[F16Fighter]

Enough of the preliminaries...

When will they announce the shredder is all warmed up?

[kingofrock]

saddam was wearing a dress hahaha.

he is innocent! FREE SADDAM

[Guillermo]

"Saddam is going to want to use the tribunal as a platform for his political views," Mr Chalabi said. "But we're not going to let him. We're going to make him focus on the very specific charges against him

Just like Nuremberg.

The Nazi's wanted to use a "Tu quoque (you too)" defense. They were not allowed.

[RoseofTexas]

I have this stinking feeling this trial is going to be a huge FIASCO!

[bitt]

Since it will be televised, we should be able to see something tonight on him - I want to see which dress he chooses...like JF'nK and his ties, maybe he will choose pink...

[LasVegasMac]

Saddam was wearing Arab dress and no longer had a beard at the hearing, which lasted for only a couple of minutes.

Hopefully, the next hearing will be just as short.....

"We, the people of Iraq, have heard your defense. Tomorrow. Dawn. Nearest large tree. See you there.

LVM

[VOA]

Relaxed Saddam 'Cannot Wait' For Hearing

Too bad he won't see Vince Bugliosi ("Helter Skelter" case) sitting at the prosecutors table.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

Saddam's trial is expected to start in several months' time and Mr Chalabi fears his biggest challenge will be curbing the former dictator's tongue

Just cut it out. It worked for him for 30 years!!

[lizma]

Part of me is not a death penalty fan. I'd sorta give the benefit of the doubt that a few of of these people can make a difference in their institutionalized world and I repeat "institutionalized world."

That and I've read it actually cost more to have these low life appeal death sentences than live in prison to the day they die.

But this guy has wayyyy crossed the line. He's commited genocide! There is no way he fits into the definition of humanity.

We don't need him. We don't want him. He should be erased. Most people would understand why.

[Kirkwood]

Strange. Earlier today I read that Saddam was highly agitated and nervous during the proceedings.

[mrsmith]

Sure he's relaxed now...
His lawyer hasn't told him yet that the US Supreme Court can't overturn Iraqi courts.

[Urbane_Guerilla]

Is there any doubt whatsoever that Saddam will receive the loving sympathy of liberals who anguish over the fairness and due process accorded him? Prediction: Saddam will receive massive favorable commentary from the left, mostly in the guise of compassionate concern about the how unjust the prosecution is.

[daybreakcoming]

"read his rights". Can someone provide a link as to just what his "rights" are under the Iraqi law?

[The_Media_never_lie]

Sooooooo, Saddam's tanned, rested and relaxed?

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

he appeared to be in a relaxed mood as he and 11 of his former lieutenants were read their rights.


I heard him and Chemicle ali were shaking like tall jello on a warm plate !

[whereasandsoforth]

Saddam needs our prayers and mercy. This man bore a terrible burden for many years trying to make the best of a backwards nation and a mixed population that, for the most part, could not understand the tremendous efforts he made on their behalf. How sad that this majestic man should end up this way.

I'm applying for a job at The Dallas Morning News tomorrow. This is a practice answer to the first interview question.