Hi MDC,
I'm confident in our military's ability to wage war - a non-trivial thing - it's trillions of $$ and millions of Americans doing their job - we'll win this thing, without doubt.
My skepticism is always of gov't overreach in general and this administration in particular.
Our administration officials tend to lie about the tribunals. Al Gonzoles, the president's counsel, said Friday they'll be held "the same as UCMJ courts-martials", but absolutely not true. Death sentences require unanimous UCMJ court, but Bush's tribunals could execute w. only two of a five-member court; are not appealable on issues of fact and law; and apply broadly not only non-US citizens but includes anyone who has "harbored" someone who has ever prepared terrorist acts.
nytimes.com
I'm in agreement with a broad net to grab everyone possible, since our FBI and intel agencies are having trouble finding them. Even keep them for lengthy periods to allow full investigation.
But be suspicious of executions. Let that take whatever time it takes. I'm unafraid of the nonsense of "platform for propaganda" for these terrorists; it hasn't worked w. the other WTC bombers that went to trial and were found guilty, and it won't work w. these.
More historical perspective on that issue:
>"Robert Fisk (The Independent) reminds us that Winston Churchill, taking "the Bush view of his enemies," preferred "straightforward execution" of the Nazi leaders.
But even though they had caused 50 million deaths - 10,000 times more, Fisk reckons, than the victims of Black Tuesday - the Nazi murderers were given a trial. Why? Because US President Truman felt that "Undiscriminating executions or punishments without definite findings of guilt fairly arrived at, would not fit easily on the American conscience or be remembered by our children with pride."
jang-group.com |
