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George W. Bush Explains the ‘Signing Statement’ Issued When He Signed John McCain’s Anti-Torture Amendment Into Law

Using special "signing" language, the torturer-in-chief shows the world who's boss.

Calvin Trillin

January 19, 2006

Since I’m the one in charge in war, I’ll do what I have done before If it’s consistent with my duties. Is that an out? You bet your booties. The boss is boss; he can’t be bossed. I signed, but with my fingers crossed.

We do not torture, never will. So why did we oppose John’s bill?v Don’t ask, unless you’d like this plan: Rendition to Uzbekistan. McCain won’t win. We haven’t lost. I signed, but with my fingers crossed.

Calvin TrillinCalvin Trillin is The Nation’s “deadline poet.”


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