Disqus - Latest Comments for howiekurtznot

Re: Using Law to Justify Torture

howiekurtznot — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:17:24 -0000

I am very pleased to see this story, which has only one notable flaw. And it is notable. You write: "...the Bush administration has, by its own admission, used 'enhanced interrogation techniques' like ... simulated drowning ..." Presumably, "simulated drowning" is meant to refer to water boarding. The problem: There is nothing "simulated" about the drowning that occurs when the torture method of water boarding is employed. The victim is in the process of drowning, with waer filling the lungs; if it continued uninterrupted, the victim would die. There is nothing "simulated" about that.

Using the false term "simulated drowning" minimizes the crime. Please call it what it is: interrupted drowning, or simply its once-common name: drowning torture.

Re: Using Law to Justify Torture

howiekurtznot — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:07:42 -0000

I'm with Marshalldoc. Apologists for torture are tragic.

One bizarre comment says: "If fair treatment of your enemy is based on reciprocity-by all means keep it . If no reciprocity is expected -do all you can to ensure your survival." Another says: "Instead of being legalistic we have to be realistic.Our democratic way of life and our existence may depend on it!" Hach and Stefa are claiming that to save the American democratic way of life we must give it up.

Let's see, where was it we heard about "destroying the village in order to save it"?

Re: Maverick McCain Turns Mean

howiekurtznot — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:40:23 -0000

"...Elisabeth Bumiller, the venerated New York Times reporter..."

Venerate: To regard with respect, reverence, or heartfelt deference.

This is a joke, right? Or an error. You meant to say "discredited" or at least "buffoonish," surely.

I mean, Bumiller!!!

Re: Obama/Britney/Paris Ad Has ‘Misleading’ Info In It

howiekurtznot — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:44:39 -0000

Today, McCain's people are saying that Obama has "played the race card." Excuse me, but are we to believe it is an accident that McCain's "frivolous and irresponsible" Hollywood celebrity implication connects a black man with a couple of blond women? Like, oh, I dunno, those other frivolous and irresponsible Hollywood folks, OJ and Nicole?

The racist undertone of the McCain ad certainly should be considered.

Re: BREAKING: McCain ‘Proud of Obama/Paris/Britney Commercial’

howiekurtznot — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:46:22 -0000

Today, McCain