Reply to thread

You make a very strong argument, Fonz, but I think you are arguing over the wrong principle. They are going to get a fair trial once everything is sorted out. These were insurgents shooting at the troops and the troops simply rounded them up. They're not detectives trained in crime scene analysis and evidence gathering, thus why it is so difficult to convict these terrorists. What you should be arguing over is the right to a speedy trial.

First of all, the definition of liberty is "freedom from an oppressive government" and that is what we have given the Iraqis. Secondly, the Constitution does make a distinction between citizens and non-citizens when they say "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union .... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America" under which are the rights to habeas corpus, speedy trial, etc. The Declaration was simply that, a Declaration of Independence. The Constitution is the "Supreme Law of the Land".

They didn't consider black people humans. They considered them property protected under the 5th Amendment.