US Generals criticize Bush plan on terrorism trials

[Charlie Brown]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N07352722.htm

WASHINGTON, Sept 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. military's top legal officers on Thursday criticized a White House plan for military tribunals to try foreign terrorism suspects because it would allow convictions based on evidence never seen by the defendants.

The military judge advocates general, senior legal advisers to their branches of the armed forces, told Congress the plan failed to give suspects enough legal rights because it restricted their access to evidence.

However, a U.S. Justice Department official said some restrictions were necessary and justified.

The right to a full and fair hearing requires the accused have access to the evidence used to convict them, even if it is classified information, the military advisors told the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee.

"I'm not aware of any situation in the world where there is a system of jurisprudence that is recognized by civilized people where an individual can be tried and convicted without seeing the evidence against him," said Brig. Gen. James Walker, U.S. Marine Corps staff judge advocate.

"I don't think the United States needs to become the first in that scenario," he said.

[rodeodance]

1. Bingo, Mr. Walker!----Russ Feingold told Specter the same thing today.

[yellerpup]

2. This is encouraging

A general stands up and says "that's a stupid idea." It's a start.

[C_U_L8R]

3. Hooray for Brig. Gen James Walker

we need more good men like him
who are brave enough to satnd up
for what is right.. and American

[HereSince1628]

6. I smell a resignation in the works. . .

Yes, we need more like him. But */Cheney/Rumsfeld are looking for fewer good Generals.

[maseman]

4. Uh OH

So is KKKarl's little plan to show everybody they are fighten' terra not going so hot? Wonder if they ever expected the Generals to go against their little plan vocally?

[buddhamama]

5. i wish someone

could convince me that i am mistaken and Bush's America is not a fascist state.

[IChing]

7. I'll have to check that in his next signing statement

from the unitary president.

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

8. Did a drug crazed left-wing hippy make this statement?

"I'm not aware of any situation in the world where there is a system of jurisprudence that is recognized by civilized people where an individual can be tried and convicted without seeing the evidence against him," said Brig. Gen. James Walker, U.S. Marine Corps staff judge advocate.

OOPS! It was a Marine Corps general.

Everybody knows that Marine Corps generals are left-wing, America-hating, terrorist helpers, right?;)

[MikeNearMcChord]

9. Is he the new Smedley Butler?

Here is the information on this general from the early 20th century. And his speech, "War Is A Racket."
http://lexrex.com/enlightened/articles/warisaracket.htm

[BootinUp]

10. General Walker is not a team player! Start the personal attacks.

[Up2Late]

11. I like this quote...

...Pentagon lawyers balked at Bush's proposal to limit the terrorism suspects' access to evidence.

"I'm not aware of any situation in the world where there is a system of jurisprudence that is recognized by civilized people where an individual can be tried and convicted without seeing the evidence against him," Brig. Gen. James Walker, U.S. Marine Corps staff judge advocate told a Congressional hearing....

<http://go.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=13422548>