A Reversal
The WaPo is reporting that it seems likely the Obama administration will reverse itself on trying Khalid Sheik Mohammed and other 9/11 plotters in civilian courts. If this happens, they will be tried via military tribunals. This may seem like a win for many, and it is a good thing in my opinion, but it appears that this was part of some deal making in order for Congress to fund the closing of Gitmo. Not closing Gitmo is a continuing embarrassment for the President, and he wants it done.
It looks like Sen. Lindsey Graham has been central in these negotiations.
I don't see a reason to make a deal at all. It was becoming increasingly clear that New York City was not going to be a viable option. Everyone there was against it. What other jurisdiction was going to step up? None.
From the beginning the White House placed all the responsibility of the civilian court trial on Attorney General Eric Holder, saying that he hadn't consulted the White House on this decision (which is really hard to believe), but Obama campaigned against the military tribunals, so giving in is embarrassing as well.
Nothing seems to be going Obama's way. That is why this health care bill must pass for him. This is why Gitmo must close. Even with a supermajority Obama couldn't get anything done. Now he will have to resort to tactics that he has decried in the past (reconciliation) and make deals with Republicans to close Gitmo.
No matter. What's important here is that these monsters will be tried in a military tribunal, and not be able to have the circus performance that the civilian court was sure to produce.
It looks like Sen. Lindsey Graham has been central in these negotiations.
I don't see a reason to make a deal at all. It was becoming increasingly clear that New York City was not going to be a viable option. Everyone there was against it. What other jurisdiction was going to step up? None.
From the beginning the White House placed all the responsibility of the civilian court trial on Attorney General Eric Holder, saying that he hadn't consulted the White House on this decision (which is really hard to believe), but Obama campaigned against the military tribunals, so giving in is embarrassing as well.
Nothing seems to be going Obama's way. That is why this health care bill must pass for him. This is why Gitmo must close. Even with a supermajority Obama couldn't get anything done. Now he will have to resort to tactics that he has decried in the past (reconciliation) and make deals with Republicans to close Gitmo.
No matter. What's important here is that these monsters will be tried in a military tribunal, and not be able to have the circus performance that the civilian court was sure to produce.
I think the public is health care burned out. Its alive, it's dead, it's alive again, and so on. Just stick a fork in it and get rid of the whole thing. If they pass it though, I for one will be very pissed.
Reply to this
What would the Democrats do without their favorite Republican and toad, Senator Grahamesty?
Reply to this
As several pundits have noted, and as any casual observer might discover, Graham shares Obama's views on Gitmo and is working with Obama to close it. There are indications that trying KSM via the military is part and parcel of a deal for funding the closure of Gitmo and the opening of a prison in the continental USA--probably in Illinois--to house the Gitmo, and presumably other--murderous jihadists. Apparently Graham thinks all of this is merely a part of the grand old feckless republican process of compromise, which translates as doing whatever the democrats want and getting nothing at all in return.
Trying terrorists in civilian courts is insane, dangerous and so breathtakingly stupid as to defy belief. Closing Gitmo is no less idiotic. To pretend that one must make a bargain, to trade one piece of lunacy dangerous to national security and to the lives of Americans, in order to rescind another piece of equally dangerous and destructive lunacy illustrates the lack of intellect and character of those proposing it.
Refusing to try jihadists in the civilian system, particularly during wartime, is the very least that any American president should demand. Keeping jihadists, in wartime, in a safe and secure prison outside the United States is also the very least that must be done. Sane people do not pat themselves on the back and spend untold millions unnecessarily because they have decided not to do the minimum that rational people should do to protect the people and the nation from some of the most psychopathic killers the world has ever seen.
It's time that Sen. Graham seek another position, perhaps defending terrorist enemies of America. As I understand it, since most of their defenders now work in the Justice Department, there are openings.
Reply to this
My Senator, Good ol' Lindsey, has also been working with John Kerry on carbon caps legislation, and with Chuck Schumer on another amnesty for illegal aliens scheme. But don't blame me I voted for the real Democrat.
Reply to this