The last entry clearly has some modern day applications -- including, those caught up in the "war on terror." On this let me attach a somewhat overdue reply to my email to my local congressman (no reply yet from my senators) on the MCA:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the U.S. government's treatment of detainees. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.
As you know, the Military Commissions Act of 2006 passed both the House and Senate, and became public law on October 17, 2006. This legislation grants the President express authority to convene military commissions to detain and prosecute "alien unlawful enemy combatants." I voted against this legislation, because it does nothing to make the United States safer while ignoring the rights of detainees and the established rule of law.
When we announce to the world our intent to use harsh interrogation tactics and the use of torture on prisoners and detainees, we step closer to inviting more abuses to be perpetrated against our brave servicemen and women in harm's way overseas. This legislation does just that, compromising our values and stature as a world leader at a time when we should be leading by example.
This legislation clearly ignores any respect for due process, denying detainees the most fundamental rights commonly afforded to prisoners. Furthermore, this bill blatantly disregards the Supreme Court decision in the Hamdan v. Rumsfeld case, which stated that it should be a requirement of a "regularly recognized constituted court affording all the judicial guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized people."
I firmly agree with the Supreme Court's decision and that we cannot hold anyone indefinitely, as it is antithetical to the American ideal of due process for all. One of the reasons the United States is the greatest country on Earth is because of the rights we accord not only our own citizens, but all people on American soil. One of these vital rights is the right to a fair trial. We cannot suspend the rights of individuals, hold them indefinitely, and not charge them with a crime.
Regardless of how we feel about detainees, we must treat them humanely and in accordance with our rule of law and the Geneva Conventions. I oppose the use of torture as an interrogation technique, whether in the United States or elsewhere. The terrorists should be pursued, caught and punished, but they should be punished under established international law.
Although the Military Commissions Act has become law, please know that as a member of the House Committee on International Relations, I will continue to oppose torture and indefinite detention of prisoners within our borders and around the world.
Thank you again for your message. Please feel free to contact me again on any issue of importance to you
But, what does a NYC representative know? Bunch of lib tree huggers.