The Justice Department and the White House are said to be considering scraping their plan to bring KSM and 4 other 9/11 teeror suspect to New York City for trial and to have them brought before a military tribunal in Gitmo.
Not only is the practical thing to do, it preserves the American legal system for actual criminal and civial matters, it keeps dangerous persons from walking our streets (even in custody), it prevents access to them by lawyers and sympathizers, and it saves a ton of money. Presumably the move to Thomson would not be necessary either.
There's only one small detail, This is not a done deal. Everyone is on board except the President. In his typical style of procrastination, it is reported that his decision "is weeks away." Remember the Afghan surge decision?
Constitutionally, this is not his decision to make. It belongs squarely to the Congress, but they have chosen through inaction to let the President do it - just as they did with Bush. It would be nice to see the Congress define the process as they are Constitutionally charged to do - and avoid future disputes like this one, but as long as the tribunals are held and conducted at Gitmo, we all win.
Since they have left the decision to the President, let's hope he can do what his advisors are recommending.
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With respect... The President is inept. He and his party of slackers need to be neutered in the next election... But that just my opinion.
Gee, Steve what a novel idea. I am afraid this administration is not into saving millions of US dollars...
A trail in NY would have been great press for the Enemy combatants. What was the purpose of having the trial in NY in the first place?
2 years of trials will be devistating for NY City. Even if the feds pick up the security tab, the city will suffer in revenue lost in tourist dollars as well as real estate values
Wayne and Lynda,
An opinion shared by the majority of Americans. :)
Steve
Paul,
The money savings is secondary to doing the right thing. Of course, up until now, they have been willing to do the wrong thing, and at an enormous financial cost. :)
Steve
Geoff,
I would say the trial in NYC was based on the desire to have publicity, to show the world how fair we can be, and a misreading of the events in question. :)
Steve
Wallace,
And they are talking about this lasting for years. On the other hand, a couple of days at a military tribunal ought to be enough to convict them. :)
STeve
I wish Lindsay Graham was more vocal on this. He was a military/JAG attorney and can really shed some light on this for the benefit of the public!!
Wallace,
Lindsay Graham is such a loose cannon, we're better off when he doesn't say anything. :)
Steve