The Emperor Ascends: Torture Update

Chaos dislikes the current fascination with the phrase "tipping point" but it may actually be applicable to certain current events. As reported in the Boston Globe, when Bush signed the McCain-sponsored anti-torture bill last week, he "reserved the right to bypass the law under his powers as commander-in-chief." The excellent article points out that this really means that the Emperor is now truly an Emperor, subject only to his own whims as to whether and when to obey the laws of the United States. For some reason, Chaos believes this is a rather significant event in the devolution of the nation's civil rights, and others apparently agree. See this Tomdispatch post (much more eloquent and erudite than Chaos) for a more elaborate spin on this issue. Chaos sadly notes the passing of the Bill of Rights, a fine document which served well for many years. The Imperial Presidency will be hazardous to all.