Powell Opposes Bush's Tribunal Plan

Powell wrote a letter to John McCain which said:

Dear Senator McCain,

I just returned to town and learned about the debate taking place in Congress to redefine Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention. I do not support such a step and believe it would be inconsistent with the McCain amendment on torture which I supported last year.

I have read the powerful and eloquent letter sent to you by one my [sic] distinguished predecessors as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Jack Vessey. I fully endorse in tone and fact his powerful argument. The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism. To redefine Common Article 3 would add to those doubts. Furthermore, it would put our own troops at risk.

I am as familiar with The Armed Forces Officer as is Jack Vessey. It was written after all the horrors of World War II and General George C. Marshall, then Secretary of Defense, used it to tell the world and to remind our soldiers of our moral obligations with respect to those in our custody.

Sincerely,

Colin Powell

It's good to see that Powell and other Republicans are opposing Bush's push for even more executive power. I really feel a turn-about happening.

Bush argues he needs this legislation in order to "do his duty to protect the American people". I straight up don't believe him which begs the question: what is the true purpose of him pushing for so much executive power and the right to torture? Is it power for power sake?

Oh and what's on the front page of cnn.com? Picture of the guy who shot up the Montreal College yesterday.