The Closing of Guantanamo Bay
This issue is complicated, so let's break it up into smaller issues:
1. Should terrorists be detained?
A. Yes.
2. Should terrorists be detained indefinitely?
A. Confirmed terrorists, Yes.
3. Should terrorists be tortured?
A. Honestly, this is a tough question to answer. If you watch enough 24, you begin to think that those who oppose torture are crazy idealists who don't see the big picture. I am confident that information has been extracted via torture that has saved many innocent lives. Does this make it right? If it is confirmed that the terrorist is responsible for x number of lives and the terrorist most likely has information that would tremendously aid in the war against terror (i.e. save innocent lives), is torturing appropriate? Hmmm...that is a tough one...let's label this one "undecided."
4. Should innocent people be detained indefinitely?
A. No. In my opinion, there clearly has to be a way for an innocent person to prove his/her innocence (regardless of their nationality). Detaining innocent people is never appropriate.
5. Given the answer to 4, should potential detainees be given access to our court systems?
Absolutely not. Giving potential detainees access to the court system would require the evidence against the detainee to be declassified or potentially leaked. Any appeal process (or trial) must occur within the Armed Forces where confidentiality can be maintained.
Given the answers to all of the above questions, I would probably lean towards keeping Guantanamo open with a fair appeal/trial system. I trust Obama is not dumb enough to let confirmed terrorists go free...and I also hope he doesn't give them access to our court systems. It will be interesting to see what actually happens. If the restrictions are loosened and terrorists go home only to turn around and join the forces of Al Queda, Obama will have committed political suicide. My guess is he won't end up taking that risk. If Guantanamo actually closes, another facility will likely replace it under a similar premise. I don't see how much will change.
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