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George W. Bush and Some Republican Senators Discuss the Geneva Conventions

The Decider takes on that bothersome Constitution and that meddling Congress.

Calvin Trillin

September 21, 2006

My countrymen, Bush said, I’ve made it plain That treaties can be treated with disdain. Geneva is naïve, a bit arcane. It should be changed in ways that I ordain. Not so, said Warner, Graham and McCain.

We need some laws, my lawyers ascertain. (This Constitution really is the bane Of my existence, driving me insane. It’s I who should decide, like Charlemagne.) Plus us, said Warner, Graham and McCain.

The evil terrorists whom we detain Are questioned in a way I won’t explain. And only wussy traitors would refrain From passing laws I’ve said we must obtain. Plus us, said Warner, Graham and McCain.

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


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