Andrewwhyte

During WWII German prisoners of war had rights. "Illegal enemy combatants" is a legal non sequitur invented by your war criminal in chief. And here I always thought that the Geneva Convention was written BEFORE 43 was elected... my bad. No mention of "Illegal Enemy Combatants" at Geneva. Sounds a lot like "unlawful combatants" to me - seems like a reasonable way to get the idea across to the public, seeing as how many of the great intellects posting about it here in SC *STILL* can't tell the difference between the US troops and unlawful combatants. Unlawful combatants are required to either be accorded the rights of regular prisoners of war, or to be treated under civilian law. That has always been the position if international jurists, and that is the position of the SCOTUS.

Nobody around here complaining about the price of oil.

During WWII German prisoners of war had rights. "Illegal enemy combatants" is a legal non sequitur invented by your war criminal in chief. And here I always thought that the Geneva Convention was written BEFORE 43 was elected... my bad. No mention of "Illegal Enemy Combatants" at Geneva.

Do you have that definition handy?

A uniformed serviceman fits that definition. That is quite a stretch. It all depends on what side of a conflict you are on. It is not a stretch at all. If a US soldier in Iraq is not committing violence for political gain or influence, why exactly is he committing the violence?

Ya, I heard a rumour that the winters aren't quite as warm as in Virginia either.

Well, actually this guy did need one.

A uniformed serviceman fits that definition.

^2 Several species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave, and Grooving with a Pict.

We always need a solution yesterday. Now that you are part of the real world you will learn that. Being a broke student really isn't so bad after all eh? Human society has adapted to much worse things than $9.00 gasoline. Yes some people are going to suffer. As a member of the world's educated super-elite (a bachelor's degree qualifies you for that) you are in a better position than most to make sure that you are not one of the losers in this coming re-alignment; in fact, if you play your cards right you could be one of the big winners. You say you cannot afford to live close to the major work centres, but many people do. You could use the time you save commuting to prepare your meals. This can save you a lot of money on food costs over processed foods. The money you save on commuting can also go to rent/mortgage. Roomate(s) always help the budget. I presume you live in Virginia. I have never been there, but I get the feeling it is not the most densely packed area in the world. Maybe move to a city that does accommodate a car-less or at least less-car lifestyle. Of course you could always work for Big Oil. Are you a scientist? you could move to Alberta and help find cheaper ways of extracting the black gold, or maybe work on carbon capture technology; they are paying very well up here. Remember, as a member of the educated super-elite you are not limited to the US. Or you can wallow in your middle-class starvation; up to you really.

Parachutin' Pagans.

1)The truth is one routine looks a lot like the next one in skysurfing. 2)Most people cannot see themselves doing that routine whereas most of the audience can see themselves doing the latest skateboard routine, or something close to it. 3) Artistically judged sports are lame.

To be sure reaction is always more expensive than proaction (is that a word?).

There sure is a lot of sanctimony out there about this case. For most jumpers the certification (as opposed to the qualification) of the pilot makes little difference. The issue of USPA insurance is relevant, however I am certain the equity in the aircraft would usually protect the individual jumper. On the other hand, the average jumper would (I would expect) have exactly zero sympathy for the pilot who now will have to pay the penalty. One question that still remains is why doesn't this guy have a commercial rating? Is he lacking in some skill or intellectual ability? It doesn't sound like it. Is he just some crotchety old guy who didn't need one when he started flying jumpers and refuses to get one? Is he medically unable to obtain a class 2?

I think it is important to see the difference between a guerrilla and a terrorist. All terrorists are guerrilla fighters (no uniform), but not all guerrillas are terrorists (the French Resistance).

Yes they are, but the strength of the constitution is that it allows for extraordinary cases. I believe that the damage done to the US by GWB via Gitmo will be one of his most durable legacies.

If the gov had treated them like POWs under the Geneva convention six years ago we wouldn't be here today.

Yup. The free market will do what the social planners do not.

During WWII German prisoners of war had rights. "Illegal enemy combatants" is a legal non sequitur invented by your war criminal in chief.

You're absolutely right; you don't just give these people rights. They have rights. The SCOTUS didn't give them rights; the US constitution did.

Just wondering.

I got a buddy from Israel; he might be a Jew. I never asked.

Someone who is opposed to the US government.

Capitalism and the free market has made America strong; why abandon it now?

OUT WITH IT! Name the DZ. If they are honest the truth will come out.