because, The Poor Man says, he is on the record as believing that the Geneva Conventions are "quaint" is understandable, but not quite the point. The point is this:

To protect subordinates should they be charged with torture, the memo advised that Mr. Bush issue a "presidential directive or other writing" that could serve as evidence, since authority to set aside the laws is "inherent in the president."

Albert Gonzales thinks that the Magna Carta is liberal pablum. We are, at some point, going to have an honest debate about what is and isn't appropriate treatment of suspected terrorists under the law. But that's later. Right now, we just need to establish that Law still exists.

[And while we're on the subject: what executive order?