A SAFER AMERICA? (THE SEQUEL)

On my last post, one of my regular readers and followers, Ralph, who writes GEORGIA MOUNTAINS AND BEYOND (title is a clickable link), disagreed with some of my assertions. Take the time to pay Ralph a visit. He writes about political issues, but also about happenings in his own life. A little heads-up here: Ralph and I are pretty much opposites politically so don't go there expecting another "me"! Ralph also always has a spectacular photograph from the area where he lives at the top of his blog that he changes periodically.

Here's a repost of Ralph's comment:

"Dirk, Gitmo needs to be closed. Most of those folks have been held with no charges for years. They aren't going to turn them loose. The Sec of Defense and most military people have been calling for it to be closed and the prisoners dealt with one way or the other. Even the folks running the place say it should be closed. We are a better country than, say China, or Iran, or any of the others like them. We don't hold people without charges as they do. This mess is already costing us millions and will continue to. Let's resolve it now and use the money elsewhere."

I won't get into the debate on how the prisoners of war have been held without charges and so on, and the difference between the military justice system during wartime and the civilian justice system, except for one thing. During wartime, POW's or enemy combatants are typically held for the duration of the war. Other countries do the same. Many of our World War II POW's, for example, stayed POW's until the end of the war, or until Allied forces freed them.

The main thing I wanted to say was in response to Ralph's statement, "They aren't going to turn them loose." Actually, some of them will be, according to President Obama himself. According to an article in the Times Online, RELIGHTING THE BEACON: PRESIDENT OBAMA ORDERS CLOSURE OF GUANTANAMO, "The detainees will be divided into three categories: those that can be sent back to their home countries, others who can face trial on US soil, and detainees such as Mohammed that “we cannot transfer to other countries . . . but we cannot try because of various problems related to evidence”, Mr Obama said. "

This article was posted today. The release of any of these terrorists is, in Washington political-speak, is totally unacceptable. Letting any of these people out will only ensure they will continue their terrorist activities against the "Zionist infidels". I think their release will also boost their morale in continuing their "Holy War" against us.

Thank you Ralph for reading, following, and commenting. I appreciate it and always enjoy the conversation!