Why do liberal democrats protect terrorists?
While socialized Obamacare is in the headlights, our lame-stream media - ignoring most of the facts about the Obama/Pelosi/Reid plan (how did Reid get a 2,000 page Obamacare bill out so fast?) - has mostly ignored Wednesday’s Senate Judicial meeting with Eric Holder about his decision to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in criminal courts instead of military tribunals. David Beamer, the father of murdered Todd Beamer by KSM from United Airlines Flight 93, was allowed to sit in Wednesdays Senate meeting.
What you learn from Mr. Beamer’s story is that our liberal democrats give two “you-know-whats” about our country or our safety and the sheep mentality has taken over not just the sheep here at this blog site, but in Washington. However, what is most surprising about this meeting is where Eric Holder said he didn’t discuss this with his boss, is clueless how soldiers will give Miranda Rights to foreign speaking soldiers, or the outcome from exposed intelligence to our enemies from these public courts.
What happened on Wednesday, and may be why Obama won’t add troops to our much needed “war of necessity” (any LCAT remember that campaign promise to get you to vote for Obama?) and refuses to follow our constitution, just might be why he won the Nobel Peace Prize. By giving our narcissist US president the Peace Prize, the committee that determines the winner of that prestigious prize is keeping their fingers crossed that Obama will not add troops and will allow a KSM court hearing constitutionally allowed for US citizens. Chew on that for a while! And all you liberals? Read Beamer’s story first for a change.
By DAVID BEAMER WSJ 11/21/09
On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee met to question Attorney General Eric Holder about his decision to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others in criminal courts rather than military tribunals. As the father of Todd Beamer, who died on United Airlines Flight 93, I was able to attend that hearing. What transpired caused me great concern and shook my confidence in our current administration.
The committee, chaired by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D., Vt.), displayed the division in our country not only visually—the Democrats were seated on the left and the Republicans on the right—but in every aspect of the proceedings. I expected that some members would agree with Mr. Holder and that others would have challenging questions about his decision. What I did not anticipate was the level of partisanship showed by the majority party. It seemed clear to me and other family members of victims that party loyalty is trumping concern for America's security interests.
In his opening remarks, Attorney General Holder acknowledged that these defendants could have been brought to trial in civilian court or before military tribunals. But he made the argument that trying them in our criminal courts would restore the integrity of our judicial system. He assured us that the trials would be quick, that the safety of New Yorkers would be paramount, that classified information would not be revealed, that the evidence was overwhelming, and that justice would be served.
Then he said that the USS Cole attackers would be tried in military courts since they attacked our military. So how does Mr. Holder categorize the Pentagon? Inexplicably, he offered up the body count of 9/11, the fact that civilian deaths outnumbered military ones, as a rationale for his decision.
Then the Republican members proceeded to ask Mr. Holder thoughtful questions. Some examples:
How can we be assured that these enemies will be found guilty? Given that criminal courts are now the presumed venue for those captured on the battlefield; will soldiers need to read them their rights at the time of capture? Since you wish to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis to the presumed civil venue, don't all those captured need to be read their rights and have the opportunity to remain silent? Won't this venue expose intelligence to our enemies? Can our classified information really be secured? Can we in fact predict how the judge will rule? If these people are brought into the country will they get additional rights under immigration law? What if they claim asylum?
The attorney general seemed bewildered in the face of these inquiries. Recurring themes in his responses included "I think," and "I can't imagine," and "I am not an expert in immigration."
Has our attorney general not considered these issues, or imagined the possible unintended consequences that will arise from his historic decision? It certainly seemed that way. If he had, he would have had better answers.
A second shocker: Mr. Holder said that he and his boss had not spoken in person about this decision. This matter only involves upholding the constitutional rights of Americans, establishing a precedent with battlefield impact, and the safety and security of our citizens in a time of war. What are the criteria to make something a priority with President Barack Obama? How can it be that this matter didn't make the cut?
The Democrats used much of their questioning time to heap praise upon Mr. Holder. They all repeated the same trope: We'll show the world that America can conduct these trials openly in criminal courts. And we'll be successful, even as we convey rights to the defendants that are not warranted.
Since when has "show the world" been a primary objective?
No thoughtful questions from the majority party regarding this decision were forthcoming. Their questions mostly addressed other matters. They discussed overcrowding in our prisons (too many drug criminals being sentenced), asked why none of the $500 million in appropriations have helped the rape-kit processing backlog, and inquired about when recommendations for additional staff would be presented for confirmation. Their lack of attention to the pressing matter at hand suggested apathy.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) did ask a question about how many the trials will cost. Clearly there will be expense incurred if this does go to trial in New York City. The early, and by no means complete, estimate is that it will cost $75 million for the first year. Mr. Schumer did not express any concern about the costs involved but only asked the attorney general for assurance that all would be covered by federal funds. This question was promptly and explicitly answered in the affirmative by Mr. Holder. After all, this is a rather modest amount by Washington standards.
Our enemies must be thrilled. We are willingly handing them an opportunity to inflict economic harm on New York City, keep their cause in the headlines, gather new intelligence, create new terror strategies, stimulate recruiting, celebrate new-found rights, and foist a fresh round of pain and suffering upon their victims.
This decision is September 11, the sequel. It is my hope that Mr. Holder will reconsider.
A final observation: During the proceedings a young lady, dutifully attentive, sat with a stack of paper about 15 inches high on her lap. The papers contained names, single spaced, of some 100,000 people who signed a letter in opposition to this decision. This young woman, Jill Regan, lost her dad, Donald J. Regan, FDNY of the Bronx, who died trying to save others on 9/11. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R., Al.) asked that those names be entered into the record at the end of the session. It was agreed, but by that time the chairmen and most of the Democrats were already gone. I grieved for her—and for all of us—anew.
Mr. Beamer is the father of Todd Beamer, who died on United Airlines Flight 93 on 9/11.
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60 Comments
jmark - Nov 22, 2009 12:09 PM
"O'Donnell: Some of the victims' families of 9/11 have indicated that they're not pleased with this move to New York. How do you react to this?
Breitweiser: I think those families seem to be indicating a sense of anger or fear. And I think really, to be feeling those types of things, it doesn't fit my personality. I think that that's bowing to the terrorists."
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/cspanjunkie/911-widow-kristen-breitweiser-911-terr
jhayett - Nov 22, 2009 12:42 PM
This blog is not about ones opinion, but what Mr Beamer found and heard while at the Senate meeting for questions to Eric Holder and the KSM trial: "A second shocker: Mr. Holder said that he and his boss had not spoken in person about this decision. This matter only involves upholding the constitutional rights of Americans, establishing a precedent with battlefield impact, and the safety and security of our citizens in a time of war. What are the criteria to make something a priority with President Barack Obama? How can it be that this matter didn't make the cut?"
What Mr. Holder said is what is most amazing. Not what ones opinions from a person who wasn't at the hearings.
Proud Progressive - Nov 22, 2009 2:22 PM
jhayett - Nov 22, 2009 2:53 PM
This blog and the facts are about violating our constitution by today’s liberal democrats in office by allowing a civil trial in our country for military enemies when our courts are for US citizens. The obviously bias Senate meeting was also about how do our soldiers give Miranda Rights to foreign soldiers, how much of our intell. will be exposed to an enemy that wants to kill you as much as me, and how such a disgraceful trial will embolden our enemy. All while KSM admitted to the cowardly and murderous acts on 9/11 and was ready to be put to death.
As I said in my opening statement: please liberals, read the blog before you comment for a change.
referee33 - Nov 22, 2009 3:21 PM
jhayett - Nov 22, 2009 3:35 PM
Christian Democrat - Nov 22, 2009 4:12 PM
Jim, do you know the difference between a CIVIL trial and a CRIMINAL trial? This trial for KSM will not be a "civil" trial, and this act was not against our military - it was against our country. Our country that these people attacked because they do not agree with our laws, with our beliefs, with our lifestyle and our government. For the US to disregard the basic legal system and fundamental ideals of who we are would completely undermine everything we stand for. I sympathize with Mr Beamer, and understand his emotional response to this issue.
And Jim, it sounds as though you are stating that a person must be a US citizen in order to be prosecuted in our court of law. Is that what you are saying?
referee33 - Nov 22, 2009 5:58 PM
How did Reid get this health care bill put together so fast? Maybe he followed the lead of Jim Sensenbrenner, who foisted the Patriot Act on us in 42 days. Think maybe a lot of that bill was already written, just waiting for the opportunity to ram it through?
jhayett - Nov 22, 2009 6:08 PM
Christian Democrat - Nov 22, 2009 6:47 PM
You are always going on about America, how this country is so great - but yet, you do not think our judicial system, our Constitution, is up to par to condemn our enemies? We cannot undermine our laws, our high standards, just because this particular enemy is by far our worst yet....
jhayett - Nov 22, 2009 7:01 PM
CNN's John King on Thursday claimed Attorney General Eric Holder intentionally avoided Sen. Lindsey Graham's "stumping" question during the previous day's Senate Judiciary Committtee hearing because he didn't want to admit that trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other 9/11 suspects in a criminal courtroom is indeed precedent setting.
SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM, (R-S.C): Can you give me a case in United States history where a enemy combatant caught on a battlefield was tried in civilian court?
ERIC HOLDER, ATTORNEY GENERAL: I don't know. I'd have to look at that. I think that, you know, the determination I've made –
GRAHAM: We're making history here, Mr. Attorney General. I'll answer it for you. The answer is no.
HOLDER: Well, I think –
GRAHAM: The Ghailani case -- he was indicted for the Cole bombing before 9/11. And I didn't object to it going into federal court. But I'm telling you right now. We're making history and we're making bad history. And let me tell you why.
jhayett - Nov 22, 2009 7:06 PM
JOHN KING, CNN: Well, let me do it in reverse order. I'll run it Sunday, there's my promise to you and we'll talk about it on "State of the Union." Here's my, I don't like to read minds. We've had this conversation in the past. But, here's my bet, 21 years Washington experience. He knew the answer to the question. He just wasn't going to say it because he did not want, he did not want to be the one saying this is the first time we've ever done this because that adds to the. Look, this is controversial. This is a big deal. This is a risk for the Administration.
Let's say you opinion is fact and correct CD. What damage will come from those trials that have never been tried before in the US? Did Obama, Holder, or any other liberal you stand behind think what damage this will do to our CIA, FBI, and all our military intelligence (that may be an oxymoron. Joke there CD)? How new propaganda will take place after these trials when all we had to do was accept KSM's plea and his death sentence. What's wrong with accepting that plea CD???
Christian Democrat - Nov 23, 2009 9:08 AM
It may not be the best option, but it is the one that will allow us to hold our heads high before the entire world. Accepting KSM's plea and allowing him to be put to death to become a matryr for his cause will help no one but the terrorists we are trying to protect ourselves from. We are a strong, proud nation - let's act like it by standing behind the laws we live by.
Compridious - Nov 23, 2009 12:19 PM
Since the Congress has not officially declared "war" are we at war?
How was the first attack on the World Trade Center handled, in a court of law or by a military tribunal?
Marie R - Nov 23, 2009 2:18 PM
How can our President or any American for that matter think that this is ok?? Why parade guilty terrorists around the destruction they cause NY? They pleaded guilty, accepted the death penality...case closed! why are we trying them?
And WHY are we paying an absurd amount to do it?
I have lost total faith in our government.
jhayett - Nov 23, 2009 2:54 PM
EX PARTE QUIRIN
317 U.S. 1 (1942)
The Government challenges each of these propositions. But regardless of their merits, it also insists that petitioners must be denied access to the courts, both because they are enemy aliens or have entered our territory as enemy belligerents, and because the President's Proclamation undertakes in terms to deny such access to the class of persons defined by the Proclamation, which aptly describes the character and conduct of petitioners. It is urged that if they are enemy aliens or if the Proclamation has force no court may afford the petitioners a hearing. But there is certainly nothing in the Proclamation to preclude access to the courts for determining its applicability to the particular case. "By a long course of practical administrative construction by its military authorities, our Government has recognized that those who during time of war pass surreptitiously from enemy territory into our own, discarding their uniforms upon entry, for the commission of hostile acts involving destruction of life or property, have the status of unlawful combatants punishable as such by military commission. This precept of the law of war has been so recognized in practice both here and abroad, and has so generally been accepted as valid by authorities on international law that we think it must be regarded as a rule or principle of the law of war recognized by this Government by its enactment of the Fifteenth Article of War. "
Christian Democrat - Nov 23, 2009 4:34 PM
And Marie, of course they plead guilty and accepted the death penalty. They want to be martyrs for their cause. They want to be executed by the US government, in order to recruit more like them. What better way to ignite their passion then to die publicly at the hands of America for their cause? We cannot give in to that. We must stand firm and hold them accountable within our legal system. To do anything less would be to undermine everything we stand for as a nation.
ahemmer - Nov 23, 2009 4:52 PM
Look at what Eric Holder and Co. have planned:
From Newsweek:
"Attorney General Eric Holder acknowledged on Wednesday a previously unspoken proviso to the controversial decision to try alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four co-conspirators in a federal court in New York: even if the defendants are somehow acquitted, they will still stay behind bars.
Holder's comments at a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee would seem to turn the criminal-justice system on its head. The whole point of a criminal trial is to determine guilt—and if the government fails to make its case beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant walks free.
At least that's the way the system usually works."
So the terrorists, if found "not guilty" remain behind bars? Is that how our legal system won't be undermined? What is the point of trying these terrorists in the first place? To give them a platform? To present a case against Bush? What?
jhayett - Nov 23, 2009 7:05 PM
The Government challenges each of these propositions. But regardless of their merits, it also insists that petitioners must be denied access to the courts, both because they are enemy aliens or have entered our territory as enemy belligerents, and because the President's Proclamation undertakes in terms to deny such access to the class of persons defined by the Proclamation, which aptly describes the character and conduct of petitioners. It is urged that if they are enemy aliens or if the Proclamation has force no court may afford the petitioners a hearing. But there is certainly nothing in the Proclamation to preclude access to the courts for determining its applicability to the particular case. "By a long course of practical administrative construction by its military authorities, our Government has recognized that those who during time of war pass surreptitiously from enemy territory into our own, discarding their uniforms upon entry, for the commission of hostile acts involving destruction of life or property, have the status of unlawful combatants punishable as such by military commission. This precept of the law of war has been so recognized in practice both here and abroad, and has so generally been accepted as valid by authorities on international law that we think it must be regarded as a rule or principle of the law of war recognized by this Government by its enactment of the Fifteenth Article of War. "
Christian Democrat - Nov 23, 2009 7:34 PM
As for this trial vs military tribunal, do you realize that there have been over 100 criminal trials for terrorists since 9/11 under the Bush administration? Were those wrong too, or does this only apply under Obama's term?