Double Standards? Part II

Since the first major wars, there have been established standards for the treatment of prisoners of war. Certain parts of the human spirit simply cannot abide watching another human suffer and because of this, these rules have evolved to encompass and be largely dictated by the Geneva Convention.

These international laws have seen America through dark times, even when our own men and women have been subjected to horrible treatment and torture. They are guiding principles that are a light to the civilized world and may one day see a time when the world no longer has need for rules of any sort guiding a war.

Until that time, everyone needs to abide by the rules, not bend them as they see fit. Four lead Republicans joined with the Democrats including John Warner and John McCain in resisting Bush's doctrine that would have allowed torture of 'detainees' in various prisons around the world. While details of the deal struck today are still under wraps, it can only be presumed that there were major defeats for Bush in his bill.

The fact that this kind of teamwork can still manifest itself in such a vitriolic atmosphere for doing the right thing is almost amazing. It holds hope out for the future of Washington and our country.

Pending the outcome of the bill's details, I'm at least marginally pleased.