Good idea to move Gitmo detainees to Illinois prison?
The Thomson Correctional Facility in Thompson, Illinois. President Obama has announced that the prison will be home to roughly 100 prisoners currently being held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. (PHOTO CREDIT: Jeff Haynes/Getty Images)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The Obama administration is coming under fire for its decision to move some Guantanamo detainees to an Illinois maximum-security prison.
The plan is for the federal government to buy the Thomson Correctional Center - 150 miles west of Chicago. The Defense Department would then run the part of the prison housing what's expected to be fewer than 100 Gitmo detainees. There are about 215 prisoners currently being held at the controversial facility in Cuba.
Administration officials say the detainees going to Illinois would be those facing trial in U.S. courts or by military commission.
Illinois' governor says this move could bring 2,000 jobs and $1 billion to the local community - a big help to a state with an 11-percent unemployment rate.
But critics say it could wind up being another place where detainees are held indefinitely without trial. Republicans suggest this shows the White House has forgotten about the 9/11 terror attacks; and that they're bringing terrorists into the country under the guise of a "jobs program."
The ACLU is blasting the move as well, calling the Illinois prison "Gitmo North." They say closing Guantanamo is only a symbolic gesture if "we continue its lawless policies onshore."
Here’s my question to you: Is it a good idea to move Guantanamo detainees to an Illinois prison?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Is it a good idea to move Guantanamo detainees to an Illinois prison?
It's an excellent idea. They need to be tried and convicted and do their time and leave. There is no reason to keep GITMO, the US torture facility, open.
Jenna
Roseville CA
Sounds like a good job stimulus for the area
Jack
I think we should give the detainees jobs We coulld always use more Astronauts. I hear they're hiring for a Mars Mission. Give 'em a radio blast off and call me when you get there. Win win they can blowup Mars and we get a Space Colony maybe!!!!
Yes. If we've become too afraid of bringing terrorists to trial out of fear of revenge, then the terrorists have won. The politicians spreading fear on this issues, including my own Sen. Cornyn (R-TX) need to grow a set.
The Gitmo detainees were not arrested by conventional law enforcement authorities and read their Miranda rights before being questioned. They were captured on the battlefield, and thus are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ.) Were they organized with a command structure like the enemies we faced during WWII, with a common uniform, then they would be subject to the Geneva Conventions. But they are not, and should be treated as such. Hopefully when Obama is out of office and his successor is left with the problem, his successor will do what needs to be done with the detainees and not complain about "inheriting" a problem!!
It is a good idea to place Guantanamo detainees in the same type of pre-trial confinement that any dangerous American citizens receive.
It would probably also be a good idea to try them under our normal civilian court system if they are accused of targeting civilians on American soil. If they acted against military personnel in a war zone, then they should probably be tried by military tribunals.
In other words, we gain respect in the eyes of the world if we proceed according to our Constitution and the rule of international law. As long as we seem to be making up laws as we go along for the purpose of finding accused terrorists guilty, we look like a police state.
Is our Judicial System so flawed we need to come up with a new set of laws and punishments for those new prisoners of war to live/die by?
If there is one thing this country excels at, it's putting people in prisons & keeping them there for a long time.
Jack , in my opinon those who think we have to maintain Gitmo due to the dangers of having these folks on the mainland are afraid to practice our own US brand of justice. We should never allow terrorist to change us. The pursuit of justice takes guts. Also, the fact that these prisonors are being moved pending trial should stop the ACLU in their tracks. They seem to keep on protesting this just to stay in the news, because they really don't seem to have a point.
Jobs are needed in that part of the country, yes move them to IL. The only ones that are bitching are the Republicans and they are the ones that got us in this damn mess to start with.
It's a great idea. The morons who don't want gitmo detainees in their community will loose out on the jobs. Time to stop the fear propaganda.
Jack , in my opinon those who think we have to maintain Gitmo due to the dangers of having these folks on the mainland are afraid to practice our own US brand of justice. We should never allow terrorist to change us. The pursuit of justice takes guts.
Also, the fact that these prisonors are being moved pending trial should stop the ACLU in their tracks. They seem to keep on protesting this just to stay in the news, because they really don't seem to have a point.
Lastly, this could be the first thing the government does that actually creates jobs you can clearly count.
The United States the leading democracy in the world and a so called super has not been able to live up to its value and bring these people before a court and give them a fair trial what a joke nation we have become?
Of course not. When has this administration had a good idea? If you read the newspapers or watch NBC, CBS or ABC, you would think that Mr. Obama is a genius. But we know better, right Jack? Failure after failure. That's the legacy of Obama.
I can understand the folks in Illinois wanting the jobs and, honestly, a murderer is a murderer is a murderer.
I watched some GOP joker this morning talk about how it would be a magnet to draw terrorism to the area like GITMO does... completely failing to understand that what is wrong with GITMO is that its sole purpose was to get AROUND constitutional and legal rights, eg: torture and being held without being able to face your accusers in a court of law!
But, then, that doesn't surprise me. The GOP only understands the parts of the Constitution and Bill of Rights that allow them to spew hate, lies, racism while brandishing their guns!
Of course it's a great idea. What took them so long to figure this one out? An empty prison, a need for a place to put prisoners, and a boost to the local economy. Duh!
Maria
Brunswick,MD
Cut the political crap and face the fact that it doesn't mean a thing whether we house them in Cuba, China or Illinois. If terrorists want to do us harm here in the U.S., they will do it when and where they want and where the prisoners are plays litle or no part in their attacks. Of course it will mean more jobs for we Americans and that may not sit well with our Congress or Corporate America who prefer sending jobs out of the country rather than pay a living wage to its citizenry. Stop playing politics with our lives and govern like leaders are supposed to. That being wisely, honestly and selflessly. What a concept.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
A great idea. People will be put to work and these criminals will be tried as criminals as they should be. They are not soldiers and do not qualify for a military tribunal. Once convicted they need to particpate in the prison experience as part of the general population in some lovely lock up where oher criminals can get to know them. If they are going to live in America they may as well met some Americans whose hospitality they will find to be very unique.
Jack we will remind ourselves just who's idea it was if it turns out to be a bad idea.
2,000 jobs and $1 billion to the local community to take care of 215 men. That's a no brainer. Maybe we can round up a few more and get the country back in the black.
How are they going to square sending the detainees to Gitmo North with certain provisions of the Geneva Convention (III). Specifically GC (III) Part III, Sec II, Article 22. In addition, the ICRC commentaries of Art 22 in International Humanitarian Law discussions of the treatment of POW's describes housing a POW in penitentiaries as painful to their psychological well being. In spite of all the previous negative opinion the ICRC had of holding detainees at Gitmo Cuba, surprisingly they are also on record as saying that housing POW's in tents is permissible. Most of those held at Gitmo Cuba have not committed a crime in the United States, and even if a criminal law was broken prior to their capture on the battlefield, after any civil trial they are still subject to the Geneva Convention.
Jack as a resident of Illinois I say heck yeah! Then the other empty cells we have a few politicians who will be welcome to spend some time with there.
Have the terror "suspects" (I use the term loosely) attacked Cuba yet?
This policial debate would be different if the terror "Suspects" were moved to a Republican state like Alaska.
We wanted those prisoners in Montana in an EMPTY prison in Hardin Mt. but our congressional delegation is totally against it. Illinois has a better chance of getting them because that is the home state of the president. Our prison is brand new with no prisoners thanks to our governor.
Prisoners of war are normally held until the end of the war and then released. If they had commited war crimes they are given a trial and sentenced. If they are sentenced as criminals there is no reason why they should not be confined at either Thompson, Illinois or Hardin, Montana. Or better yet, convert one of those underground facilities that were proposed to keep nuclear material, and put them down there instead. Out of sight, out of mind.
Why do this? We have a perfectly good prison in Cuba which is relatievly rent freee and ultimately secure. What genius decided that with a gaping decifit that we should spend the money to acquire, staff, and populate a prison in Illinois? They should read the paper more - economic news - economy in the toilet - you can't miss it.
Yes, if facing trial in U.S. courts or by military commission.
Moving the detainees to Illinois will not effect our security. Bringing the detainees to trial so that they will either be legally imprisoned if found guilty or released if not guilty will improve our vastly improve our security.
Jack,
Move the detainees to Illinois or let them go.
No inmates ever successfully escape from any of our high security prison facilities. But those that like to lie to get media attention fail to mention this simple fact.
Ask the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Commissioner of Corrections in Minnesota how many successful escapes there have been from the federal facility in Florence, CO or MCF: Oak Park Heights. Zero and that is not going to change with the addition of some hack terrorists.
Jack,
Hell, yes, it's a good idea! These damn nervous nellies who are against it would rather see Americans out of work than Obama to get credit for closing Gitmo and making us just a smidgen safer by closing a facility that was a reminder to the world of how we kidnapped and tortured in the name of preserving our values.
Rich Green
San Clemente, Cal.
, Ft. Campbell Ky. We cannot satisfy everyone and nor should we try to. Prison is where they belong if found guilty and it should not matter where the prison is located. GOP Opponents in the "say no to everything OBama," tea party camp will further polarize and use this issue to divide America. It would seem that keeping us off balance by bombarding us with petty mud slinging issues is a great strategy employed by the GOP to pre-demonize the democratic party before elections. Like many of my friends I am ashamed to be a republican and want a third party worth voting for.
Super great idea and no one can claim Obama doesn't want it in his back yard because he is throwing the biggest prison back yard party in the history of Illinois. Furthermore, he invited Illinois Republican and Democrats and every person regardless of political party accepted the invitation. It's about jobs in desperate times. Those cry baby, fear mongering, Republican Senators should be fired for not taking the offer first instead of trying to scare the country.
The decision to close GITMO was purely political. Maybe we should double check with the European Union to see if it's OK we have a prison in IL. While we're at it, let's ask the terrorists where they want us to have a prison. Maybe they'll hate us less. As far as the ACLU goes, they're a joke. They won't be happy until we just let all the terrorists go. OK, maybe a Sandals resort would be OK with them.
There won't be anything different between GITMO and the IL prison except for the fact it gives terrorists a place to focus their anger in the continental US and it will cost more to maintain.
I don't think it's surprising that the home state of the President is the only state that will take these guys.......shocker!!
As long as they can't get out of it.
Obama is wisely bringing these detainees to America proper to get rid of the stink of Guantanamo where the rest of the world knows atrocities were committed under Bush. Now the world is watching for the outcome and see if we practice what we preach. Ideals are the cornerstone of this country and without them we can no longer preach. These malcontents will get their day in court which they denied the 3000 on 9/11. I can't wait until they go to heaven and enjoy their virgins.
YES...not only will this show the World that we can do what we preach, it also tells the Terrorists that they are nothing more than common criminals. No Martyrs here.
Yes people need jobs, not the Republicans are trying to scare the people at every moment so that they can get back into office. If it were up to the Republicans we would be at war with every nation that did not do what we want them to do. And with any nation that did not let us rape them for their resources, by not paying a fair market price for their resources. Like we are right now by sending our Economic Hit-men to trick them into loans with the IMF, and the and World Bank. With these loans we know full well that they can not pay back at all they are poor nations. We have been pay other nations leaders not to grow their own food by giving their corrupt governmental officials millions, just so they would not sell their cheap goods in our market places, our country has become so corrupt!
To quote Sarah Palin, you betcha! It is a little absurd to buy a prison for only 100 people since this prison is another boondoggle in the long line of Illinois corruption.
But the prison is there, is brand new and sitting empty. The unreasonable fear mongering coming from a few is ridiculous however amd that is not a concern.
But here we have a chance to provide some much needed jobs that will help Americans; something I am sure makes the terrorists cringe in that we found a way to take the terrorist lemons and make lemonade.
Jack, This is just a lot of political hoo-ha. Illinois has housed some of the most dangerous criminals on this planet, and I've never seen such crying and sobbing before(anyone who thinks I'm exaggerating, can check out our roster of gang-leaders, mob hit-men, homicidal maniacs, and other home-grown terrorists). Right now, Illinois is #2 when it comes to being on the edge of bankruptcy (guess who's #1, and their prisons are up for sale). At this point, with how the job situation is around here, I could very well be standing in line for a job over there(no kidding). Layne A. Antioch,Il.
Only if we move Congress to Guantanamo. Now THAT makes sense !
Denis Duffy
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.
We never had any business in Cuba in the first place. They are a free and sovereign nation. We manipulated them and set up a base there many years ago. This was shameful!
We Americans should clean up our own messes. What if the French or the Turks had a prison in the heart of America how would that be received?
We should handle our own problems period.
I think that it is a great idea only if they put them in the general population. Let things get done the correct way
This is simply a lose, lose situation. There is no good answer and I'm glad I don't have to make this decision. If it was my decision though, I would opt to move the detainees to whatever stadium the New Jersey Nets play in. I don't think anyone would even notice they were there and they would most likely kill themselves by halftime of the first game they were forced to watch. I can here them begging to taken back for waterboarding.
Pres. Obama is rushing into this decision to fulfill a campaign promise without fully examining the situation. Would you like the idea of bringing violent criminals into your neighborhood ?? No sane person would bring a mass murder into their local prison for the sake of a few extra dollars in their back pocket. It is a short-sighted decision that introduces an extremely bad element into a politically turbulent area for the sake of gaining political clout, but this decision is NOT being made for the overall benefit of the people of this country. Security at Gitmo is far better as there is no "waiting car" outside the front gate to take them to any part of this country.
Why is this an issue. How did it become an issue. With the Economy, Health Care, Global Warming and following Tigers, why does anyone care which 6 X 12 box these guys are held in?
For once in my life I agree with the ACLU on something, at least partially. It is entirely a symbolic gesture and accomplishes nothing other than create more taxpayer debt to benefit Obama's home state. Jobs should never be used as an excuse to weaken our national security.
why not keep them there..Good Lord, it isn't as if they are going anywhere anytime soon..
they need the work...
Close Gitmo as was promised by both parties and righteously demanded by the American people.
Give these people a trial as justice is supposedly the American way.
And be done with this. It doesn't matter a rat's derriere where, as a Federal maximum security prison is as safe in Illinois, Michigan, or Cuba.
Our country's image is more important that any thing else!
GITMO:
GITMO detainees would probably prefer catered meals in the tropics to dance lessons in ugly Illinois.
Muslims, especially the extremist variety, don't go for dance lessons.
They also like to pray in public twice a day, yet another problem.
Also, either indict confessed waterboarding war criminal Dick Cheney or shut the hell up.
Kindest Regards,
GT
Never. Non of these captives has a right to anything in this country!
They are Prisoners of War and should be held outside this country!
No. Homegrown terrorism is a big fear. Now we are going to import them and house them on American soil. The American taxpayer now is going to pay a relocation fee for them. No wonder the deficit is so high. Keep them in Guantanimo and try them there in military courts. This is one campaign promise Obama should break. The bad PR is already out there. Correct the problems and proceed without bring them onto the American homeland.
Yes. It is important to keep promises and also to show the world that we will again adhere to treaties which we have signed during the past century. The US captured the detainees, the detainees need to be moved to a US prison which isn't associated with torture. And as you said and we all know, it will also be very good for the economy of that community.
In the first place, had the Bush-Cheney administration dealt with the detainees properly, there shouldn’t have been any detainees left last January. Now that its Obama’s problem, he is doing the right thing. Get them here and deal with them. Quit leaving them in Cuba to be the poster children for terrorist recruitment. We are finally using our judicial system as it should have been used in the first place and showing Dick and Liz Cheney and the other fear mongers that we have faith in our military that it is capable of protecting us from another terrorist attack and we aren’t afraid anymore.
It probably won't cost anymore to put them in Illinois than it does at Guantanamo.
You can't just turn them loose.
If it can make jobs, then that is what we need.
Please quit running down everything that is put forth.
I get tired of all the whiners.
Where were all of you when Bush and Company got us in this mess?
If we are supposedly "at war" with terrorists, then why isn't there a "take no prisoners" attitude. The prisoners at Gitmo will achieve their goals by making us spend billions on them to give them better care than we give our own people. It's an upside-down world we live in, Jack.
What is required is a new space found in international water: found separated from all other nations and used to house inmates of the worst type.
A separation between males and female inmates by an ocean: afforded by all those who would wish to deport the worst offenders to civilization to places where civilization is no longer apparent to be taken advantage of.
It is not cruel and unusual if it is not a punishment: it is just your rights and privilages as a citizen being revoked after due justice.
War crimes, Hate crimes, murders and rapistst( as of ravage and rapture) would all be found deposited on this island hell. They would serve sentences and be allowed to return to rehabilitation island to then be allowed to apply for citizenship to any nation after rehabilitation is finalized. Stripped of national rights for breaking a Federal Commandment: a high law.
O.K.! What? Does Illinois know anything about this? What is Gitmo for? Why don't we use the abandonned prison to put those political thieves in D.C. away for awhile? Nevermind, they would turn it into a"country club" and serve lavish meals and play golf all day. What do you say Jack? Should our tax dollars pay for a wonderful private club?
there should be no consideration of this. these are some of the most dangerous criminals in our goverments eyes and to move them to our soil when they are clear threats to our society would be proposterous why even close gitmo if were just gonna open a new one in the middle of our own country. who thinks of these ideas...hmmmm????
Why not? If they don't want them bring them to Pennsylvania and lert us have the 3000 jobs.
They are less of a recruiting tool in Illinois than they are being tortured at Guantanamo.
It's way past the time when when the Cheney prison in Cuba is closed and these prsioners get due process.
Let me put it this way, Jack. If the Rahmobama administration thinks it's a good idea, it probably isn't.
Makes sense to me...If its going to create 3000 jobs go for it.
Yes Jack, a very good idea to move the Gitmo prisoners to Illinois. We need as a nation, to close Guantanamo. It is an open, bleeding sore to the world and evidence of our crimes I.e., torture, and suspension of human rights. My God, even Georgie wanted to close it. And who is objecting? That moron Cheney or his equallyoronic daughter?
putting them in an unused facility creates jobs, prevents human rights violations. why would it not be a good idea??
I'm not hysterical about this move, but Jack –U.S. military troops performing law enforcement duties inside our borders?
Isn't this in violation of the Possie Commitatus act and thus un-constitutional?
Nathan
Monmouth, OR
I see no reason not to move the prisoners from Gitmo to Illinois. I'm sure they won't be let out on weekend passes. The location is central and easily accessible. I don't know what the big fuss is about. I think it's great for the community at large. Fear-mongering is the opposition's way of scaring folks. I'm tired of that tactic. Let's use some common sense instead of listening to 24 hour TV and radio to get other people's opinions to use as our own.
Illinois prison, California prison, Colorado prison or any other prison is fine as long as they are put on trial and sentenced if found guilty. Republicans need to stop trying to scare people with fear. It is a good thing moving them there too because there is room for the ACLU Lawyers and fallen Republicans.
The Gitmo detainees are not held legally as prisoners of war because the United States is not legally at war with anybody. These prisoners have been kdinapped and brought to one of the more than 700 military bases maintained by the United States in foreign countries throughout the world, this one in a country whose government objects to it but is forced to tolerate it by the bully to the north. Arguing about bringing some of these detainees to Illinois ignores all the obvious legal and moral issues in this outrageous situation.
Absolutly not!! What if one of the detainees escapes. Then they will be able to blend into the US population and be able to continue their evil ways on our soil. Absolute bad idea.
I understand that the U.S. government is going to buy the Illinois prison. Isn't Gitmo already paid for? Why throw good money after bad? I also understand that their is a nuclear power plant not 20 miles from the prison. Isn't that like putting candy within the reach of babies?
Bring them here! I'm not worried. We need the jobs. Washington should be thankful that Illinois will become the new "terror target." They can all sleep in peace now.
It’s excellent for the people of Thomson IL, who need jobs and a town that could use the revenue. Republicans using "terrorists are scary" tactics is absurd. Illinois has housed some pretty scary folks in the past. Richard Speck starred in some of my nightmares as a kid.
I believe this is yet another example of President Obama's administrative incompetance. His electorial platform was to get rid of GITMO and now he is moving it into his back yard. This smacks of Chicago politics once again. Is this ever going to end. Why not do something new and improved like treating these people like they deserve to be treated. Terrorist without American civil rights. I think Obama is turning this into another political platform to advance his agenda.
If any one of the detainees from cuba could throw a 95 MPH fast ball the cubs or any other MLB team would have already signed them and their wouldn't be any question of any terrorists comming to the states from Cuba gitmo or not
Ofcourse its a good idea to move Gitmo detainees to Illinois. They are American prisoners, therefore they are our government's responsibility. I don't understand how the American people want to imprison terrorist but pawn them off on some other foreign courtry's territory. It just does't seem right.
Our young men and women in the service are risking their lives for us everyday and all we here at home are asked to do is incarcerate some detainees in a maximum security prison in the the United States. It's shameful and unpatriotic to oppose this small but important move.
No,
The sea separates Guantanamo and the terrorists now a corn field.
Are we now going to have tour buses to see this Illinois Facility.
Illinois lost the Olympics was this the consolation prize.
If the illegal interrogation techniques continue, there is no point in changing the location of Guantanamo Bay except that it will create some jobs in Illinois.
Great just what I want, terrorist in my backyard and Chicago is a known targets for terrorist attacks. I said it before we elected President Obama and will repeat it now, "We don't want Chicago politics running the country"
Tom TBones Cramer
440MUSIC Internet Radio
He has to go somewhere!
YES
YES
I think this is a great idea
One of the best moves the fed has made
It makes sense
Great idea
From Rockford, IL
Why should we spend more money on individuals who only want us dead? Is this really a wise investment for all Americans? These individuals will have better living conditions than I do! God Bless America!
It will get rid of an icon that symbolized the torture of prisoners. We also need to give the land back to Cuba. We have occupied a piece of their country for way too long. How can we make the Afghan and Iraqi people believe we don't want to occupy their countries, when we continue to occupy a part of Cuba?
Mountain Home ID
Yes its a good idea here in South Florida, but the closer I get to Illinois I would have to say 'no'. Not because I would be afraid that they might escape, but that I would be afraid for their hides if they 'did' escape. I don't forget 9/11 and our horrible wars since.
They should send the Guantanamo prisoner to cook county jail in Chicago; their they could learn new activities,drugs, crack,stripping cars,they could become scavengers pushing shopping carts to junk yards and then acquire immune deficiency syndrome.
Simple answer to an important question, YES. The only way to insure that the torture and mistreatment stops is to move them here, to American soil where their lawers have easy access to them. Besides, closer to the courts means closer to justice, and I thought that justice was what we were after. Why the fear factor? No one has escaped from a Federal maximum facility yet, and there is nothing indicating that that record will be broken anytime soon.
Yes, it's a good idea, Jack. What harm could it do? I mean it couldn't be any worse than our current prison system. Could it?
Let the town have the detainees. After all, the people in Thomson want them there. It's just the Bush-era GOP that don't want them on our mainland by using the same old scare tactics to discourage that from happening. We need more jobs in this country, and they're just simply standing in the way. We all remember September 11, 2001, but we can no longer use that as just an excuse.
Hell ya Jack and while were at it lets bring the ones from Afganistan here also and lets not stop there lets get the ones in Iraq too.
Even though I understand the excitement Gov. Quinn, Sen. Durbin and others have about the Guantanamo Bay detainees being moved to the Illinois prison: Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! But I also find this a bit disturbing. It seems sad that American livelihood has to depend so gleely on keeping people looked up. This will inevitably mean that innocent people will remain in prison and the trial process for the detainees will likely be more drawn out than necessary. No prisoners, no jobs!
I live in Illinois and I'd be happy to take the detainees along with the money and jobs that come with them. I'm not worried that Illinois will become a terrorist target. If our lawmakers disagree, they should be glad they live in Washington. We'll take their place on the "list."
Jack,
Unless we have no faith in our Constitution, our judicial system, our Homeland Security/police/prison guards (to protect us from future attacks/serve communities/keep the prisons safe). I see no problem.
Unless we have no faith in the cases we are presenting against those being held, I see absolutely no problem with bringing them here to stand trial, be adjudicated and serve whatever sentence they are handed.
It seems that those who fear the consequences of this action either fear we have no valid case or have no faith in our Constitution or our ability to serve and protect it. What does that say about THEM?
Why not? Surely, the Republicans do not believe that the Americans in this Illinois town are unable to stand guard over these prisoners or provide housing from the military that will work alongside them. By the way, do we not already house "terrorists" in other state prisons across this country? I seem to recall the Oklahoma bombers and the Uni-bomer are in American prisons. Also, those American citizens in this community welcome the chance to perform their duty as patriotic Americans and work to protect their country. Just what are those in the GOP afraid of – becoming the Party of NO AND the Party of Fear Mongering?
I agree with the ACLU, show the world we are still a just people, if there are never any trials, then we should of kept George Bush as a "Csar"
As a former Marine and two-time Iraq veteran, I had first-hand experience in detainee operations. In 2004 my company ran an overflow facility during Operation Phantom Fury. I knew many of the men under our watch were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time when they were captured. I would hate to see the protections guaranteed under the Geneva Conventions continue to be violated on the backs of any of our detainees, but especially the innocent.
Yes, Jack, bring the Gitmo detainees to the US. Bring the troops home from Germany and Korea, too. Tell the military to stop all those needless exercises that they're always engaging in. In brief, keep the money on US soil and stop wasting money at all levels of government. Desperate times require desperate measures, and we are in desperate times now, which are soon to get even more despairing.
It's time we make a serious start at addressing our economic woes. Let's start here and now.
ombowstring
Yes, I am pretty sure both Bush and Rudy Giullioni went on record to say they wanted those responsible brought to justice. Are their supporters "flip-flopping" now?
it is more than right to detain and trial them on US terretory.
Its time to clean up this part of our history. I think we are able to take care for it the right way.
Well, since the citizens of Thomson are enthused over this, then who's to argue against it? And what's wrong with a "jobs program"? Besides, the Marines in Guantanamo must have better things to do than be prison guards. Seems like a prudent use of resources and a win-win.
I think it would be a good idea. I think its good economics but let’s not stop there. If it all comes down to “printed” money, I can solve our problem right now. Our government should declare bankruptcy. Then we can clear our books of debts we owe. We can establish a reasonable value for our currency. We can renegotiate trade agreements that have placed the U.S at a disadvantage.
The reality of money is in your head. It is a concept. It is an idea. We can change the way we as a world do business with each other. Hopefully a world where money is controlled by a unified governmental entity which does not currently exist (but should) instead of a handful of people who now think of themselves as god-like beings far removed from the concerns and conflicts of this world.
We, the people of the world, can take the power and privilege away from these elite only through united action. We must gather together the heads of state from the government’s around the world, gathered together to set down rules and responsibilities so that all people are committed by a single binding covenant. One world order, nine members selected from the group of heads of state to preside.
We need this for so many reasons. We are one world, one people. We need one government.
This issue should be more about punishing those terrorists who attempt to attack our country and our troops overseas, and less about partisan politics and strategy. If this Illinois prison is secure and doesn't nurture these people, then bring them in. Justice needs to be done, one way or another. Give these people a trial, and if they are found guilty, lock them up for good.
My grandparents are buried in Thomson, my mother, a sister and a brother live 8 miles away in Fulton, Illinois. My brother desperately needs work, as do alot of people in Carroll County, the county in which this prison is located, as well as the neighboring Whiteside County.
This is good for an area of the country that is in sore need of jobs and economic growth.
I've seen both Gitmo and the Thomson prison up close, and the Thomson prison is as or more secure than Gitmo and some other Illinois State Correction's facilities. See those 4 gun towers? They're not there for aesthetics you knowThey're going to put these persons somewhere anyway, why not in a secure and already built facility where the economy can grow and people can work?
Jack,how do we seperate those prisoners from the ones that's already in our different neighborhoods,stealing, killing,raping and etc?
Moving the gitmo prisoners to illinois is a good idea . But they would of been better off to move them to the federal supermax prison in marion illinois. As they have a court room in the front of the prison and helicopter wire to prevent helicopter escapes and they already know how to deal with the worst of the worst! I know first hand I was incarcerated in marion from 1981 to 1983.
"The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself." Show me a RW Republican who could have said that.
Absolutely. Guantanimo is a relic of the brutal Bush/Cheney regime. Bring them here, give the good people of Illinois the jobs, and try the prisoners as is required by law either with Military tribunals which won't give the bad guys a free ride. Then try Bush and Cheney for treason, torture, lying to congress and murder of the Iraqi people in a trumped up act of aggression. Let the ACLU stand behind our nation of laws on both aspects.
Re-locating these guantanamo priosoners to ilinois is a great idea, its creating jobs which is what we need. What is so bad about re-locating these priosoners, after all we have been bringing POWs to U.S soil for centuries.
The ACLU can go scratch themselves for their stupidity, they are the Rush Limbaughs and Ann Coulters of the Democrats extremes.
The GOP doesn't know what to do since none of their policies worked and the only "jobs program" they know is how to send them out of America and help foreign countries get our jobs so their campaign donors can reap millions from tax cuts and bonuses....
The American people don't really care about the detainees, I mean come on, most Americans voted George Bush in for a second term for crying out loud !!! Americans want their jobs back and, oh yea, their healthcare they lost when their job got outsourced by GOP tax cuts for outsourcing!!!
Why not Illinois, got any better ideas what to do with Gitmo detainess?
I think we should move them to a prison near Washington DC. Maybe we will get lucky and they will escape.
Jack,
This whole conversation has gotten out of hand and just a tad political don't you think? Fearing those guys coming to a US prison is simply another Republican political game to oppose the President.
Speaking both as a Veteran and a retired Deputy Sheriff, the conversation is moronic, the Guantanamo detainees will not only NOT be a threat to us but they will have to be protected from some very very bad people now sitting in our prisons. The reality is we have individuals sitting in our prisons across the US that make the Guantanamo detainees look like children and they, the detainees, will have to be protected from being killed by our own home grown bad guys currently serving time. That's reality.
I am continually concerned about those who have opinions that comes from the lack of information. They comment on things because they have opinions against the person that does it. I am sick of the opinions that have no information to support them.
Yes, but Michigan would be the better choice. Our unemployment rate is over 15% and more when you add those that are underemployed or just plain gave up. We would love to house them and generate some desperately needed tax revenue. Foreclosed upon homes litter the landscape and schools are being shuttered by the day. The big three automakers went belly up and many, many of our automotive related family businesses are the ones who got paid NOTHING when they were bailed out by our tax dollars. They screwed many small businesses in this state and forced them to close by not paying the small vendors. The big ones got paid and we got the finger. I would much rather have terrorists from the MIddle East than the Detroit Automotive Economic Terrorists who we call CEO's. Bring 'em on I say!!!!
The facility at Guantanamo is paid for and is secure. With the state of the economy today, it is sad day when we consider spending the money to creat another facility to do the same job. Keep Guantanamo and forget the foolishness of moving the inmates anywhere especially to the United States mainland.
Jack
This is Bovine Dung!!
Prosecute them then Hang'em or release'em!
No more shell games.
While not perfect this is a better solution than the existing Gitmo facility. Additionally can someone remind the people complaining about the security risk of having these people on U.S. soil that these prisoners are not in possesion of super powers. They will not get agitated, double in size, turn green, break out of prison, hurl tanks at the capitol while screaming holy laments, burn up the constitution with laser beams from their eyes, and convert American children to Islam with their psychic jihad powers. There are people already in the penal system that are far greater immediate threats to public safety.
yes move it ,if it helps one person, one community have or maintain a job just do it . the facility is empty and as of now a waste, put it to good use, put all detaines there and any future ones. We can keep it as high security prison just for thosem involved in terroist plots,and keep lawyers and trial judges employed as well.
Absolutely we should use the IL prison for certain prisoners from Cuba. Don't you believe in our Justice system? Apparently, GWB didn't. Those alleged terrorists attacked us on the U.S mainland and that's where they should be tried. Give our people the respect they deserve. They can judge as well as any military court. I believe we were not at war on 9/11 so civilian court is appropriate. I fully trust the citizens of Illinois to protect the community.
Jack:
Closing down Gitmo and moving the inmates to USA is a great thing. It cleans the pig sty left by Cheney-Bush. It tells the world that we adhere to the terms of the Geneva Convention and that we are accountablefor our actions. It also shows the Republicans that the Muslim prisoners are not supermen with great powers. Most important, it will create hundreds of jobs for Americans. Hevean knows how much we need jobs.
I've heard most of the critics complain that this move would be dangerous to the USA for legal reasons and such. OK… whatever. Removing all the political jargon – what really scares the critics the most on this matter? Is it the jobs this move would create for Illinois or the progress or success of this administration? Prisons across this nation house some of the most dangerous American criminals we know and they have been tucked away in our prisons without incident. And our trained prison guards can't handle these guys? Please!
Once again the Obama Administration continues to demonstrate their poor understanding of world issues. The prosecutors will undoubtedly ask for the death penalty; once these terrorists are put to death at the hands of the "infidels" they will become martyrs encouraging other terrrorists to execute further attacks. This descision is to appease others and not in the best interest of our country putting us in greater danger. The rules passed by Congress for Wall Street executives should also be applied for these numskulls...
There is a town in the mid-west wants the boost to their economy that this new prison will supply, so of course Senators and Congresspeople from hundreds of miles away must speak out in order to protect these poor, misled, weak-minded folk. If their diatribe makes President Obama look bad, well that's just some frosting on the cake.
Yes Jack, if the people living in that community don't see it as a threat, why will others in a distance worry over it. By the way, when New York was attacked there were no terrorist detained in any of the New York prisons. Jactk, it seems to me that people talk more of politics than simple measures that will help us get out of this economic mess created by the previuos administration.
Joe Ngalle
Leominster, Massachusetts
First things first. It's the right thing to do to close Gitmo because it is an ongoing monument to our lack of civility and our inhumane treatment of prisoners. So the prisoners have to be moved somewhere and where they go is less relevant than keeping Gitmo open. If the ACLU's assertions are correct we need to take immediate corrective action – but keeping Gitmo open is not the solution.
Bob – Southfield, MI
Obama beat his drum on this before he was elected. This is just a subject that gives the other side something to object to. They did not object when it was touted on the campaign trail. Illinois is a good place for detainees, not much going on except corn, part of the year. If any of them could escape it wouldnt matter, you could see them 200 miles away across the fields in the winter time .
How about a cheaper alternative- we should have a lottery among everyone who feels sorry for the terrorists. The first 215 names drawn gets to sponsor one of the little darlings- at their own home.
Jack, My family lives in multitable cities in Illinois. Some of us needing a job. Here is my thought, granted we don't all live in that Illinois town. But those of us that do live near and around it, should we be worried? I think so! Even if we could get a job at the prison, Is that the kind of job we would want to have? I think not!
Why not send the Gitmo detainees to IL? Afterall, they are used to dangerous criminals running loose in IL. They even elect them to public office.
Jack, If our prisons are good enough for people like Timothy McVeigh and Charles Manson, then they're more than good enough for these detainees. Our prison system already houses convicted terrorists, why not these guys.
For some reason the people who are against bringing them here would like to make us believe that these detainees are some sort of ultra dangerous super-soldiers. It's ridiculous. And when the detractors say that we'd be forgetting 9/11, they're doing something far worse. Exploiting the fears of terrorism for political gain. It's time we finally bring these people to justice and stop fearing them because after all that is their goal, to make us afraid. They're called terrorists for a reason.
Robert
Washington, Illinois
Can anyone tell me what kind of worse threat these people are by having them on our “soil in a maximum security prison then Gitmo? What an asinine argument. The Bush administration scared these fools into thinking these prisoners had supernatural powers, I guess. They are human like the other 135 terrorist we have on our soil in Max prisons. They should have been dealt with long ago and now Obama is stuck with the job. Give someone those 3,000 jobs and get it over with,.
Of course its a good idea to send these inmates to ill. Maybe we should send these detainees on 9/11/2010 to the world trade center site and release them so New Yorkers can show republicans how afraid the american people are!
Illinois prison, California prison, Colorado prison or any other prison is fine as long as they are put on trial and sentenced if found guilty. Republicans need to stop trying to scare people with fear.
Of course it's a good idea, Jack. The Gitmo prison, yet another evil legacy of the pseudo-presidency of George W. Bush, should have been closed years ago. It should never have been opened at all. The only reason that it has ever existed is so that enemies of humanity can torture people with impunity.
- Andrew
Antioch, CA
Is there really a difference between killing 3,000 people at once or one at a time? If we can house the most deplorable criminals without fear of escaping, I'm sure we can handle the dregs of civilization just as well.
Jack, it is time to give these people a fair trial and that is the bottom line. Since when did so many people seemingly forget to actually READ the very foundation of the government under which we live in the United States? Considering the Constitution of the U.S. is only four pages long, I might be going out on a limb here, but maybe everyone forgot to read the Patriot Act as well–all 1,300 pages. For those that do not know, Amendment VI in the Constitution reads, "In all criminal presecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory precess for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence." After that, what is there to argue?
Yes, why should we continue to pay Cuba millions as well as many other countries to house our prisoners when Americans need jobs.
Of course it is a good idea Jack. These right wing tea party wack nuts have made up their minds to oppose Obama on every initiative he takes to restore our image, economy, and military might, even when they know it is the right thing to do. These people want the US, the most powerful nation in the world, to be scared of keeping these prisoners, but yet expect other less powerful nations to accept them on our behalf. Talk of hypocracy.
If we believe in the Rule of Law and American justice ... and I hold those to be absolutely critical to our democracy and way of life ... then the travesty of justice that Gitmo represents should be totally intolerable to all Americans who have any understanding of what the U.S. Constitution is all about.
And if you can't keep theses prisoners off-shore, closeted away from justice, then by all means bring those prisoners here and put them under American justice.
People act like these people will get weekly furloughs and show up unexpectedly to give Sunday School classes. Get Real, that's not going to happen, these individuals are never going to be running around America on the loose. Worst case is that, if there's insufficient evidence to prove their guilt for crimes, they'll be re-patriated back where they came from.
Terrorists cannot bring down America. Only Americans can do that, if we, trembling in fear, voluntarily choose to give up our vital freedoms in the foolish hope that doing so would buy some security.
I hope we're smarter, braver, and stronger in our convictions than that. (Dick Cheney notwithstanding.)
Bring the Gitmo prisoners to Illinois,they need the jobs. Gene
Why spend hundreds of millions of dollars to move terrorists into our country when they were already in a perfect place which is easily defended? No other country would take them so they should have stayed in Gitmo. What will be accomplished by moving them? The expense will be added to the federal deficit since the federal government has no money so we will pay interest on it until the country goes backrupt which will be very soon.
Why not. This is a maximum security prison. If anyone escaped, where would they go? In to the woods, which I heard, is still home to wolves and cougars? Or into one of those little towns where everyone is angry about the economy and 911?
Who cares?
Speaking as a student in central Illinois, I imagine some time in rural Illinois would be an even fitter punishment for the Gitmo detainees. Let them suffer like the rest of us.
I do not like TV ads,but freedom of speech and business as usual trumps my dislikes. Who's made this an issue? Gene
Everything has become so political nowadays. Many of the people opposing bringing Gitmos' prisoners to any prison within United States are either (i) paralized by fear and of the belief that these prisoners possess some supernatural powers (ii) They are just opposing just for the sake of being oppositions.
You bet. It will do a lot for the State of Ill. We have prisons galore in Southern Colorado. Ask the people in Canon City. It means jobs, jobs, jobs. Let's not listen to the Chicken Littles all the time. They are getting tiresome.
Tucson, AZ – Yes. The real "war" with Al Qaeda is about propaganda – they only attacked us to provoke us into doing osmething stupid, which W and Cheney did. The Gitmo prtison was a dumb attempt to circumvent the Constitution – it neither worled in that regard not worked in our PR war wioth Bin Laden. Putting 100 or more "terrorists" in solitary in Illinois is no greater risk to the US than keeping them where they are – they won;t get out andf thier frieds lack the means to get them out.