The finger of blame

Firedoglake is live blogging the Habeas hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Spector's opening comments were particularly interesting. It seems he's blaming the whole thing on the Courts for upholding the law that he himself wrote.

Specter says that it is surprising that it is even necessary to change the statue in light of the Rassul case holding — which made explicit that due process and habeas were statutorily required for those held in Guantanimo. Discussing particulars of Rasul — and the Lord Mansfield precedent cited therein. Specter says that he doesn't think it needs to be restored, because it is already there. Expresses disgust at the 4th Circuit flouting the Supreme Court's precedent — talking about the internal politics of the Supreme Court as potentially playing a part in the Supremes not calling the 4th Cir. on the carpet for their flouting of its authority. Calls this an extraordinary moment in judicial procedure in this country.

I mean, I'm not going to let the Courts off the hook for this, but jeese, it's just amazing how these guys can point the finger at everyone but themselves.