Obama picks "American Taliban" lawyer to Justice Dept. -

[Soul Crusher]

Media Forgets Obama's Nominee to Justice Dept. Was a Terrorist's Lawyer
By Warner Todd Huston (Bio | Archive)
March 13, 2009 - 02:05 ET

On March 9, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on one of Barack Obama's latest nominees. This time it was to assess the suitability of Tony West, Obama's nominee for the assistant attorney general in charge of the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Division. Things went "smoothly" according to the San Jose Mercury News, also publishing a nice bio of West. The Washington Post merely mentioned the hearing was "notable." Similarly the East Bay Express simply makes mention of the hearing having occurred. Apparently there was nothing of interest in West’s nomination.

Curiously enough, though, not one of these brief reports mention that Tony West was "American Taliban" terrorist John Walker Lindh's defense lawyer. Another key bit of info left out of these announcements was that Tony West raised $65 million for Obama's presidential campaign. Money well spent if it gets a cushy government job, I suppose.

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In fact, for many of us, it took James Lileks to remind us all that West was Lindh's lawyer (H/T HotAir.com). It took Lileks because none of the media bothered to make the connection.

As Lileks says, West was a pretty good lawyer. Did well for his client. Made the case as a good defense lawyer should that his client is innocent and, in this case, not a terrorist. Maybe West is a perfectly competent lawyer?

But here is the main point. This appointment of a terrorist's defense lawyer to the Department of Justice announces that Barack Obama is in favor of a more lenient stance on terrorists. As Lileks says, it is evidence of a going back to 9/10 thinking. Also, since the Old Media have not made a single peep about this, it announces to the world that neither the crimes of 9/11 nor terrorism are any longer of interest to those that make the news. Says Lileks, "It just seems like one of those things that might have stuck out, once upon a time."

So, in a era when most of us still acutely feel that Islamic terrorism is an important worry that should still feature prominently in our planning, Barack Obama is appointing a terrorist's lawyer to one of the very agencies that is supposed to protect us all.

And the Old Media does not find this fact the least bit interesting.

(Photo Credit: San Francisco Chronicle)


________________________ __

Hope & Change!

[tonymctones]

hahahah CRICKETS

[24KT]

So what you're saying is that in a nation that espouses the creed "Innocent until proven guilty in a court of law", one that believes in a "Constitution", or that all accused are entitled to a fair defense; that a man who has demonstrated integrity in those very areas is ineligible or unsuitable to work in the justice Dept.? Is that what I'm hearing? Do you believe a more appropriate appointment would be someone who comes from the school of obsequious philosophy, ...another Recent University graduate perhaps?  

Is rising up and living out the true meaning of your creed, something to be derided?
Or is it... as you put it "Hope & Change" indeed?    

[tonymctones]

So what you're saying is that in a nation that espouses the creed "Innocent until proven guilty in a court of law", one that believes in a "Constitution", or that all accused are entitled to a fair defense; that a man who has demonstrated integrity in those very areas is ineligible or unsuitable to work in the justice Dept.? Is that what I'm hearing? Do you believe a more appropriate appointment would be someone who comes from the school of obsequious philosophy, ...another Recent University graduate perhaps?  

Is rising up and living out the true meaning of your creed, something to be derided?
Or is it... as you put it "Hope & Change" indeed?    

LOL darling he would have had a defense one way or the other this man chose to defend a terrorist and thats shitty imo. You like most liberals hold tight to your ideals which is good at times but at times it keeps you from seeing the truth. Im guessing you think this man like the other ppl obama appointed (tax cheats) is the only person who can get the job done? Isnt the truth and in an era where terrorism is one of big problems facing this nation and the world for that matter a person who chooses to defend it should not be put in a position like this, im sure the 65 million had nothing to do with it too.

[24KT]

LOL darling he would have had a defense one way or the other this man chose to defend a terrorist and thats shitty imo. You like most liberals hold tight to your ideals which is good at times but at times it keeps you from seeing the truth. Im guessing you think this man like the other ppl obama appointed (tax cheats) is the only person who can get the job done? Isnt the truth and in an era where terrorism is one of big problems facing this nation and the world for that matter a person who chooses to defend it should not be put in a position like this, im sure the 65 million had nothing to do with it too.

If a man is innocent until proven guilty, he defended an "accused". I didn't say he was the only man who could get he job done... infact, I know little about him other than he has conducted himself in a manner that aligns with the promise the nation makes. There may be others qualified to do the job as well. What I'm saying is that his defense of an accused, is not sufficient criteria for disqualifying him as a candidate. You should be proud of that, and you should be equally, if not more so concerned that you stand so readily eager to succumb to the transparent manipulations of those who would seek to exploit such pavlovian prejudices so deeply entrenched in your society.

[George Whorewell]

Oh god you fucking liberals and your bullshit ideals. Next lets have Slobodan milosovich's lawyer, the guy who is going to defend The Sudans Muslim terrorist cockroach president and Saddam Hussein's lawyer join Obama's camp and be nominees. Is your response still going to be some horseshit about innocent until proven guilty? Whats next, having Bernie Madoffs lawyer be head of the SEC?

Whats the weather like on the planet you people live on? 

[tonymctones]

If a man is innocent until proven guilty, he defended an "accused". I didn't say he was the only man who could get he job done... infact, I know little about him other than he has conducted himself in a manner that aligns with the promise the nation makes. There may be others qualified to do the job as well. What I'm saying is that his defense of an accused, is not sufficient criteria for disqualifying him as a candidate. You should be proud of that, and you should be equally, if not more so concerned that you stand so readily eager to succumb to the transparent manipulations of those who would seek to exploit such pavlovian prejudices so deeply entrenched in your society.

Im not saying he shouldnt be proud but he shouldnt be put in such a position. I understand what your saying and i agree however its bad taste to put a man who defends a terrorist in a time when terrorism is such a prevelant problem. Cudos on the pavlov reference and im sure that is a certain degree of that going on with me but this just bad taste to me, just like no lobbyist and then appointing a lobbyist or appointing a tax cheat to be treasury secretary. You should also take a lesson from your own book with the lefts pavlovian response to palin and any other rep.  

[tonymctones]

Oh god you fucking liberals and your bullshit ideals. Next lets have Slobodan milosovich's lawyer, the guy who is going to defend The Sudans Muslim terrorist cockroach president and Saddam Hussein's lawyer join Obama's camp and be nominees. Is your response still going to be some horseshit about innocent until proven guilty? Whats next, having Bernie Madoffs lawyer be head of the SEC?

Whats the weather like on the planet you people live on? 

BINGO!!!

[24KT]

Im not saying he shouldnt be proud but he shouldnt be put in such a position. I understand what your saying and i agree however its bad taste to put a man who defends a terrorist in a time when terrorism is such a prevelant problem. Cudos on the pavlov reference and im sure that is a certain degree of that going on with me but this just bad taste to me, just like no lobbyist and then appointing a lobbyist or appointing a tax cheat to be treasury secretary. You should also take a lesson from your own book with the lefts pavlovian response to palin and any other rep.  

In such a time like this, you're more concerned with what essentially boils down to ...superficial appearances?  

Have you ever for a moment stop to think that a man who has indeed defended an accused terror suspect, who may or may not have been convicted subsequently might be in a unique position to benefit and enhance the DOJ?

What you consider his greatest weakness, ...could very well be one of his greatest assets.

[24KT]

Oh god you fucking liberals and your bullshit ideals.

If one does not stand for something, ...they will fall for anything.

Whats the weather like on the planet you people live on? 

It's the same planet you live on, ...and it's changing, ...getting warmer! 
But don't worry, ...there is a solution. There is a way that every citizen on this planet can do their share to protect the environment, and curb the pollution going out into the air. If you click on the little globe next to my profile, ...you'll be able to learn all about it. 

[George Whorewell]

Yes please Hugo, educate me on Americas legal system. In fact, please educate me on the John Walker Lindh case in particular. With your vast array of legal knowledge and internet moderator capabilities, I am simply in awe of what you can possibly teach me that I haven't already learned. 

[George Whorewell]

Say Jag- If Obama decided to appoint a lawyer who defended a KKK member that blew up a black church and killed 15 black children, to head of the civil rights and social justice division of the US attorneys office, would you have a problem with that?

Before you start tripping over your own asinine circular liberal logic, take the time to think about what the reaction would be.

[tonymctones]

In such a time like this, you're more concerned with what essentially boils down to ...superficial appearances?  

Have you ever for a moment stop to think that a man who has indeed defended an accused terror suspect, who may or may not have been convicted subsequently might be in a unique position to benefit and enhance the DOJ?

What you consider his greatest weakness, ...could very well be one of his greatest assets.

hahahah nice try jag if bush or a rep had done half the shit barrys done thus far with tax cheats and this you would be up in arms. Explain to me how this experience would help him in the department of justice? Do you agree that this and barrys other appointments have been in poor taste? As ive stated i understand your point this is the problem with this board everybody is trying to scream and get their point across they never listen to others views. Have you considered that this is an ignorant move on barrys part? Why not appoint one of madoffs sons to run the SEC they are probably just as qualified as the next person but its not in good taste.

[24KT]

Say Jag- If Obama decided to appoint a lawyer who defended a KKK member that blew up a black church and killed 15 black children, to head of the civil rights and social justice division of the US attorneys office, would you have a problem with that?

Before you start tripping over your own asinine circular liberal logic, take the time to think about what the reaction would be.

Your use of the word "Reaction" is in my opinion, rather appropro.
I don't need to take time to think about that. I know what it would be for many.
However, you cannot expect to tackle serious problems and challenges facing this world being governed by reactionary pavlovian responses. I may not care for Senator Byrd's past, but I can recall fine examples where he stood up on the floor and proved himself to be an asset to not only the American people, but the nations of man as a whole.

Part of the problem is Republicans have built their entire base upon gut level reactionists spurred on by Rush Limbaugh. Don't you think it's about time to learn how to control your emotions? It's truly difficult to think with so much blood rushing through your brain.

“Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so. How do I know?
For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar.” --Caesar

Man I can never get tired of this quote. 

[tonymctones]

let's have a justice system where anybody who dares defend the worst accused among us is demonized and punished.  Brilliant George, Brilliant

thats not what we are saying brain child listen the fuck up...we are saying he is not the best person for this job if there is another terrorist that needs defending then fine let him take that case up but you have to agree this is in bad taste and if bush had done this you would be out of your seat pissed.

[tonymctones]

Your use of the word "Reaction" is in my opinion, rather appropro.
I don't need to take time to think about that. I know what it would be for many.
However, you cannot expect to tackle serious problems and challenges facing this world being governed by reactionary pavlovian responses. I may not care for Senator Byrd's past, but I can recall fine examples where he stood up on the floor and proved himself to be an asset to not only the American people, but the nations of man as a whole.

Part of the problem is Republicans have built their entire base upon gut level reactionists spurred on by Rush Limbaugh. Don't you think it's about time to learn how to control your emotions? It's truly difficult to think with so much blood rushing through your brain.

“Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so. How do I know?
For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar.” --Caesar

Man I can never get tired of this quote. 

jag olberman would be proud to see some of your post on here, you embody alot of the things you despise in reps.

Your quote while a good one isnt simply meant to be about war its meant to be about all things, you think those stary eyed obama supporters fall into that quote?

[headhuntersix]

Jag, lindh was guilty as hell. Guilty of taking part in active combat against US forces, guilty of working with the Taliban and guilty of being a complete moron for falling under the sway of a worthless and murderous religion. He has every right to a fair trial and a trial defense. Obama also should have the sense not to nominate someone who defended this moron. I guess the SOF guys should have smoked his ass at Qala-i-Jangi, and saved us all the trouble.

[24KT]

Explain to me how this experience would help him in the department of justice?

My reference was not so much to his experiences helping him, but rather his experiences helping the DOJ.

There is such a thing as Lawyer / client privilege. It is therefor possible that in the course of defending clients, they may have gleaned some very sensitive information. Information which may prove considerably valuable to the DOJ in their fight against terrorism or others violations that contravene the laws of the land. Just because lawyer/client privilege prevents information from being used against an accused, it doesn't preclude it from being used to thwart others.
 
Then too, ...there is an entrenched culture of sycophancy that has taken root within the DOJ.
That is a malignancy that must be excised for the health of the nation. Who better than a man of principles to perform such delicate surgery?

Why not appoint one of madoffs sons to run the SEC they are probably just as qualified as the next person but its not in good taste.

Are you saying the sins of the father fall on the son?

[headhuntersix]

I think I made it clear he should get representation. But Barry oughta pick somebody else....

[tonymctones]

My reference was not so much to his experiences helping him, but rather his experiences helping the DOJ.

There is such a thing as Lawyer / client privilege. It is therefor possible that in the course of defending clients, they may have gleaned some very sensitive information. Information which may prove considerably valuable to the DOJ in their fight against terrorism or others violations that contravene the laws of the land. Just because lawyer/client privilege prevents information from being used against an accused, it doesn't preclude it from being used to thwart others.
 
Then too, ...there is an entrenched culture of sycophancy that has taken root within the DOJ.
That is a malignancy that must be excised for the health of the nation. Who better than a man of principles to perform such delicate surgery?

Are you saying the sins of the father fall on the son?

LOL so what your saying is you have no idea how this might help only that MAYBE, POSSIBLY it gave him an insight that he could use to help in further situations? LOL ya im sure thats what barry appointed him that 65 million didnt have anything to do with it right?

The sons are thought to have known about it and some believe they where accomplices in it, you believe the wife didnt know anything about it either?   LOL

[tonymctones]

I think I made it clear he should get representation. But Barry oughta pick somebody else....

EXACTLY...very cool pick hh6

[24KT]

That's a good quote, but I don't think Caesar made it.  It certainly doesn't sound right whatsoever.  Do you have the source on this?

You want a source?  C'mon dude, ...I have collected thousands of quotes over the years. I'm not about to go looking for a source for one quote. Sorry hun won't do it. In any event, notwithstanding, it would simply be a case of listening to the messenger, rather than the message itself. It could be attributed to caesar, George W. Bush, hilter, or any other despotic ruler. It's the message, ...not the messenger. 

[24KT]

That's what he said.  typical thinking from tony... lol..

...but if you ask him to pay reparations for the history of slavery in his country,
...his philosophy sure flies out the window fast enough. {lol}

[tonymctones]

That's what he said.  typical thinking from tony... lol..

nice spin go read my post jack ass

...but if you ask him to pay reparations for the history of slavery in this country,
...his philosophy sure flies out the window fast enough. {lol}

again go read my posts

Olberman would be proud of both you indoctered fools

[24KT]

LOL so what your saying is you have no idea how this might help only that MAYBE, POSSIBLY it gave him an insight that he could use to help in further situations? LOL ya im sure thats what barry appointed him that 65 million didnt have anything to do with it right?

The sons are thought to have known about it and some believe they where accomplices in it, you believe the wife didnt know anything about it either?   LOL

What I'm saying is that his defense of an accused is not sufficient grounds to disqualify him from the position.

I have never offered any opinions regarding Madoff's relatives.

You amaze me tonymctones. You're truly remarkable. You are capable of finding guilt where there is none,
...yet you appear so incapable of distinguishing your own ass from a hole in the ground. Remarkable!