Somehow we doubt we'll hear the same moral denunciations we once heard about Mr. Bush's policies. The Europeans are mute about Guantanamo, and Newsweek hasn't come up with any more pseudo-scoops about Gitmo guards desecrating the Quran. Mr. Holder made clear he's not about to apologize, much less thank his predecessors for their foresight, but we suppose his vindication of Guantanamo is enough.
The editorial refers to the Obama Administration's decision to hold military tribunals at Guantanamo for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other alleged plotters of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Plans to bring them to justice in NY's federal court were derailed by Independent (liberal) Mayor of NY Michael Bloomberg, Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, and the Democratic Congress.
In summary, President Bush's critics shot their mouths off, with the nation at war, before factoring security and logistical concerns into their plans. When Democrats had the power to do everything they shrieked that evil Republicans weren't doing, they balked, and used it to uphold the very policies they denounced. Reality exposed their criticism for what it was: the self-serving prattle of pharisaical political opportunists. It's a pity for the country, lovers of fair play, and the nation's moral fiber that this kind of skulduggery nearly always works for Democrats. Moral hazard among politicians is killing American politics just as surely as moral hazard among bankers nearly killed the American economy.
In summary, President Bush's critics shot their mouths off, with the nation at war, before factoring security and logistical concerns into their plans. When Democrats had the power to do everything they shrieked that evil Republicans weren't doing, they balked, and used it to uphold the very policies they denounced. Reality exposed their criticism for what it was: the self-serving prattle of pharisaical political opportunists. It's a pity for the country, lovers of fair play, and the nation's moral fiber that this kind of skulduggery nearly always works for Democrats. Moral hazard among politicians is killing American politics just as surely as moral hazard among bankers nearly killed the American economy.
Noman would only add one date to following timeline. President Obama accepted the Nobal Peace Prize on December 10, 2009 for "creat[ing] a new climate in international politics."
Detainee U-Turn | How a Decision for U.S. Trials Was Undone
June 12, 2008
Then-Sen. Barack Obama praises Supreme Court ruling that Guantanamo detainees have a right to challenge their status in U.S. civilian courts
'Our courts have employed habeas corpus with rigor and fairness for more than two centuries, and we must continue to do so as we defend the freedom that violent extremists seek to destroy.'
Mr. Obama called the ruling 'a rejection of the Bush administration's attempt to create a legal black hole at Guantanamo.'
Jan. 22, 2009
President Obama signs executive order requiring Guantanamo to be closed within one year.
'Guantanamo will be closed no later than one year from now,' he said at the signing ceremony.
Nov. 13, 2009
Obama administration announces plans to prosecute self-described Sept. 11 mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, in a Manhattan federal courtroom.
Jan. 27, 2010
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he opposes a Manhattan trial for Sept. 11 plotters, a reversal from his previous position.
Dec. 22, 2010
Congress passes $725 billion defense authorization bill that blocks transfer of Guantanamo detainees to U.S.
April 4, 2011
Justice Department announces Mohammed and four other alleged Sept. 11 plotters will be tried at Guantanamo, reversing previous plans for trials in New York.
Attorney General Eric Holder:
'As the indictment unsealed today reveals, we were prepared to bring a powerful case against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his four co-conspirators… Now, unfortunately, since I made that decision, members of Congress have intervened and imposed restrictions blocking the administration from bringing any Guantanamo detainees to trial in the United States, regardless of the venue.'
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