A few things that are worth your attention as we all await the results from today's primaries....
+ I mentioned this a few days back, but it is worth highlighting again. The new Attorney General, Michael B. Mukasey, has now made clear that he will not investigate any activity that has at any point been green-lighted by the DoJ. This is a perfect example of why we must never let the DOJ become politicized. Under Mukasey's new policy, so long as you can get someone - anyone! - in the DOJ to sign off on something, you can never be prosecuted for it. It doesn't matter what the law says, nor does it matter what is written in the constitution, if you can get a note from someone in the DOJ telling you it is legal, you are forever immune from prosecution. This is, as Hilzoy rightly points out, the definition of tyranny. It is precisely the sort of behavior that once launched the revolution that led to the formation of this nation. This isn't even close, and I do not understand how anyone can defend it.
+ The US military estimates that al-Qaeda in Iraq has no more than 3,500 members. Remind me again why it is essential we stay in Iraq for many years to come?
+ The Nebraska State Supreme Court this week ruled the use of the electric chair unconstitutional. As you read this excerpt from their opinion, think for a moment about how they might be applied to other debates:
“We recognize the temptation to make the prisoner suffer, just as the prisoner made an innocent victim suffer. But it is the hallmark of a civilized society that we punish cruelty without practicing it. Condemend prisoners must not be tortured to death, regardless of their crimes. And the evidence clearly proves that unconsciousness and death are not instantaneous for many condemned prisoners. These prisoners will, when electrocuted, consciously suffer the torture that high voltage electric current inflicts on the human body. The evidence shows that electrocution inflicts intense pain and agonizing suffering. Therefore, electrocution as a method of execution is cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Nebraska Constitution.”
+ A solid majority of the American public has now linked our nation's growing economic problems with the war in Iraq. Yet another reason this fall's election shouldn't even be close. Assuming, of course, that we nominate the right person.
+ VP Cheney this week filed a brief with the US Supreme Court urging the court to find the DC handgun ban unconstitutional. Why is this noteworthy? Because his brief took a position by the Bush administration. You would think this would be the sort of thing that would make a president go berserk, wouldn't you? Apparently not this president.
+ Republicans and Democrats in Congress have decided to hold a series of policy debates. This wouldn't be newsworthy but for the fact that they decided they needed to find a new venue for their events. For some reason, using the space that the people provide them on Capitol Hill wasn't acceptable. Instead, they've decided to drive down the street and hold the event at GW. I'm at a loss for words on this one.
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