The Trial of Terrorists in NYC vs. Gitmo

[Andy A]

I am interested in what SoWaller's opinions are regarding the movement of the trials of the five terrorists from military jurisdiction to the American civil court system. Do you approve and why?
For the record, I do not approve as they were detained on foreign soil under military conditions, for the most part. My opinion is that they should be tried by military tribunal. What is yours and why?

 

[scooterbug44]

I do not care if they are tried by military tribunal or civilian jury, as long as they ARE given a trial.

Why do you prefer a tribunal? My guess is that there will be strict rules as to what is and is not admissable in court if clearance/confidentiality is an issue.

 

[AlphaCrab]

I do not want them to be court marshalled by a military tribunal. The undercurrent conversation in D.C. right now is the this is the way for Obama/Holder to indirectly further expose aspects of the criminality of Bush/Cheney regime, under oath and for the world to see.

An American public trial will sink both the 5 terrorist and possibly Bush /Cheney at the same time, and they will all get what they deserve! :angry:

 

[BeachSteelers]

Put them all on a drone aircraft that disappears in the Bermuda Triangle on the flight to NYC. Otherwise it's going to be the OJ trial on Roids for the media. They don't deserve the rights our citizens have and we should never have taken prisioners in this war!

 

[Andy A]

I do not care if they are tried by military tribunal or civilian jury, as long as they ARE given a trial.

Why do you prefer a tribunal? My guess is that there will be strict rules as to what is and is not admissable in court if clearance/confidentiality is an issue.

You hit one of my concerns exactly and probably the most important one.
Too many times I have seen our military and intelligence operatives put in harm's way because of information leaked, given out unnecessarily or outright sold to those intent on doing us in. I am strongly suspect of what may come out in this type trial vs. what would come out in a military trial where there are more safeguards regarding classified information.
Whether you like to admit it or not, there is a place for classified information in our society. It protects those putting their lives on the line for our benefit, in many cases.

 

[Blair]

Didnt KSM already confess he was the mastermind????

OF course...he was coerced by Dick Cheney....

FIRING SQUAD!!!!

 

[Smiling JOe]

Honestly, I don't keep up with all of it. I do question why the Federal Government stripped our rights granted in the Founding Documents, (via Patriot Act) in order to capture "terrorists" who they can hold indefinitely according the Patriot Act, but then suddenly, they throw the "terrorist" into civil court. That doesn't make sense to me.

My understanding is that the other terrorists still on the loose, will be able to have access to evidence from which they can learn how to avoid capture. A military trial would not be released as public information.

 

[30ashopper]

I find it odd that we are entitling these people with the same right we all have under the Constitution. But generally I could care less, as long as the government doesn't screw up the case. If they do, it will be the end of Obama's short rein of power, the American public will impeach him for the mistake.

I do also agree with Alpha, this smacks of politics. When all hell is breaking lose in the country over the economy and all the debt, you need a good distraction, KSM or OJ will do just fine. I'm guess Holder had that in mind when he made the decision. (Which is pretty pathetic IMHO, risking these guys being set free for political gain is, well, selfish to say the least.)

 

[Lynnie]

I know this has been a difficulty for many who experienced a loss on that day.....it's hard for me to place myself in their shoes. Even those who did not directly have a loss grieved. We all felt a loss.

I agree with Andy from the respect of military tribunal and a lot of material from these trials should be classified. However, it wasn't a military event that took place. It was an attack on US Civilian life in every respect, but also an attack on our government. It's very complicated IMHO.

When my family had to relive a death through a criminal trial, we became stronger, more compassionate, but couldn't wait for it to be over. There was healing for all of us.

 

[30A Skunkape]

Let them face Judge Judy.