Catch 22

[Aussie leftie]

In regards to the farce of a trial for David Hicks. After pleading guilty as arranged in the plea bargain, he then had to convince the "judge" that he really was guilty. If he couldn't convince the "judge" of his guilt, would that therefore mean that he was innocent? If found innocent by the "judge" would he be then found guilty of perjury and therefore be sentenced for a new trumped up charge?

Part of the arrangement that was made with the military commission was that Hicks had to sign papers saying that he was treated fairly at Guantanamo Bay and that he is not to speak to the media for 12 months. Coincidentally, he is to be locked up in Australia until after the federal election which will be held at the end of the year. I cant give you an exact date because its up to John Howard to decide the date. The Howard government knew what the sentence would be about 4 days before it was made public, so it would take a lot to convince me that they didn't have a say in what the sentence would be.

Is this the freedom that Bush has sent over 3,000 Americans to Iraq to die for?

[Kagemusha]

1. I heard the prosecutors weren't party to the deal at all.

That it was negotiated above their heads between the military defense lawyer and the head of the tribunals... the latter who would be far more likely to be receptive to the US admin and, in turn, the Australian admin's concerns than mere military prosecutors...

Amazing. Just amazing.

[Aussie leftie]

2. If that is an example of "justice"

Imagine what a farce the trials are going to be for the rest of the Guantanamo inmates.

[scarletwoman]

3. So what are the chances of Howard getting the boot next election? (nt)

[Aussie leftie]

4. Unfortunately, incumbency has many advantages

According to the opinion polls, if an election was held today, the Howard government would be trounced. Because they are a conservative government, they have the media behind them except for the government run ABC which Howard's cronies are monitoring very closely.

Unlike your system where you know there will be an election held every leap year on the first Tuesday in November, our system is that a government cannot rule for more than 3 years. Therefore a government can call an election any time within that 3 year span when the polls look most favorable.

There are many scandals plaguing the Howard government at the moment, and his friendship with Bush is starting to become a stinking "albatross" around his neck. He is a very mean spirited man and I feel he has sold Australia's soul to the devil because his bottom line is the state of the economy.

As they say, "a week is a long time in politics" and a lot can happen between now and the end of the year.

[scarletwoman]

5. I'll keep my fingers crossed -- thanks for the reply! (nt)

[scarletwoman]

6. Good post, btw. I've voted to recommend.

[Aussie leftie]

7. Thankyou for your recommendation

Pardon my ignorance, but what does nt and btw stand for

[scarletwoman]

8. Sorry - "nt" means "no text" (as in nothing else written in the message). "btw" means "by the way".

And I've been remiss in not welcoming you to DU...

Welcome to DU! :hi: :toast:

sw