I’m so happy. The U.S. Supreme Court just ruled that detainees at Guantanamo have a right to file habeas corpus petitions in U.S. courts. (They must have been convinced by the Guantanamo Cell Tour.) I’m happy because this is the best way to determine who should be given a fair trial and who should be released.
I’m unhappy though because the military commissions are still on the books and therefore unfair trials are still in the works. But this ruling is progress. The crucial thing now is to make sure Congress does not try to pass bad legislation in response.
I just looked at Lindsey Graham’s website, and his statement contains this chilling line: “I will also explore the possibility, if necessary, of a constitutional amendment to blunt the effect of this decision when it comes to protecting our men and women in the military and our nation as a whole.”
Can someone, anyone, please present (you can post it right in the comments section of this post) a logical and factual argument that shows why denying people fundamental legal rights makes members of the U.S. military and the U.S. as a whole, safer?
Can someone please also offer a logical and factual argument that shows how torturing people makes members of the U.S. military and the U.S. as a whole, safer?
Otherwise, it’s just rhetoric, plain and simple.
Go ahead, surprise me! My mind is open to being persuaded, but the burden of proof is on you–I’m for following the law.
