The Bush Administration has its own philosphy in regards to international agreements and conventions; they do not care for them. They are strong proponents of "the ends justify the means". They also have some very astute lawyers who help them walk the fine line between "legal" and "illegal" which are actually terms they seem to care very little about.
This administration has a "go it alone", "my way" mentality. They believe that America is the greatest country in the world(something I agree with them on) and since we know our intentions are good we can and frankly should do as we please(something I disagree with them on).
There is a large segment of the American population that agrees with these ideas and ideals and therefore the Administration still has strong support. However, IMO, these policies are frightfully short sighted and will, in fact, do greater harm in the long run.
If this incident was the first we had seen, I frankly would shrug it off as overstepping a bit in time of war; something that has happened in every war. However, there is a history with this Administration of bending and breaking international laws and commitments as well as U.S. and Military laws and conventions. The long litany of ignoring laws and agreements or bending them to suit their purposes has damaged our reputation and our ability to be a responsible player in world politics.
Maybe you do not agree, but I am not alone in my opinion:
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepu...plomats17.html
Bush must be defeated, bipartisan group says
William Douglas
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Jun. 17, 2004 12:00 AM
WASHINGTON - A bipartisan group of former senior U.S. diplomats and military commanders said Wednesday that President Bush needs to be defeated in November for pursuing an overbearing, insensitive and ideology-driven foreign policy that has cost America credibility around the world.
The 27-member group, Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change, didn't endorse Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, but members said the only way that U.S. policy is going to change is by removing Bush from the White House.
"When there is one prominent rival to President Bush in this election, obviously we think Senator Kerry should be elected," said Bill Harrop, who was appointed ambassador to Israel in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush and ambassador to Guinea in 1975 by President Ford.
Members of the group include:
• Retired Adm. William J. Crowe Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Reagan and ambassador to Great Britain under President Clinton.
• Charles W. Freeman Jr., ambassador to Saudi Arabia under George H.W. Bush.
• Arthur A. Hartman, ambassador to the Soviet Union under Reagan.
• Retired Marine Corps Gen. Joseph P. Hoar.
• Jack F. Matlock Jr., ambassador to the Soviet Union under Reagan.