How can McCain deny anyone the protections that were denied him in Vietnam?
This is not exclusiviely about American Law! Why should America deny justice to those who we suspect of harming Americans but can not prove according to the common tenant of American Law? This is inconsistent with what American's believe is true and appropreate for people in broad.
If we deny the prisoner suspects of crimes against humanity, but we are not willing to supply them with a defense based on American Law, after we are holding others responsible for actions we would not hold ourselves responsible for in this situation. It is beneath us!
Because he is not in Viet Nam any more -- and though he go through horrible things, they have faded in his memories; I imagine he feel, "Hey, I survived worse than this ... they can too."
Senator McCain has always publicly decried torture or denying anyone the protections to which they are entitled by regulation, treaty, or conscience.
I think that you are confusing him with someone else.
