Sonnet § 1802 (U.S. Code, Title 50, Chap. 36, Subchap. I)

Bush says our torture laws do not apply:
     Rendition puts such acts beyond their reach.
     In his courts judges may not hear the cry
     Detainees raise, nor pay heed to their screech.

Each leaker only tells the truth in vain:
     Our "record paper" sits on what it saw.
     For though the Constitution seems quite plain,
     Alberto says the Prez can waive the law.

Carping lawyers unheeded pound the door:
     Homeland inquisitors hear only him.
     Each agent knows so very well the score:
     Rights all are now dependent on his whim.

Outlasting obsolete impeachment calls,
     Nixon's spirit once more walks White House halls.