is not torture, because it does not violate that same Section 2340 of US Federal Code. But it does. Waterboarding is the most cruel, the most extremely cruel form of torture known to man, very simply because of this — and people don’t understand, I think, waterboarding. Amy, if you and I were riding in a car, and we went off a bridge in January here in Wisconsin and crashed through the ice and went down to the bottom of the Ohio River, within three minutes you and I would be dead from drowning. If there were an infant in a car seat behind us, that infant could survive for twenty minutes under water. A weak, fragile three-month-old infant could survive twenty minutes under water, be plucked by the rescue crew from the waters and suffer no brain damage, be perfectly fine. Alright? How can this happen? It’s the mammalian diving reflex. The human being is so afraid of death by drowning that we are hardwired into our biology, into our…

JUAN GONZALEZ: I want to —

ALFRED McCOY: — brains with this bizarre mammalian diving reflex. So, therefore, waterboarding, which induces this primal fear of death by drowning, is the most painful form of torture you can concoct. That’s why it’s existed for 500 years.

CONTINUED...

http://www.democracynow.org/2009/5/1/torture_expert_alfred_mccoy_obama_reluctance



Prof. McCoy warned us that it's business-as-usual for Empire and it will happen again -- unless it's punished and those responsible held accountable, which would make my rainbow unicorn sooooo really happy it wouldn't be funny.
Panama Papers WebSite Link cantbeserious Apr 2016 #1
WikiLeaks of the Mega-Rich Octafish Apr 2016 #3
Jackson Stevens ties also to the Clintons, Alltel, Systematics, Beverly Enterprises LiberalArkie Apr 2016 #31
wondering how long it will be before the clintons and their foundation are implcated Ferd Berfel Apr 2016 #129
I don't think they will be and if they were it would not make any difference at all. LiberalArkie Apr 2016 #131
I think it would make one hellofa difference to allot of people. Ferd Berfel Apr 2016 #132
The way I see it is that most of the HRC supporters are for big business less regulation. LiberalArkie Apr 2016 #135
they're called republicans Ferd Berfel Apr 2016 #136
Pretty much so. Or Civil rights Republicans. LiberalArkie Apr 2016 #138
Of course not, it'll be all 'we had NO idea what that investment firm was up to, we're as outraged AtheistCrusader Apr 2016 #133
Fascinating. Thanks! nt valerief Apr 2016 #94
Amazing! Baitball Blogger Apr 2016 #112
Some of the links must be so busy, they don't load... MrMickeysMom Apr 2016 #56
Important read. Putin's fanclub here won't like it. blm Apr 2016 #2
Leak from just one firm. Imagine what the rest of them have, helping offshore tax dodgers? Octafish Apr 2016 #16
Better to lock them up and take all their wealth. glinda Apr 2016 #65
As Ambassador DeSadesky said: ''That is an astonishingly good idea you have there, Doctor.'' Octafish Apr 2016 #71
They need to cool the planet and de-acicfy the ocean asap. glinda Apr 2016 #72
Thank goodness for DU. Octafish Apr 2016 #109
Yep, and forbid that sort of thing in the future too. bemildred Apr 2016 #91
I would hate to be the guy who ends Angel Martin Apr 2016 #29
Well one was just bumped off and will not be the last. glinda Apr 2016 #64
The Age of Aquarius FlatBaroque Apr 2016 #4
Interesting Times, Ours. Octafish Apr 2016 #18
Bumping, in response to the DU'er who dissed Octafish some time back on one silvershadow Apr 2016 #5
Global Systemic Corruption Octafish Apr 2016 #69
Panama Papers: Iceland’s prime minister had offshore holdings in collapsed banks bemildred Apr 2016 #6
MAURICIO MACRI, President of Argentina Octafish Apr 2016 #21
Now that is fucking awesome. nt bemildred Apr 2016 #23
Thieves all malaise Apr 2016 #28
This may take a year for them to publish all the findings. LiberalArkie Apr 2016 #30
The worm is turning malaise Apr 2016 #33
Definitely a time I would not want to skip out on by not taking my meds. LiberalArkie Apr 2016 #37
Thanks for that malaise Apr 2016 #38
And this to go along with with that link: KoKo Apr 2016 #116
Who are the Americans in all of this? Cannot believe we do not have glinda Apr 2016 #66
I wonder the same thing KansDem Apr 2016 #105
Yeah, I think our media is working overtime to cover up the Americans involved. fasttense Apr 2016 #117
Don't hold your breath. nt COLGATE4 Apr 2016 #151
"Beyond the Valley of the Dollars lies Hypocrisy Heights."... MrMickeysMom Apr 2016 #58
The Panama Papers: 'Biggest Leak in History' Exposes Global Web of Corruption bemildred Apr 2016 #7
Blows Against the Empire Octafish Apr 2016 #57
Twitter appears to be going nuts, and so is my news aggregator. bemildred Apr 2016 #59
Demonstrates corrupt nature of America's press. Octafish Apr 2016 #60
Well, it is Sunday, and in the end they will all have to respond. bemildred Apr 2016 #62
'The story behind the #PanamaPapers?' tweets Edward Snowden. 'Courage is contagious.' Octafish Apr 2016 #68
Indeed. Best show in town. nt bemildred Apr 2016 #92
This message was self-deleted by its author LiberalArkie Apr 2016 #8
Panama papers: Biggest data leak in history exposes offshore holdings of 12 current and former world bemildred Apr 2016 #9
Couldn't hurt Putin more if they tried. Same for Xi. Octafish Apr 2016 #96
But, Octafish.... KoKo Apr 2016 #119
UBS is Phil Gramm's new home. Octafish Apr 2016 #130
Ted Cruz just named Phil Gramm his economic advisor. Here's Gramm's economic legacy: KoKo Apr 2016 #154
Phil Gramm toils at UBS with Bill Clinton in WEALTH MANAGEMENT (cough OFFSHORING?). Octafish Apr 2016 #156
Oh Yeah! Anyone involved in this Current Election...needs to Read those Links! KoKo Apr 2016 #160
'Panama Papers' reveal how the rich hide money offshore bemildred Apr 2016 #10
Smirko Bush Jr talked about ways the rich use to keep getting richer... Octafish Apr 2016 #97
More than half companies listed in #PanamaPapers are registered in British-administered tax havens LiberalArkie Apr 2016 #11
David Cameron's father and senior Tories names were mentioned. Octafish Apr 2016 #98
Panama Papers leaked through server hack bemildred Apr 2016 #12
Look forward to learning more about Mossack Fonseca... Octafish Apr 2016 #107
It means an outsider hacked in. bemildred Apr 2016 #108
"... bigger than either WikiLeaks in 2010 or the NSA files in 2013." KoKo Apr 2016 #121
‘Panama Papers’ link football’s wealthy to tax avoidance network bemildred Apr 2016 #13
Turns out that the FIFA ethics committee has a problem malaise Apr 2016 #34
Gee, who could have predicted this? nt bemildred Apr 2016 #35
All thieves malaise Apr 2016 #36
Playing both sides bemildred Apr 2016 #61
It's hilarious when you think about it malaise Apr 2016 #85
That is the way to bet. bemildred Apr 2016 #89
Well said n/t malaise Apr 2016 #90
2.6 terabytes, 11.5 million documents, and 214,000 shell companies. Details LiberalArkie Apr 2016 #14
Holy. klook Apr 2016 #100
Panama Papers: Mossack Fonseca leak reveals New Zealand used to keep tax secrets bemildred Apr 2016 #15
Americans don’t need to go offshore. Octafish Apr 2016 #170
USA in this huge leak: 3072 companies, 441 clients LiberalArkie Apr 2016 #17
TIME: Panama Papers Could Lead to Capitalism’s Great Crisis Octafish Apr 2016 #125
This is one reason that going after "Wall Street" is like regulating buggy whips... Sancho Apr 2016 #19
LOL DrBulldog Apr 2016 #27
Well, those "buggy whips" did a lot of damage jomin41 Apr 2016 #42
You simply don't understand... Sancho Apr 2016 #83
He is aware of it.... KoKo Apr 2016 #122
Yes, she certainly understands it's a war. Too bad she's not on our side. nt revbones Apr 2016 #77
You are right about the need for "stronger agreements and cooperation with other governments" but pampango Apr 2016 #82
That's called Dodd-Frank, assuming that Congress doesn't dismantle it... Sancho Apr 2016 #84
K&R.... daleanime Apr 2016 #20
Europe's Regulators Probe Banks as Shell Company Scandal Spreads Octafish Apr 2016 #141
whine, whine, whine.."But we can't AFFORD healthcare for all, annabanana Apr 2016 #22
10 Bucks an hour seems good to me! Plucketeer Apr 2016 #39
LOL! Love this! nt 2cannan Apr 2016 #47
Oh! So, THAT's why all the Immunity for Banksters, Warmongers and Traitors. Octafish Apr 2016 #142
K & R Duppers Apr 2016 #24
Lucy KOMISAR has been at the forefront of Offshore Banking... Octafish Apr 2016 #144
Haikugal said it below.. Duppers Apr 2016 #146
And this is just DAY 1. The first release. LiberalArkie Apr 2016 #25
President Obama has been tough on whistleblowers. Octafish Apr 2016 #167
Can you say "Clinton Global Initiative"? DrBulldog Apr 2016 #26
Wouldn't be surprised CGI donors on this list awa in the Unaoil/Ahsani bribe machinery stuffmatters Apr 2016 #44
..! KoKo Apr 2016 #123
She's probably up to her armpits in the whole sordid mess. n/t Jester Messiah Apr 2016 #137
Poor job creators! elljay Apr 2016 #32
Recommend.n/t Jefferson23 Apr 2016 #40
Wonderful Octafish! This will take a while....you bring the good stuff! Thanks! nt haikugal Apr 2016 #41
Anything that reveals how they hide their money is good journalism leveymg Apr 2016 #43
Hording wealth is not cool maindawg Apr 2016 #45
They're not hoarding it or stashing it on an island - they're hiding the flows muriel_volestrangler Apr 2016 #80
Zeitung responce to lack of U.S. individuals in the docs, saying "Just wait for what is coming next" krawhitham Apr 2016 #46
K&R for the original post and subsequent informative posts and links. JEB Apr 2016 #48
bookmarked for future reference allan01 Apr 2016 #49
KRB, Waiting for the Clinton Global to drop on this one. Kittycat Apr 2016 #50
doesn't this topic bbgrunt Apr 2016 #51
Certainly does. Remember how Princess Christina of Spain is under indictment for tax evasion? Octafish Apr 2016 #99
Thanks for what you do. RadiationTherapy Apr 2016 #127
... 2naSalit Apr 2016 #139
Oh my! 2naSalit Apr 2016 #52
Sounds like the belly of the beast has been ripped open. JEB Apr 2016 #53
UBS one of the 10 Banks that Requested the Most Offshore Companies for Clients Octafish Apr 2016 #149
Bookmarking navarth Apr 2016 #54
K&R!! felix_numinous Apr 2016 #55
KRB me b zola Apr 2016 #63
These people are leeches. Initech Apr 2016 #67
This isn't news, this is information. None of this is a shock or scandal to anyone who is underahedgerow Apr 2016 #70
Thanks for bringing a moment of sense into COLGATE4 Apr 2016 #153
Snowden tweet Ichingcarpenter Apr 2016 #73
I haven't heard a word on one of those networks malaise Apr 2016 #87
That is a clue about their true nature: CORRUPT. Octafish Apr 2016 #101
My topic Ichingcarpenter Apr 2016 #104
JFK knew it was a problem...and KoKo Apr 2016 #128
Tip of the iceberg Ichingcarpenter Apr 2016 #74
Corporate Media Gatekeepers Protect Western 1% From Panama Leak Ichingcarpenter Apr 2016 #75
The leaker should spread the information around and let the corrupt elites JEB Apr 2016 #103
"The firm is one of the world’s top five creators of shell companies" suffragette Apr 2016 #76
Scale of Leak Infographic pantsonfire Apr 2016 #78
So deeply interesting. Hope it all will come out. Thank you, Octofish. n/t Judi Lynn Apr 2016 #79
Perverted Plutocrats. Same as it ever was. AxionExcel Apr 2016 #81
K&R AND Bookmarked rosesaylavee Apr 2016 #86
Donald Trump...? kentuck Apr 2016 #88
So these are all the non-U.S. tax dodgers in just one (smallest) of the top four valerief Apr 2016 #93
Link to the original story. Hotler Apr 2016 #95
Book marking. Lots of information to digest. Thank you /nt think Apr 2016 #102
I think I have seen this movie before newblewtoo Apr 2016 #106
Corporate McPravda is really something. Octafish Apr 2016 #111
I'm particularly interested in the backstory starroute Apr 2016 #110
I was raised in Panama during that time period. Baitball Blogger Apr 2016 #113
The NAZI SS CONNECTION....... interesting. Ichingcarpenter Apr 2016 #114
and in 1987 reagan repealed the fairness doctrine and a CIA connected company certainot Apr 2016 #118
Panama lawyers at center of offshore scandal make odd couple Octafish Apr 2016 #168
Over 200,000 shell companies are involved in the Panama Papers leak — here's why that's a big deal bemildred Apr 2016 #115
The Nazi, CIA And Nevada Connections... And Why It's Now Rothschild's Turn Ichingcarpenter Apr 2016 #120
Hunh! I was wondering how the USA became the biggest tax haven in the world! Octafish Apr 2016 #164
Another odd connection and wedding bells Ichingcarpenter Apr 2016 #165
Remember a man of Faith started that House. Octafish Apr 2016 #166
Octafish thank you saidsimplesimon Apr 2016 #124
K&R#199 Catherine Austin Fitts was revealing some of the structures from that Reagan/Bush/Clinton bobthedrummer Apr 2016 #126
All I have time to say right now is "Holy Schnikees!" postulater Apr 2016 #134
Waiting for the bombshell... Gumboot Apr 2016 #140
Gluttony lives!! moondust Apr 2016 #143
Its the race to become the world's first trillionaire. Dont call me Shirley Apr 2016 #145
Sirota: Hillary Pushed Panama Free Trade Agreements Amid Warnings this Would Happen berni_mccoy Apr 2016 #147
BBC live feed: 1000 Germans named - all who used German Banks. salin Apr 2016 #148
Panama government 'has zero tolerance for illicit financial activities' Octafish Apr 2016 #150
Good to read you as well. salin Apr 2016 #152
Foreign Policy asks: Will the ‘Panama Papers’ Bring Down Ukraine’s Chocolate King? Octafish Apr 2016 #155
This just hit ABC International News malaise Apr 2016 #157
The Center for Freedom and Prosperity starroute Apr 2016 #158
NPR was talking about this tonight. Major Hogwash Apr 2016 #159
It takes a lot to get noticed by some of the brighter lights at NPR. Octafish Apr 2016 #163
Wow, this could cause a world-wide revolution in banking reform. Major Hogwash Apr 2016 #169
For an example of how this fucks the people... JEB Apr 2016 #161
Panama papers: China censors online discussion Octafish Apr 2016 #162
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