Friday the 13th kindles fear in many people. According to Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Ashville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people are affected by a fear of this day. Although several theories exist as to the origin of the superstition and the extent of its impact, no one claims to have empirical data that Freaky Friday actually does anyone harm. That is until Friday, November 13th 2009 – the day Attorney General, Eric Holder announced that he will try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his co-conspirators in a New York City Courtroom. On this day, Friday the 13th may well be remembered as the day its superstitious claims prove to be valid after all.
The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights affords certain privileges and rights to the citizens of this nation. Among them, and with regard to crime, the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right insuring a citizen can’t be compelled to be a witness against himself. These and other protections are designed to guarantee due process for the good of the people of this great land. The Citizen and his welfare is the primary concern for which the Constitution is given.
Consider the Preamble to the Constitution:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Clearly, the framers had no intention of granting these rights to citizens of other nations, nor could they, for only in America could this Constitution be guaranteed, extended, and preserved. These five terrorists acted as illegal combatants in an undeclared war. They wore no uniform and were authorized by no country. For these and other reasons they have no rights under the Geneva Conventions, International Law, or the Constitution.
The idea of bringing 9/11 terrorist into the United States for prosecution is arguably the worst decision this administration has made to date and the people of America have said so. According to a recent Rasmussen poll 51% of Americans oppose bringing the KSM gang into the country for trial while only 29% favor the move. Similarly, a CNN poll determined that 64% of Americans prefer them to have a military tribunal while 34% prefer a civilian trial.
There seems to be no end to the irresponsible decisions this administration is willing to make. The promise to close Gitmo, the push for financial suicide in health care reform, and the groveling bows to leaders in Saudi Arabia and Japan to name a few do not encourage much hope for a nation promised “hope and change.” Last Friday was the last of the Friday the 13ths this year. Whether its events prove unfortunate is yet to be seen. Perhaps a Tuesday in some upcoming Novembers will bring the real hope and change we so desperately need.
The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights affords certain privileges and rights to the citizens of this nation. Among them, and with regard to crime, the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right insuring a citizen can’t be compelled to be a witness against himself. These and other protections are designed to guarantee due process for the good of the people of this great land. The Citizen and his welfare is the primary concern for which the Constitution is given.
Consider the Preamble to the Constitution:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Clearly, the framers had no intention of granting these rights to citizens of other nations, nor could they, for only in America could this Constitution be guaranteed, extended, and preserved. These five terrorists acted as illegal combatants in an undeclared war. They wore no uniform and were authorized by no country. For these and other reasons they have no rights under the Geneva Conventions, International Law, or the Constitution.
The idea of bringing 9/11 terrorist into the United States for prosecution is arguably the worst decision this administration has made to date and the people of America have said so. According to a recent Rasmussen poll 51% of Americans oppose bringing the KSM gang into the country for trial while only 29% favor the move. Similarly, a CNN poll determined that 64% of Americans prefer them to have a military tribunal while 34% prefer a civilian trial.
There seems to be no end to the irresponsible decisions this administration is willing to make. The promise to close Gitmo, the push for financial suicide in health care reform, and the groveling bows to leaders in Saudi Arabia and Japan to name a few do not encourage much hope for a nation promised “hope and change.” Last Friday was the last of the Friday the 13ths this year. Whether its events prove unfortunate is yet to be seen. Perhaps a Tuesday in some upcoming Novembers will bring the real hope and change we so desperately need.
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