I think it’s also worth emphasizing that the use of the phrase “enemy combatants” was in an account of something Michael Vassar said in informal correspondence, rather than being a description I necessarily expect readers of the account to agree with (because I didn’t agree with it at the time). Michael meant something very specific by the metaphor, which I explain in the next paragraph. In case my paraphrased explanation wasn’t sufficient, his exact words were:
The latter frame [“enemy combatants”] is more accurate both because criminals have rights and because enemy combatants aren’t particularly blameworthy. They exist under a blameworthy moral order and for you to act in their interests implies acting against their current efforts, at least temporary [sic], but you probably would like to execute on a Marshall Plan later.
I think the thing Michael actually meant (right or wrong) is more interesting than a “Hysterical hyperbole!” “Is not!” “Is too!” grudge match.
I think it’s also worth emphasizing that the use of the phrase “enemy combatants” was in an account of something Michael Vassar said in informal correspondence, rather than being a description I necessarily expect readers of the account to agree with (because I didn’t agree with it at the time). Michael meant something very specific by the metaphor, which I explain in the next paragraph. In case my paraphrased explanation wasn’t sufficient, his exact words were:
I think the thing Michael actually meant (right or wrong) is more interesting than a “Hysterical hyperbole!” “Is not!” “Is too!” grudge match.
I guess it’s just not very clear to me why Michael Vassar doesn’t consider them to be highly blameworthy.