Habeas Corpus? Psht, don't you know this is America!?

On January 22, 2009, President Obama signed an executive order suspending Guantanamo Military Commission activities for 120 days and to shut down the detention center within a year. Of course, does Congress agree? Heavens no! The first regular spending bill for 2010 passed by Congress in June (almost six months after the initial order was signed) contained a stipulation that $0 of the $100 billion war spending bill can be used to close Guantanamo. (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/48560027.html)

Not so easily deterred, the Obama administration has already transferred one suspect to be tried in New York and another nine to other countries, probably not to stand trial (let’s hear it for habeas corpus and due process).

Now, everyone is still arguing about what to do with the 229 remaining detainees. Not surprisingly, we’re having a hard time getting other countries to take our prisoners. As the rest of the world is taking a if-you-don’t-want-them-neither-do-we approach to detainees held at Guantanamo, I find it strange that while we can’t find a place for four Muslim men to be held and stand trial in the U.S., Bermuda is willing to take them!? (That can’t possibly be good for tourism.)

As Cynthia Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution put it, “The United States imprisons a larger share of its population than any other country in the world, but we can’t imprison the remaining dangerous detainees in maximum-security facilities on continental soil?” (http://www.yobserver.com/opinions/10016807.html)

That could actually be the best solution for everyone, given that there is at least one detainee who doesn’t even want to go home (not that he really wants to stay here either). (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/guantanamo/story/1131895.html)

Not to mention, we have the facilities in place already. The Mayor of Marion, IL is now backing the idea to move several detainees to the local federal penitentiary. The prison, built in 1963 was the new Alcatraz at the time and held some of America’s most infamous criminals, including John Gotti. Granted, the neighbors aren’t thrilled, but if you’re moving to an area for its “security” are you really going to move within 10 miles of a prison? I’m not saying terrorists aren’t scary, I’m just saying that our prisoners can be pretty damned scary too. If you don’t know who John Gotti is, read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gotti

So will Guantanamo really be closed by the end of the year? Will this, rather embarrassing, chapter of our country’s history finally be over? Doubtful. The Justice Department is currently conducting a review of its options on what to do with the rest of the detainees, which was supposed to be completed by July 21. More than likely the deadline will be extended (until who knows when) since the review probably won’t be finished. (Surprise, surprise.) (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090707/ap_on_go_co/us_guantanamo_detainees)

SIDENOTE: In my 7/1 blog on Al Franken and the Scary Supermajority I recommended the movie “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”. I am re-recommending the movie now and also giving you the chance to watch it free in downtown Campbell.
Where: The parking lot behind Orchard Valley Coffee (across from Katie Bloom’s)
When: 7/24/09 at sundown (approximately 8:30pm)
http://www.artsopolis.com/event/detail/51837