There only appear to be three reasons that some "Americans" are opposed to trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other terror suspects on trial in a federal court in Manhattan:
1. "It is dangerous to bring them here." "They might escape or be found not guilty." "It invites another terrorism attack in New York."The bottom line of all these assertions is FEAR. I have zero patience for for Senators, Congressmen, or American citizens playing the fear card here. This country is fully capable of securely transporting, prosecuting, and incarcerating these individuals. If fear is driving your opposition to trials in the Federal Courts in New York then I suggest you toughen up and remember what country you are living in. This nation does not cower in fear at the feet of these terrorist pieces of crap. We stand tall and swiftly prosecute these SOB's and put them to death or put them in a federal maximum security prison for life. To the fear mongering wimps I say either toughen up, shut up, or get the hell out. The only reason these terrorists could be found not guilty is the horrendous decision by the Bush Administration to use torture. We, as a country, cannot torture somebody and then say "Oh well, since we tortured them we cannot bring them to justice because WE used illegal tactics." Holder says he has enough to convict these particular suspects and I believe him. But, if somehow one of these scumbags is found not guilty the feds are prepared to level additional charges, so they will not walk free.
2. "These terrorists should be tried in the military tribunal system."Why? They are not part of any army. They were NOT picked up on the battlefield. They committed an act of terrorism and murdered Americans on American soil. The victims were virtually all civilians. If somebody murders Americans on American soil we prosecute them here. Although some suspects currently held in Guantanamo Bay may be better suited for the modified military tribunal system, these suspects are not. We've tried, convicted terrorists in the past. Again, if you have such little confidence in our system of justice and the dedicated professional prosecutors, then maybe you should be investigating other countries to live where their legal systems are much more restricted and secretive.
3. "It will turn into a show trial and inspire other terrorists."Factually incorrect. Does somebody want to show me the federal judge who will let this turn into a show trial? Khalid Sheikh Mohammed does not get to walk into court and start saying whatever he wants; that's not how it works despite what Pete Hoekstra might want you to believe. Any federal judge is completely capable of maintaining decorum in the courtroom and will find these terrorists in contempt if they try to disrupt the proceedings. If these guys go down as martyrs then so be it. They would be martyrs in either the military or federal system because the outcome will be the same.
FINAL THOUGHTS:I find it fascinating that the opposition to prosecuting and housing these suspects on American soil is skewed heavily towards conservatives. Aren't these supposed to be the "tough guys" who are so "tough on terrorism?" When we finally get ready to give these terrorists a taste of American Justice after 8 years of "dithering" by the Bush Administration, these tough guys start shaking in their boots. The decision by the Obama Administration is 100% correct and 100% what America is all about. If some people want to use half-truths and fear (including Democrats) as their reasons for opposing these trials then that is their right. It is also my right to call them out on it and show why none of their feeble arguments stand up to scrutiny.
I have tremendous sympathy for the families of the victims, but that is exactly what happens to any family who has to go through the trial of a murderer of one their family members here in the U.S. There is no difference in their suffering as compared with the suffering the 9/11 families will soon be going through. It is maddening to see some of the same people from the right who were dissing the 9/11 families for being greedy are now using their suffering as a propaganda tool to oppose the trial taking place in the Federal Court system.
There only appear to be three reasons that some "Americans" are opposed to trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other terror suspects on trial in a federal court in Manhattan:
I must say I am surprised that with the massive money injected into the political process from corporate opponents of healthcare reform, I didn't really expect we'd ever see the day that significant reform would ever make through the House. This was a big day for the average American citizen.
Last week I went to see the new Michael Jackson documentary entitled This Is It. My motivation for going was basic curiosity. I have never been a big Michael Jackson fan, but I thought some of his songs were well produced. Sometimes a curious nature is a good thing because I was beyond impressed with This Is It.
In a follow-up to my scathing critique of Louisiana Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwell, I am ecstatic to report that he has resigned due to public pressure and impending action from the state of Louisiana. He represents the worst of America. In his warped mind he felt that if he could just impose his outdated views upon the rest of society he could fix what is wrong with this country.
Louisiana justice of the peace Keith Bardwell refused to issue a marriage license because the husband and wife are of different races. Really? In 2009? Yeah, it's true. Check it out here. Another gem of the deep south shines a light on his own stupidity. Just because he is against interracial marriage in no way entitles Mr.Bardwell to deny U.S. citizens to legally marry.
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