Gitmo, Illinois

Our very own Congressman Charlie Dent wrote an interesting op-ed piece last week headlined "Closing Guantanamo Bay Would Weaken Our Security". Debate on this issue is certainly timely. Executive Order 13492 mandates closing the Terrorist Detention Facility at Gitmo this month which, of course, is not going to happen.

Charlie lists only one reason for closing Gitmo - "The facility is seen by some as a symbol of torture and as a propaganda tool for al-Quaida." But, Charlie counters, "If it weren't using Gitmo for propaganda purposes, (al-Quaida) would find something else like our religious freedom or women's rights." Further, "This is no Abu Ghraib. While Pennsylvanians struggle to feed their families, detainees get a daily 6,500 calorie diet and most have access to classes, sports, TV, and even video games."

Way to hit the hot buttons there, Charlie! Scum who don't believe in religious freedom or human rights get an all-inclusive "vacation" in a tropical paradise with classes, sports, TV, and video games (not to mention hors d'oevures and an open bar at the Manager's Nightly Reception) all paid for by "Pennsylvanians struggling to feed their families". Of course, the 6,500 daily caloric intake will probably kill them all off eventually. But what a way to go!

Worse yet, Charlie tells us, "President Obama intends to move about 100 of these terrorists from Gitmo, Cuba, 500 miles south of Miami to Thomson, IL (Gitmo II), 150 miles west of Chicago. Charlie concludes, "We have a suitable place for them (the terrorists) at Gitmo. Don't move Gitmo to Illinois."

Good thinking, Charlie. Illinoisans will be beating down the doors for those free classes, sports, TV, video games and lining up for that 6,500 calorie buffet. The terrorists may escape (though I can't see why they would want to) in the confusion.

But seriously, folks, and emotions aside... Even war criminals have the right to a fair, public trial, to confront their accusers and to legal counsel. It's what we did after all our wars. Would a fair, public trial, in-person accusation, and access to defense counsel be as possible in Guantanamo, Cuba as it is in Thomson, Illinois? That is the question.

Until that is decided, this struggling Pennsylvanian wouldn't mind packing my swimsuit and sunscreen for a trip to Gitmo, Cuba. I heard that Lobster Newburg is on the menu tonight.