Welcome to Gulag Americanus

So The Decider (TM) finally acknowledges the existence the secret prison network who's existence has been posited for some time and announces the transfer of 14 prisoners from these prisons to Guantánamo. The timing is coordinated with newly proposed legislation authorising military tribunals, the upcoming fifth anniversary of 11 September and, of course, the launch of the autumn election campaign.

In describing the interrogation of suspects he says:

"the CIA used an alternative set of procedures.

These procedures were designed to be safe, to comply with our laws, our Constitution and our treaty obligations. The Department of Justice reviewed the authorized methods extensively, and determined them to be lawful.

I cannot describe the specific methods used. I think you understand why. If I did, it would help the terrorists learn how to resist questioning and to keep information from us that we need to prevent new attacks on our country.

But I can say the procedures were tough and they were safe and lawful and necessary."

As The Decider (TM) he can say that these techniques are legal because, after all, he decides!

The proposals put forward for the tribunals are essentially a rehash of what the Supreme Court rejected allowing for the use of testimony acquired using coercive methods (aka torture), hearsay and prohibit a defendant's access to classified evidence. Their lawyers would also be prevented from seeing such evidence.

What he doesn't say is what happen to these prisoners if Congress does not acquiesce to his demands. Indefinite detention I suppose.

I can only imagine that this is just the first step in the generation of the climate of fear that Rove et al see as necessary for the Republicans to avoid serious defeat in November.