Democrats' "International" Plan For National Security

If anyone still seriously believes that the left wing of the Democratic Party supports the interests of the American people and not the interests of the United Nations, consider some public statements made by the international body.

In a U.N. press release dated 27 October 2006, U.N. "expert" on human rights and counter-terrorism Martin Scheinin expressed alarm at the recent signing into law of the Military Commisions Act (MCA), and that it violates international law and human rights. In part, he declares

I believe it is important in my capacity to publicly express my concerns on this law as the United States has taken a lead role on countering terrorism since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. Therefore there is an added concern that some Governments may view certain aspects of this legislation as an example that could be followed in respect of their national counter-terrorism legislation.

He laments that the debate in this country concerning the MCA was "brief". He apparently was referring to the efforts of the left wing of the Democratic Party to undermine and defeat it. Recall that many a left wing pundit and politician has expressed similar, if not exactly, the same concern, concerning setting an "example" for the world. It is unclear what countries look up to us in this way, but I know that the Administration's policy is at odds with the U.N.'s statements. He goes on to say

Further, in manifest contradiction with article 9, paragraph 4 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights the MCA denies non US citizens (including legal permanent residents) in US custody the right to challenge the legality of their detention by filing a writ of habeas corpus, with retroactive effect

Again, this sentiment perfectly coincided with that of the left wing Democrat. The concern is centered on the rights of the detainees rather than the security concerns of our country.

The stark difference in the way terrorism is viewed is again manifested in Mr. Scheinin's comment that the term "unlawful enemy combatant" is unrecognized in international humanitarian law. This is because the U.N. system does not view terrorism as a war on the U.S. and our allies. It defines terrorism in a law enforcement framework. Thus, they cannot recognize a concept such as an "unlawful enemy combatant". This is in direct conflict with our notion of national security, and it is no coincidence that the left wing of the Democratic Party is synchronized with this view.

In what should be a preview of what Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House would bring, the press release expresses the desire to review more policies of the Administration than just the MCA. The U.N. Special Rapporteur has "issues" with the "Patriot Act, immigration laws and policies, CIA secret detention centers, rendition flights, breaches of non-refoulement and the Government's denial of extra-territorial human rights obligations.

It is clear that the United Nations system would have a sigificant influence on a Senate and House of Representatives controlled by the left wing of the Democratic Party.