Where should trials of 9/11 terror suspects be held?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
A change of heart at the White House - which is now considering moving the 9/11 terror trials away from New York City.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/01/29/art.khalid.jpg caption="Alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is among those suspects set to face a trial in a civilian criminal court."]
This about-face comes after New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, along with other state and city politicians, yelled long and loud about trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four of his fellow dirtbags at a courthouse near Ground Zero. Which was an idea that made absolutely no sense from the beginning.
New York is worried about the costs - about $200 million a year - for a trial that could last years... plus the general disruption to life in lower Manhattan. It's estimated they would need more than 2,000 security checkpoints set up - along with additional protection in other parts of the city. How stupid is our federal government?
The feds said they would reimburse New York for its costs, but what about business owners who could be driven out of business by this circus?
There are better ideas... almost anywhere is a better idea than New York City. These include the Military Academy at West Point or a military base in upstate New York.
This fierce opposition to the plan to hold those trials here in Manhattan caught the justice department off guard (There's a surprise). Washington? Tone deaf?
Nah....
Now, one law enforcement official tells the New York Daily News, "it's like a half-baked soufflé - the plan is collapsing."
Good.
Here’s my question to you: Where should the trials of the 9/11 terror suspects be held?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Zach from Washington writes:
Trick question. They should have been dealt with in a similar fashion to how FDR dealt with German spies that landed on our shores: interrogated and killed them before the Supreme Court knew anything about it.
Dan from Horseheads, New York writes:
Military court. Why give terrorists the rights of Americans? They deserve to be hung, that's all they deserve! Also, I live in upstate New York and I don't want them in my backyard, let alone this wonderful country!
Howard writes:
I am a criminologist who has visited prisons and court rooms internationally and Germany has the model we should use. They have a terrorist court located in a small town with a secure court room (bomb proof etc.) with translation machines and secure cells with secure tunnels for transporting back and forth to court and cells. So, build one in a rural area that needs some economic development. We will need to use it again.
Elaine writes:
Where the crime took place. It doesn't have to be in downtown Manhattan, but at least New York. Give the people of New York a chance to do their duty.
Frederic from Chicago writes:
Jack, These are the same "dirt bags" that have already cost America tons of money and grief. Why impose more costs and hardships on the people of New York? Especially in this economic climate, the trial should be held where it costs least, a military court.
Jackie writes:
Gitmo. They are already there.
Janice writes:
There is only one reasonable place for this trial, the Arctic. If it’s not available, then perhaps the Antarctic.
Stephen writes:
Announce their release and drop them off at Times Square. I think New York will take care of the rest.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
no need to move them hold them where they are that
In a courtroom of true justice.
Maybe Las Vegas they can pick a number on the old big wheel game and if thier number does not come up off with thier head. If it does then they get trail and it should be in the U.S.A. and doesn't matter were or if it is Military or Civilian Court.
By a militaryb tribunal in GITMO. They are enemy combantants and should be treated as such.
In a war trial by the federal government.
Does'nt a criminal trial take place in the area where the crime took place?
Steve,
Laguna Niguel, CA
In a State that has the Death Penalty... "Texas"
I don't know enough to tell you WHERE but they should be tried in some out-of-the-way place that has one good motel and is somewhere near an airport. Middle America could give them as near to a fair trial as is possible. Or somewhere cold like Montana where people just work and live right. Somewhere there is no TV station and trucks would have to come in and camp out.
how about where the tea party is going to have their big bash
I would like to see it held in NYC. I think NYers deserve the right to see the people tried where the crimes were committed. But if NYers would rather it wasn't held there, then any Federal court would do.
Where should the trials be held ??
On a U.S. Military Base somewhere in North or South Dakota.
Wherever they committed their crime or you can bring them to Texas and we can find them guilty in 15 minutes without any lawyers and the punishment would be swift.
Simply put, New York.
Other terrorist trials have been successfully conducted in New York City and there's no reason why the current one under discussion couldn't be. If you asked a thousand people on the street who "KSM" was, you'd be lucky to find one with the answer. It's not that different from other trials. If not in the city, for whatever reason, then how about another, more rural part of the state? I'm thinking the track at Saratoga or maybe Woodstock.
That's an easy one. ISRAEL ! And not by anyone but the Israel justice department.
Does it matter? Get them convicted and sent to jail. You cannot please everyone so just lets get moving.
Trials? They have rights? Like the people that died on 9/11, did they have rights?
A no brainer Jack. Most everything Holder decides, is later a problem or needs to be reversed....he's not competent.
Send War Criminals to where they almost all should go...the Military Tribunals.
Joanne B
Mn
for a country that is $12 trillion why would any American citizen want to spend Millions of dollars on war criminals when we could spend it on creating jobs. Eric Holder should resign. He has evated taxes, could not answer where the money for A.I.G., and his rediculos decision to give citizen rights to Killers.
In Chicago. He keeps favoring his home state with favors and perks. He should pickup the phone, call the Mayor of Chicago and tell him, they're on their way.
They should be held in GITMO since thats where all them people are now and do it tomorrow. Then hang the guilty and send the others home and end this insanity!
Someplace safe, secure, and where I do not have to listen to it on the news every day.
Bet they end up at GITMO--that will give a reason to keep it open !!!Pretty slick I think ..
The 9/11 trial must be held in a military court since the attack was a deliberate act of war against this country. Anything other than a military trial would become a comedic spectacle with our beloved country being mocked, ridiculed and spurned by the defendants gushing their disgusting rhetoric. And let's not even THINK about the cost of holding the trial in NYC.
New York, period...
More silly questions Jack? I dont care.... I am not an AG.... I dont live in a heavily populated area and I am sure this makes a difference...thats up to the respective areas of the country and there citizenry....
Where the crime took place. It doesn't matter if the trial is held in the civil courts or the military courts, it's still a trial by the United States citizens. So get a grip. If New York is sacred they can have the trial here, at my house.
(correction)
we should take a lesson (and precedent) from WWII. back then we were at WAR with Germany. today we are at WAR with al-Qaeda. during WWII the Germans sent saboteurs to America. they were arrested, tried in a military court and executed even though they were able to do NO damage.
THAT is the proper response to to spies, saboteurs and terrorists like Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, so called "20th hijacker" Zacarias Moussaoui, "shoe bomber" Richard Reid and the most recent "underpants bomber" Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab in a time of WAR.
the venue for the trial should be a secure military base although the original Nazi saboteurs trial was held in the Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C.
The trials should be held by military tribunal. If Guantanamo would be too unpopular, pick a military base that nobody has ever heard of. New York is on the way to being California in terms of the fiscal situation. A $200 million bill and even more in lost tourism, real estate prices and quality of life should be enough to convince anyone that NY is not the right place.
The 9/11 terror suspects should be sent to China for trial. I am sure some of their citizens were killed in the 9/11 disaster. Lets see how long the trial there would take and what their sentence would be.
If China declines,and I doubt they would, place them before a military tribunal at Quantico VA.
I think that they should be held in the courtyard of the Guantanimo Bay prison facility so that all the other terror suspects can see that trials occur. And, if found guilty and executed, the sentence should also be carried out in full view of the other terrorists so that they can also see that justice, too, occurs.
Where should the trials of the 9/11 terror suspects be held?
New York City or Washington DC – where attacks actually happened.
I would like to see it held in NYC, because they have experience in convicting terrorist.
Jenna
Roseville CA
A secure place with less populations.
I am gonna knock the torture and where to put these guys in one swoop. Stick them in general population with all those veterans that came home and done something stupid. and try them in a prison court. Dont forget to have the gaurds turn a blind eye when the prisoners try to get valuable information.
Downtown New York. If not there, Washington, DC. There is going to be a high chance of terrorism, just because it's a good time for the terrorists to make hay. Don't be cowed by these morons. Be resolute and prepare the country for the possibility of some attack. We can't allow terrorists to scare us into avoiding the trial that even these scum are guaranteed in our constitution, even if it means risk. Freedom isn't free, neither is honor.
The trial of Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Gonzallez, Addington, Rove, Fletcher, Pearle, Wolfawitz et al for murder and war crimes should be held at The Hague and televised. Granted, our corporate media probably wouldn't cover it, but we should be able to get it over the internet.
The trials should be held at Guantanamo Bay where security would be easy and where the other incarcerated prisoners could see that we are serious about convicting and punishing terrorists. The trials should be televised so that there will be no question that the trials are just.
Guantanamo bay. They should NOT be tried in a civilian court. They should be treated like the terrorists they are.
The 9/11 trials should have been held in NYC. Now they will be held wherever obama is told by the republicans they should be held. I hope this comment will pass the cnn moderation committee.
Not in any U.S. civilian court. These terrorists are foreign combatants and should face a military tribunal. Foreign fighters are not entitled in any way to the rights of the American citizenry. Its clear this is a political stunt meant to raise points for this flawed administration. I only wonder what sort of stunt they would try and pull if they caught Bin Laden.....maybe air all the trials on public television.
Alexandria, Virginia – although you won't find an impartial jury. It is, however, one of the scenes of the crime. Boston is another option. I doubt that the accused will be stupid enough to ask for a jury trial, however, so location does not really matter. Philadelphia would split the distance.
Whereever they have the best chance of getting a fair trial – certainly somewhere other than New York City, or even New York State.
Right here in good old Natchez, Mississippi. We don't need any added security because everyone here owns guns. A trial should last no longer than 2 days tops.
Why not Albany? or a smaller town in upstate NY which could use the revenues which come from a major trial? How difficult is it to figure out a reasonable location?
Maria
Brunswick,MD
It was always a ridiculous idea to try these guys in the US court system. They should have been kept at Gitmo, faced a military tribunal and hanged. Leave it to the government to waste a bunch of taxpayer money trying to accomplish what should have been a simple task.
Nancy Pelosi would like them held in Copenhagen, no doubt. I really don't care if these guys even get a trial. They are enemy combatants, and should have been shot on site. Wait a minute....that only applies in a real war, and since Dubya failed to follow the rules and legally declare a war, then I suppose some slick, sleaze bag lawyer will have the chance to get them off. Isn't government grand?
We need to find out first: Who caused the 9/11 bombings. According to many experts in the country and elsewhere, the planes did not bring the buildings down, explosives did. Locate those who set the explosives and then begin with them. RK, London
Alaska. A terrorists prison and court should be built in the far northern interior of Alaska using stimulous money. Lots of job creation. If you have ever been to the arctic you know that it is a very hostile environment. If the prisoners escape there is nowhere to go that the bears, muskeg and mosquitoes won't get you – or the cold in winter. If their friends try for a prison break... well, they will stand out.
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC
Wisconsin Don
Racine Wi
Where they should have been held in the first place – a military tribunal.
What in the world was Holder thinking? Want another 9/11 in New York City? We never know where the terrorists are – could be right next door to you. Correct it!!
At West Point or some place upstate where the circus does not inconvenience folks in New York City and justice gets down in the state where Americans and people from around teh world died horrible deaths. In support of the White House I think the folks there just wanted to make sure that the venue was not going to be in another state since as we all know there will be some do gooders who will say "these guys would not get a fair trial!"
Hold the trial in Vermont. Actually it should be held in the city of Johnson, VT.
In the middle of the desert – There will be no problems there
The Republicans won't be happy iunless it's a mititray trial, even though NO terrorist has been tried and sentenced through saiid judicial process, which would then make the location of said trial irrelevant.
Down it the hole where the Twin Towers once stood.
We've held trials for terrorists as well as for other high profile people in NYC before - it doesn't really have to be a circus. That said, since so many people are so freaked out, just have it on a military base. What the GOP is screaming about, however, is that they think this should be a military commission. I have a question for them. If a military commission is such a great idea, they why didn't Bush use one with KSM? We've had KSM detained for six years. Why didn't Bush put him through a military commission? The answer is pretty easy. Military commissions are untested & and any ruling is likely to be overturned by the Supreme Court. We have a system that is tested, and it works - the federal courts. Bush couldn't try KSM in Federal Courts because the info that we now all know - that we were using torture - would have come out.
It's to bad everything is about the all mighty dollar. They should be tried in NYC other wise you are making this a bigger deal for the guilty. They want a big noise. The bigger the fuss the happier they'll be. They will be treated as if they are a big Army against the evil USA instead of a small band of murders. Who need to been dealt with in a swift manner and made to be smaller than nothing. But, we'll give them the fan fare. That seems to be the American way. They are evil and we should judge them swiftly and with one headline. But the media and government will make it into a three ring circus.
Why is this even a topic. Let Eric Holder should have lived through the 911 attacks, and maybe his decision would not have been so rash. This decision to bring them back to New York is down right thoughtless, to the people of New York City. Why are they even getting a trial.......pathetic.
The logical place to hold these trials is at the same location these prisoners are being held. They do not need to be moved anywhere. That costs money and creates a potential for them to escape or attacks by their fellow terrorists the sooner these trials take place the sooner a disposition can be obtained and carried out..
Only in NYC would a criminal trial mess up businesses and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. In LA it would take longer, cost as much and lead to acquittal due to people who have no clue being on the jury (can we say OJ? Michael Jackson?). But, in NYC it has to be politics and they have to get money from somewhere. Tell the New Yawkers to suck it up and run the damn trial. Hire the Guardian Angels for security if the NYPD can't handle it. God knows Det. Andy Sipowitz has retired.
Why not! Should we all be fearful of bringing criminals to trial.?If we are all so afraid of what retaliation a trial might bring or fear the cost of the trial then why not simply release them and make their crimes legal. Wall street executives have committed crimes against the nation just like terrorists trying to disrupt our economy and are being rewarded for it. Doesn't that set a precedent?
Gitmo? They haven't closed it yet.
We should hold the trails as scheduled. Anyone who thinks this makes any real difference in the likehood of a terrorist attcack is delusional. Any terroist attck on the US is going to trying to top the Woprld Trade Center attack. The number of possible targets is limited to maximum effect. NY has plenty. Moving the trails at this point is a victory for terrorists. Te real question is with terrorist attacked thought to be likely, why have'nt we secured ports & borders?
Jack, Well DUH!!! How about a military tribunal in Gitmo Bay? No security problems, no costs, no worries except how to execute the creeps when they get done. Just another Obama FUBAR!!!!!!!!!
Jack, all 09/11 suspects should be tried in a military facility, under military law as they were captured in combat and do not even qualify under the Geneva Conventions for anything resembling the civilian courts. And if convicted, their sentences should be swiftly carried out. If we could get a Muslim country to agree to try them under Sharia law, with swift punishment if convicted, so much the better. After WWII, former Nazi officials did not receive civilian trials, thus the precedent has been established. Even so, by following these procedures we would still be showing much more mercy than they showed their victims (think 09/11 deaths, or the fate of Daniel Pearl.)
Casper, Wyoming...Dick Cheney's hometown.
It's simple Jack, put them in front of a military court where there is no forum for razzle dazzle slickster lawyers who turn and twist the facts into an unintelligible mass. The military folks do not provide a stage for scum bag attorneys. I have to think the bill will be alot less at the end of the day.
Thanks Jack
Rob Colorado Springs
A Kangaroo Court at West Point would be good.
This is a simple one, Jack. Pick the most crime ridden city area in the country. Perhaps Detroit or Obama's home town of Chicago. The government can foot the whole bill, no local police involved. Cordon off a few square miles and voila, safe for the terrorists and safe for the residents. Call the federal employees "Obama's Commandos" and insist they must be residents of the city. A federal marshall on every corner for decades to come, judging the speed of our justice system.
makes my heart shout with joy!
Denis Duffy
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.
Jack I disagree with your assertion that having the trials in NYC made no sence from the beginning. I think not having them in NYC only shows we are afraid, and makes it look to the world like they can't get a fair trial in NYC, neither of which is true. The american system of justice is the best in the world and the civilized world knows it. It would be a mistake to not continue to have it in NYC. Mark-Republican in PA.
Home of the free, Land of the BRAVE.
All this fear plays into the hands of terrorist. I am not afraid. They will not change me.
Jack, Should be held at Gitmo and shouldn't be allowed to be some 2 year affair .
These guys have already said they were responsible and have costs us way too much money and lives. Spending anymore taxpayer dollars on anything but a couple of ropes would be a waste.
Jack,this one is easy.There is a war on terror,these people are terrorists,(war criminals),they should be tried by a military tribunal,Anything else is just plain stupid!
In criminal matters, the law says the trial must be in the jurisdiction where the crime occured so it has to be in Manhatten unless a judge transfers it elsewhere for good cause. I think Governors Island is a good idea.
They should be held in a country that believes in justice for all human beings. In a country where values, morality and ethics outweigh the fears. And a country where the beliefs of faith, hope, compassion, gratitude, and love rise above it's need for vengeance, hate, and condemnation.
Either we are all that we project ourselves to be to all human souls or we are hypocrites. It is our choice.
Upstate New York sounds good, Jack. How about Fort Drum? Let the 10th Mountain Division provide security.
"Nevada Desert, by the Military"
Somewhere in economically stricken Michigan perhaps? It'll generate jobs in service sectors like security, hospitality, and infrastructure.
Pretty simple answer, Jack. Guantnimo is clearly the best place, and under a military tribuno. Any where in the US is just dumb.
The World Court. Nobody with half of a brain believes they can get a fair trial under our system.
Washington, D.C.
AREA – 51
Jack that is a no brainier, hold it in court at a military base
Crawford, Texas If Bush hadn't taken so many vacation days there, they might have resolved this years ago.
Somewhere cheap. We've wasted far too many resources on these people already.
The man made disasters victimized by the Bush administration should be tried the same way as the Haditha Marines, in a military court.
I personally think these trials should take place before a military tribunal,definitley not in NYC. Gitmo would be the perfect place. I don't even want their feet to touch our mainland. I'd settle for West Point by military tribunal. I love NYC and go there a few times a year. They will lose tourism because I for one will not want to go into the city. It would be like putting a big target on NYC's back. Give these poor people a break,they've been traumatized enough.
I think they should hold the trial in NY City...only do it live, via satellite while the terror suspects are held in an "undisclosed" location. Everyone has heard of a Tel-A-Conference, how about a Tel-A-Trial? We have the technology.
This would eliminate much of the media circus, most of the security nightmares and all of the inconvenenience to the residents of NYC.
Cable networks could put the proceedings on Pay Per View and maybe generate a few dollars to offset the cost of the trial.
Newburgh or Fort Dix., out in a wide open space with low population. Gene
I wouldn't spend a dime on their trials. Let the countries they come from finance their trials. In fact, let them be put on trial in their own countries. Maybe their punishment will be swift and exacting, not like the BS in this country. Oh, wait a minute, trying them in this country could be part of the stimulus package-helping keep lawyers working for years.
The trial of the 9\11 perpetrators should be held as close to the scene of the crime as possible. What better way to demonstrate that our belief in our Constitution is far stronger than fear of terrorists. So, NY, I say "grow a pair".
James Allen
Euless, TX
A small town in southern Georgia would be great.
I don’t care if they hold them in a pup tent in Pawkipsee or an Igloo in Iowa, just get it over with. It was a bad idea to hold them in downtown Manhattan, but there are millions of alternate places in this country that would do just fine. Hang up a map and toss a dark at it and where it lands, that’s the spot. There’s been too much controversy over this and it’s time to move on. Do it.
West Point sounds like the best option; guaranteed everyone would stay in line.
Duh! Traditionally, enemy combatants are held in captivity until the end of hostilities. Trials should only be held for those accused of war crimes ie Al Qaeda.
Whats the big deal about where the trial is going to be held.the defendants are going to go to jail so what is the problem.the republicans make a big deal about nothing.
Why have trials. Guantanamo is working and always has. Keep them until the war is over and we have won. Why try them?
I actually thought New York was a good place to have it. Do they not think they have police etc. trained to take care of the people? Maybe someone pursueded Bloomburg. As far as the shop owners, I would think they would be thankful for all the extra business they would get. More money in their pockets. Those that make the decision will do a better job of deciding where to have it than us Jack. I do not think it should be a military trial though.
These "people" should be tried by the military since they are combatants and it should be at GITMO.
The trials should take place at Gitmo. Why invite an attack on our mainland by have these terrorists here. To my understanding, the prison there was not the problem. It was the crulity approved by the previous administration that was at fault. Why not keep Gitmo open, and make it a humane prision, and keep these dangerous men out of our country.
how about crawford texas on bush's ranch
The 9/11 terror suspects' trials should be held at Fort Hood, Texas. What better place to find an informed jury?
A secure place of a civilian court with less populations.
Jack Im a Democrat and I agree surprisingly with John McCain that the terror suspect trials should be held in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba in front of a military court..
Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
Jack
How about Detriot, I am sure this would boost there economy since the Feds are fronting the bill for the trail and security. With all the Press filling the Hotels and Resturants what a stimulus this would be.
The trials should be held in a specially built ultra supermax prison in the desert of Arizona or New Mexico miles and miles away from the nearest town. The new prison (built with green technologies, of course) would provide construction jobs, police/security jobs, services job (food, medical, etc), IT jobs for the TV studio that would be inside for CNN & the others to do news feeds from and transportation jobs for getting the people (security & news) people back and forth as no cars (or VERY limited #s) and certainly NO news vans should be allowed near it. Once the trials are over, the guilty can either be held or executed there. No towns inconvenienced, security (for citizens and the guilty) AND new jobs. I think it's a win, win!
they should be held at Gitmo by a military tribunal. And you are correct...Pelosi IS a terrible woman!
the ones wanting the trial held elsewhere than the site of the fallen World Trade Center and 3,000 murdered Americans sound like the Democrats. Scared, bleating, whining and willing to sell their freedoms to the highest bidder.
The site of the twin towers as a backdrop would show the world the openess and even justice shown to criminals no matter how nefarious. Anything less is showing the world the American justice system is flawed and geared to the elite. Secrecy and redacted texts , and refused testimony, on the grounds of "State Security", will show the world America is as despotic as Hussein, Mugabe, Amin and any other third world dictators in love with themselves.
Czars, State Security is what we see in Communists and Despots vocabulary. But in America's?
The trials should be held in Washington DC, as the AMERICAN PEOPLE and our nation was the victim, and not only should they be held there, but they should be televised so all americans can get a look at those responsible.
How about on a military base tried by a military court.
Do it in Alaska so they can freeze their asses off.
Hold the trial at Gitmo, or anyplace! Just put them on national TV. Problem solved.
Gitmo via military tribunal. duh
Toronto, ON Canada.
We need the tourism.
The trials should be held in Texas they'll get the death penalty for sure
In the prison where they are being detained would be a secure location. There would be no need to shut down any streets or transfer the accused.
This is a no brainer!
Hold the trials in the supermax prisons and if convicted, just leave them there, if innocent, release them to the country of their origin.
Look, I'm not against holding terror trials in America. However, if it is going to cost our government hundreds and millions of dollars then we should a.) hold those trials in less populated cities and/or b.) use military tribunals. If we know they are guilty, why waste time and money to drag out the inevitable GUILTY verdict?
Virginia
The only place that makes any sense. Military Tribunal at Gitmo.
Governor's Island.
The reaction from most Americans leads me to believe that the United States is supposed to lead the world in Truth and Justice. I often think that most Americans would be just fine with simply executing the detainees without trial and being done with it.
The trials should take place on american soil to show the world that the United States puts Truth and Justice first above all else, and are willing to always stick to it's ideals. Regardless of the bloodthirsty cries of it's citizens.
Michael, Former U.S. Marine, In Canada
Move the trial to the prison in Illinois (in the new prison they are getting ready).
These terrorists should have been shot on sight. They don't deserve the dignity this country affords our civilians.
How about a base in the Caribbean? Great weather and ready to go.
In Afghanistan, it's cheaper and makes sense.
What the hell is wrong with trying them in Guatanamo? Taxpayers sure paid enough to renovate the place and we should get our money's worth for years to come. It's cheaper to fly whoever needs to be there than it is to bring the scumbags into our borders.
Simple, GITMO
Kentucky–there is nothing down there anyways!
International Falls Minnesota, outdoors, in the winter.
Let's hold the trials in the Capitol Building or the White House...then these elitist politicians will understand what the word "disruption" means.
I think the trial should be held in the CNN studio, either in New York or Atlanta. That way you could cover it easily and fairly. It would add to your security. People would be watching CNN, so that you could continue to say you are the most-watched news network, even if you calculate it differently than the rest of the industry. And, if holding it in your studio leads to a terrorist attack, you would be the first to be able to report it.
Go for it!
Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois. Center of North America and it is a Island too! Plenty of security and it is Federal property.
Dear Jack,
These trials should be held in a small town in Montana. It would then give much needed revenue to a small state. Air travel to Montana is difficult at best so it will be much easier to track who is traveling to the trial, just in case someone wants to try to pull a wide west escape.
Second choice would be Bikini atoll. It would speed up the trail as everyone would want to get out of the radioactive environment.
Thanks,
Karen
I guess it is time we realize that New York City isn't a state in the union. I think the government should find a town in New York state that has high unemployment. The influx of reporters, lawyers and visitors would easily turn any small town's economy around. Help the little guys out for a change
I personally believe that it is best to hold these trials, where it would cost the tax payes less money as well as a place, where it will not propose as much threat.
How about having the trial on CNN. It must might result in even higher ratings!
How about on the moon, Jack.? It's probably cheaper and you wouldn't have to worry about security. Maybe we can just leave them there after they are found guilty.
Jack,
Since they are not going to get any free time in their life, why not give them to CIA to try them in Yemen? or Afghanistan?
Eisa
Harrisburg
How about.......uhhhh....ohhh......Quantamano ????
If it's considered a war crime then it must be handled with the military.
How about Guam? News from the trial would always be a day old and for those of us who don't care, that'd be fine.
Jack, why dont Obama try them at the White House .
Very simple location for the trial – down the street from President George Bush's home in Dallas. Heck he is the king of "evil empire" then let the "evil" be next to his home and stand trial.
You're absolutely correct. The trial would cost 10 billion dollars if it lasted 50 years. And definitely business in the area would be hurt by having more traffic in the area. That's why business does so well when they close a street for repair. People suspected of terrorism should be quickly and quietly shot – no trial needed. So much less trouble and expense. And there could be a couple of thousand terrorists in the world. What if we had to try them all?
There are thousands and thousands of cities in the United States, so leave it to the Federal Government to pick New York City. This makes me sick.
I don't think that they deserve or are entitled to a trial. They gave up their human rights when they planned and carried out attacks on innocent human beings.
Theodore R. Wade Jr.
Edmonton, KY
The trial should be held on an Aircraft Carrier. The constant movement of the ship would provide for a great measure of security and it is considered US soil.
Jack, what about one of the empty maximum security prisons? Seems like that would be a better place than most.
Personally, I'd like to see the trial held on whatever U.S. Armed Forces base that is available – it should be up to the Armed Forces of the U.S. to try, convict and imprison any offendor who is trying to harm the U.S. And Ed, you think exactly as I do – therefore, I'd love to see CNN give you an hour or two of air time.
Why not hold the trial in the lower district of Manhattan. That is where the crime was committed and where the victims perished. For years terrorists have been prosecuted(sucessfully) in civilian courts. I think this change of venue charade is just an excuse from detractors to bully another of Obamas decisions. Surely many disagree just for the sake of being contrary
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba would be a great place. It has weather that should be agreeable to the terrorists and I hear it's already a fairly secure property.
I think the trials should be held at Guantanimo. A military tribunal is far more appropriate. It is rediculous to give these war criminals the rights that belong to U.S. citizens.
Jack-Do some digging before you lash out at the Feds. The City of New York is conducting a money grab by saying it will cost them $200 million a year. That's ludicrous. The 2,000 checkpoints is also ludicrous. A secure perimeter already exists around the federal courthouses and the jail facility. The courthouse and jail are attached with a tunnel underground. How much more secure can you get?? The prisoners never see the light of day?
I don't care where it is, as long as they get a civlian trial. Those people want a military tribunal and giving it to them will make them feel like soldiers. A civilian trial will only humiliate those... I'm sorry, but I can't say it. The city of New York has a tough-guy stereotype and this just shows that they're really cowards underneath. Hell, have them tried in Chicago! We can handle them easily unlike those cowards in NYC!
Gitmo and they should have been held already...with NO cameras or reporting. Sentences carried out without public knowledge.
Obama avers that he is not an ideologue, of course he is. It was purely ideology that fomented the decision to try the terrorists in federal court and not in front of a military commission as prescribed by law. Ideology in denial of practicality, not to mention security, has placed Obama and Holder in their current indefensible position.
Take them to Area 51, classify them as aliens and then deny their existence.
Where the crime took place. It doesn't have to be in downtown Manhattan but at least NY. Give the people of NY a chance to do their duty.
If it doesn't have to be in NY state how about that fancy, near empty prison in Illinois?! Warm it up for the Gitmo guys!
The trial should be held in 'HELL'...Let the DEVIL sort it all out!!
JD
If Obama is so hell bent on having a civil trial versus a military trial, why doesn't he have it in his adopted home of Hawaii. What better place could there be.......it's surrounded by two thousand miles of ocean in each direction ( no chance of escape ), it's home to the U.S Navy's Pacific Fleet ( low risk of terrorist attack ) and it's 78 degrees year round ( I doubt the covering media would mind that one bit ). Heck Jack, you may even volunteer for that assignment. LOL
There is only one reasonable place for this trial–the Arctic–if not available, then perhaps the Antarctic.
hi jack,
depends how it go's down. If these are military commisions i think a main stream military base would do. Now if these are federal trials i know a great spot. How about the federal court house in downttown saltlakecity ferderal offices located close by so there would be plenty of fbi,marshals in the area. This Federal court house has hosted many high profile trials includeing the brother in law of the dead iraqi terror leader.
Gitmo,Gitmo,Gitmo security is already there and the weather is beautiful...Rich from Boston
Crawford, TX
Jack,
That's a no brainer. Alcatraz. That way if they wanted to blow up somebody it would be themselves.
Alcatraz comes to mind....but the accomodations are too spacious. How about a military base like Ft. Leavenworth where we can take the condemned suspects over to the military prison and execute the criminal insurgents right after the final gavel falls? I am sure they are as anxious to get to Paradise, as the American public is too helping them get there.
Skip the trial. They should be forced to a duel at ground zero with Clint Eastwood. Do I feel lucky? Well,do ya, punk?
Keep the bull at GITMO. Make sure they don't escape while doing all this back and forth mumbo jumbo. How long does it take untill we decide their punishment?
Lets hold the trials in North Korea or Iran.
The trials should be held where all Terrorist dirt bags go..."Death Valley".
What happened to video trials. We use them everyday in the court system. Leave them in prison and let the courts video trial them Military or civilian.
Holder and Obama are completely disconnected with the American People. These two should be tried for treason by even suggesting to have these killers tried in a civilian court, giving these animals rights as a US Citizen., are you kidding. The trial obviosly should be held in a Military Court at West Point where we prepare men and women to defend this great Country.
Let them be tried at the U.S. base in Antartica! And if the try to run, let them!
It seems to me the most logical place to hold the trials would be at a place with high security in the middle of nowhere. How about "Area 51"? That place is so secure not even a flea can get in!
I'm sorry, so you are saying that tax payers haven't been paying for him to be sitting in GITMO, we have, and now for this trial we are talking 200 million of taxpayers money, that's a expensive trial for four people who has already been living off our money. would it not be that expensive no matter where the trial is at? Oh and we wasn't at war when 911 happen so why are we considering a military trial?
Jack, they should be tried at the white house and the federal govt should leave manhattan alone.
Dear Those People in Favor of a Military Tribunal:
Hamdan v. Rumsfeld (2006) and Boumediene v. Bush (2008) are strong precedents set by the Supreme Court to prevent this trial from being held in a military tribunal. Please learn your Supreme Court precedents.
In Alaska under Military tribunal.
I am a Criminologist who has visited prisons and court rooms internationally and Germany has the model we should use.
They have a terrroist court located in a small town with a secure court room (bomb proof etc.) with translation machines and secure cells with secure tunnels for transporting back and forth to court and cells.
So, build one in a rural area that needs some economic development.
We will need to use it agin
HAK
Why not have trial in New York but have the terror suspects held at secure locations participate remotely? It would address the security & cost concerns yet allow New York to seek justice.
Emerald Isle, NC
Thanks to the Republican weenies, the terrorists win again. Republicans quake in their boots at the thought that a terrorist would be tried in the American judicial system, and, heaven forbid, housed in a prison in the US.
Can you imagine the big grin on the face of Bin Laden as he listens to us running around shouting "the sky is falling"–just what he wanted. Folks, that is what terrorism is supposed to accomplish.
Why do we keep on handing Bin Laden victories?
Jack, these are the same "dirt bags" that have already cost America tons of money and grief. Why impose more costs and hardships on the people of New York? Especially in this economic climate, the trial should be held where it costs least, a military court.
frederic
Chicago, IL
maybe the trial should be held in new york, only in a back alley with the jury carrying big sticks, just about the same justice their victims would receive if their roles were reversed
Hold 9-11 suspects trial in a closed steel mill the are safe and sound and difficult to get into. There are lots of steel mills around the US that could be used
I would think New York City would welcome being selected to see that these criminals got their due. Of all the places in the world, New York should be able to find enough jurors willing to find them guilty of 3000 counts of first degree murder. Politics...Politics...Politics.
Jack,
THANK GOD Michael Bloomberg finally has spoken up! He echoes the sentiments of millions of american citizens, including me. If the American people can see that al Queda and Bin Laden's boys wish to bankrupt as well as disrupt this great nation, not to mention the fact they want to do us in, permanently, why does it take the federal government SO long to "see the light", and consider a move to another venue for this trial! How about a Military Base, secure, professionally staffed wtih soldiers to keep the uninvited OUT, and our citizens safe fromfurther harm? I keep hearing the words of Scott Brown ringing in my ear. Let my tax dollars go for keeping OUR people safe! Our Constitution was NOT intended for protecting pronounced terrorists who wish us harm. It was written to protect American people. A novel concept!
Jack how does than Antarctic Circle sound. Great place for a trail. When they are found guily we wont be able to send them to hell........buts its close enough.................................................
The States of...
The Supreme Court: if it is to be a trial of the nature of a murderous act in civilian court: found as an act of terrorism against the United States and its military held citizens of a foreign nation.
The War Tribunals, allows for the conscription of the note of warfare. If the combantants however are tried under the Geneva convention: they must be released after the conflict, and only generals and other commanders held to account.
If it is to be a trial in an International Court... Well you could wait for a while to establish that court, so hold the combatants for a while longer, and so in the estabishment of a higher court of many nations: accounting theses acts: a new Prison system would need to be created to house these individuals(I suggest islands built out in the many Oceans(Separating male and female: totally preventing pregnancy upon the said island(and building them to release the burden on natural wildlife.)) giving the uncivilized of nations to their desired environment, a true wild kingdom, or untamed wilderness., but then hospice islands and other such accounts of a world in co-operation would be of other account. Guarded with Navies, and preventing any and all intrusion upon the prison Nation. (it a part of many nations, it separate from them all, it like a place to exile... to deport the mass destructive.)
If you just let them all go in Arizona...
Make them to work for habitat for humanity in Haiti... Lugging foundation stones down from the exploded mountains: work detail(military units deployed anyway)
So Civil, Military, or International. You must pick then. The rule of law sees no inbetween.
It seems most US Court cases are rigged for outcomes before being held, so what's the big deal? Let's say for the sake of argument, the CIA sets up a patsy, it would be easier just to have a secret trial, and have a CIA press release on how the alleged perp is guilty, isn't it? For just hauling off Americans in America to be held as political prisoners, it is easier just to have a FBI press release and a trial held in secret isn't it? I don't believe there is any real terrorist threat. Idiots can strike anytime, should we have no freedoms because an idiot might act? Because I blogged critical of the Connecticut Governor, I was number one on the arrest on sight list. I got the special Jan '07 special inauguration security detail memo through the Freedom of Information Act. Al Qaeda isn't a threat, hate groups aren't a threat, but bloggers who expose public corruption are the number one enemies of the state! If official security details think that, it must be so.
How about Governor's Island? Currently closed, half mile from ground zero, and think of the photo ops with the Statue as a backdrop
Announce their release and drop them off at Time Square, I think New York will take care of the rest.
A miltary court is probably the best choice. Maybe, holding the tribunal in a small town in the US would benefit that local economy.
Jack, they should be tried at the white house and the federal govt should leave manhattan alone.
chuks
Tampa florida
I think this trial should be held in military courts. These guys does not need publicity, and put NYC in danger.Also I think they do not need all kinds of laws that was designed for us, not for the terrorists who wanted to destroy the freedom we have. Terrorist could use all kinds of loopholes and drag and make a mockery of our judicial system. They accepted what they did, and why a trial.
I believe the trial needs to be held on American Soil on a Military base. The U.S. is more than capable of dealing with these sort of trials in the Homeland if security is a reason.
Do it in the place where Sarah Palin can see Russia from.
Well Jack, everyone agrees they should be put on trial but the problem is that no one wants it in their city. The problem is not where to hold the trials but to make people realize that they must be held some place and right now our enemies are seeing that we fear a strike from them at whatever location we hold the trial.
They should be tried in any military tribunal around the country and elsewhere. where they would be treated for what they are, enemy combatants. The idea that they were even considering to have these trials in the same area where they killed thousands of innocent people shows how this administration is so far off from what the American people really want. These sad excuse for humans showed no remorse when they inspired to kill innocent people, why should be show them mercy and let all the new yorkers how much money we will waste trying them in a civilian court.
They are enemy combatants & should be tried by a military tribunal.Gitmo springs to mind as they are already there,tribunals have been approved by the Supreme Court and are already in place,but that would be the cheapest so why would they care.It's our money they spend not theirs.Or try them in Washington DC !
It does not matter where it happens. It will cost 10 billion dollars,and take 3 years , half of them will go free, and the president will say " see how smart I am". The ones that go free will end up working for ACORN.
Jack – They should hold the KSM trial in the Senate chambers. It's a secure area, and it isn't being used for anything, anyway.
Area 51. Nice desolate surroundings (just like at home), tight security and alien spacecraft to take them to their 7 virgins promised.
Isn't The Haig the place where war criminals from all over the world are sent for adjudication? Send them all there!
Can we hit the reset button!
A Military Tribunal at GITMO is the right course of action.
Save $200 Million a year in the Security Cost in having the trial in Manhattan could be used for Stimulus to create jobs.
They should go to the same court that Saddam Hussein went to. Also the same decision by the jury will be ok with me.
The trial should be held in TEXAS where i antiscipate an upcoming trial of Dick Cheney and his cohorts in the nearest future. We must uphold the American values.
If NYC doesn't want the trials held there, then I do think the White House should find another venue.
I believe the President is trying to follow this terrorist's constitutional rights. Remember what we were all taught in schoo? A person's innocent until proven guilty and has the right to a jury trial and counsel. If it's time to set about the process of a constitutional amendment, so that suspected terrorists have a different set of constitutional rights, then Congress needs to get going, I'd like to hear Jeff's interpretation, but my sense is that because these extremists are not members of our military, then a military trial is not the right venue, I believe.
It's time to get Jeff's opinion once and for all. I should think that New Yorkers would feel there's a formidable sense of justice if he's tried near where the spot where 9/11 occurred. But if city residents don't feel that way, then this "dirt bag" should have a civil trial somewhere else.
Jack....THE INSANE ARE RUNNING THE ASYLUM!!!!! The political right is insane, hysterical, and downright stupid. It DOES NOT MATTER, I repeat, IT DOES NOT MATTER where the trials are held. Manhattan, upstate New York, Illinois, California. All this hype and ranting is merely holding up the actual trials so the right can "pile-on" to this hysteria. Do the trials and get it over with!!!
Yankee Stadium – the old one
The trial of the 9/11 bandits should take place on a Atoll out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
They should stay in GITMO. The military should handle the whole
procedure.
Try them under military jurisdiction at Guantamo Bay. It is the perfect setup and everything is in place there. Military law prevails and will be paid for by the Fed. gov't. and if it does run into years it won't be bothering any major city and its businesses or causing any threat to America or the American people..
Anywhere the federal prosecutor deems appropriate. If the local mayor or governor scare mongers squawk, pull their federal funding. New York has gotten billions for home land security. Watch them cry if you cut off that funding..
We have federal court houses in KS, and we survived many a year housing the most dangerous prisoners of war in WWII.
The last time I was scared was election night 2004 when Dubya got reelected.
Jack you once again have blasted the Obama administration for something it has no control over. The 9/11 tragedy occured prior to the USA declaring war on any nation or persons therefore the perpetraitors cannot be tried as or treated as enemy combatants. Our constitution states that persons tried for crimes whether in state or federal courts must be tried in the district the crime was committed. The Obama administration nor the congress can decide where to hold the trials unless they want to totally ignore the constitution as the previous administration did. Let me know what you think this time.
Sincerely,
Kenneth
Montgomery,Al
The trials should be held at Guantanamo. These people are enemy combatants.
Wasilla Alaska, Rush Limbaugh's estate in Florida or Cheney's secret location?
The first rule of war, is 'Know Your Enemy'. The people trying to blow up airplanes are told they will be a hero in a righteous war. If you think about it, showing these people being treated as common criminals, who failed in their crime, is probably one of the best deterrents the future recruits could see. That said, the talk of trials lasting for years is ridiculus. There is no reason that has to be. Defense Attorneys listen up. Yes, everyone is entitled to a defense in our system of justice. That does not mean that everyone is entitled to be pled innocent and their trial made into a circus so you can get publicity.
Gitmo...they are already there.
First of all, it wasn't the "Feds" or "they" who decided to move the trials to NYC. It was President Obama and Attorney General Holder who mandated this ridiculous scheme. The terrorists should have been treated as the illegal combatants that they are and tried by a military court, which is still more than they deserve. I would suggest Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, AK. It would reduce the chance of the trial becoming a soapbox and if held during the winter would probably result in a far speedier trial!
The trials of the 9/11 terriost should be held at the empty prison in Ill., before anymore Getmo prisoners are put there. Should have plenty of room for a courtroom and housing for defendents,lawyers and room for security in and around trial.
I think they could be held at Fort Dix, New Jersey..It is a one hour from NY and has a Federal Prison already there to hold the inmates...Plus it is secure an isolate away from most of the public..You cant get on that base at lease to certain areas of it unless you go through check points...
The trial for these "terrorists" should be in as open a court room as possible, certainly not a military base somewhere. Unlike Oswald, these defendants should not be silenced, and be heard by all citizens of the world. If they know, or knew, who financed the attacks on 9/11, or if they really know nothing, we the people have the right to know that too.....absolutely!
AL Johnson
BC Canada
They have no right to be trailed in any country. They killed many innocent Americans and for that, they should just be put to death
Lets see, we are essentially broke and we have base in Gauntanamo that is designed just for this type of situation but Eric Holder decided on NYC.
This administration is dangerously poitical and even more naieve. And for us dumb regular folk. How in the hell and why would it take years for a trial of someone that already pleaded guilty? What has happened to my country??
Ellis Island or in front of the Statue of Liberty would be my picks.
Forgive me Jack, but as busy and as crowded as NYC is, for sure, that is a lame excuse for moving this trial. Sure it will be super expensive to secure. Everything is these days. I'm sure the Nuremberg Trials of ex-Nazis were too, with high safety concerns, but the powerful impact of world justice being served was far more important than the worries of local European residents. ALL Americans are still reeling about 911, but unlike some New Yorkers like Rudy Guliani, millions all across our country are NOT running scared all the time. If you want Obama to man up more, than how about the greatest city in the world do more than just worry and whine in public.
I think he should be tried in a public place – civilian court – because what he did was to all Americans. It was not just a military attack. He should be put on trial that all citizens can see and hear.
It is a lost opportunity to show the world that New York survived and is thriving and is a place for real justice!
Hold them on the Island at Alcatraz.....safe and secure
Of course, it should be held at Quantanamo, where they have been doing this for years and where all the prisoners are!
Not for nothing Jack but you an I both know they will not get a fair trial in NYC. I am all for giving justice and embracing the fundamentals of this country. These terrorists are enemy combatants and are not entitled to privileges American citizens enjoyed by virtue of our constitution. They were captured by the military and should be tried by military tribunals. If it's good enough for our soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen it should damn well be good enough for these dirtbags.
I've lived in NYC my whole life and would love the opportunity for a steel cage match with each of these lowlifes but you can't always get what you want.
Jack,
I think that this freak show should be staged anywhere but New York ! ! !
How about Bismark North Dakota ? ? ?
or Kodiac Alaska...
Yeah thats it ....Alaska....
Sarah Palin could view the entire show from the comfort of her front porch......
John ...
Toronto.
Our country was founded on the rule of law. These crimes were committed in the United States and therefore the United States has jurisdiction over those committed the crimes. It is our obligation, under our own laws, to give them a trial under our laws.
The idea that there is a "special case" where our laws can be circumvented is ridiculous. If we do not follow our own laws we are no better than those who break our laws.
The trials should have been held years ago, in a military court, in the State of New York where the crimes occurred.
Tom in Iowa
hold the trial in the supreme court building, Washington.D.C.
How about holding the trial in Puerto Rico. It is still within US jurisdiction and we know how to handle criminals down here.
It’s simple, first we find them guilty and then we go out for a beer.
Miguel
Puerto Rico
Let's see...
How about:
Guantanamo Beach
Victoria's Secret Store-front Display Window
The border-mountains of Afg./Pak.(COME AND GET IT)
They should be tried in a court of law either in NYC or in Washington, D.C., period. I don't see why this is so hard.
These guys are no different than Tim McVeigh or the hoodlum on the street. They aren't an army representing a government. They are a few guys that represent hate and/or destruction, nothing more.
Besides, in either DC or NYC, if and I say a BIG IF, by chance any of these guys got out of hte courtroom, they wouldn't make it past the first corner.
These guys, as one of my buddies will say, will mess up making a pitcher of Kool-Aid if given a chance. And that's on both sides of the issue.
We should host this in Pittsburgh Pa.
You know, the location of the last G-20 summit. The city can be shut down again with the the three rivers as protection. It worked perfectly for the summit. With our unemployment (thanks to wall st.and Bush) who would notice?
Dom.
Iraq would be my first choice.
From Carol from Berlin, CT
The terrorists should be tried at Gitmo under the jurisdiction of a military tribunal. The trials should not be "open " to the public.
This would prevent KSM from having the world as a stage for his gripes against the US.
These terrorists are war criminals. They should never, never, be given the same rights as Americans.
Shame, Shame on the Obama Administration and Secretary Holder for even thinking of endangering the lives of New Yorkers by having the trial in NYC.
The concept of justice also involves victim retribution, the people of New York City as the direct victims are entitled to their justice.
Jack,you ask where should the trials of the 9/11 suspects should be held
They are not suspect first of all,they are found already gilty.
Where??...at the site of the former twins towers by a fire squadron period.
Save that money and fanfare,after all "we are not the goody two shoes we pretend to be.
Carlos Rovescala
Just heard the former mayor and he was absolutely incorrect. The 93 WTC, both Kenyan bombings, the Cole Bombing, and 9/11 were all plotted and supported by Al Qaeda core leadership overseas. He had no problem with these individuals standing trials in NY and he is the true picture of a hypocrit. He said, the President and AG are using this for publicity. This comes from the man who can't breath a single breath without letting 9/11 out of his mouth.
This question is really a back-door to the question of whether we are are at war with Islam. Since our constitution explicitly allows for all faiths, Bush came up with this nonsensical term - war on terror (meaning war on Islam). You didn't hear about problems with trial location for the religious extremist who killed the abortion doctor with the clear purpose of striking terror into anyone who did not share his religious views. If Mafia kingpins can be tried in New York, Al Qaeda operatives certainly can since they are exactly the same sort of people.
Jim, Craig, CO
Definitely in the Arctic, or if that is not available, Antarctica would be a great choice. Seriously, it is an insult to the people of New York to subject them to what will undoubtedly be a media circus.
Hi Jack,
Why should we afford any foreign terrorist ANY rights gauranteed under our constitution.They plotted their actions from their foreign homeland and came to this country to carry out their acts of violence.
These people need to be tried in a military tribunal as enemies of this country.I'm retired law enforcement and believe that any citizen of the United States should be afforded their constitutionally guaranteed rights etc. but not these radical animal terrorists who have killed and maimed thousands of innocent people just for their cause.
I suggest a Military tribunal held aboard a U.S. Aircraft Carrier off the coast of the United States. I believe these ships have jails, and even if they escape, they'd have to be very good swimmers.
Force him to listen to our Congress fight each other for 12 hours solid - he'll commit suicide - job done.
If we can't deal with these terrorists in our court system, then what does that say about our courts and our system of justice? I believe that those pushing for the use of military courts are looking for ways to bypass the laws of our land.
The reality is that we have many criminals in our prisons today that are as bad as terrorists like the Christmas Day bomber. Our courts and prisons seem to handle them just fine.
Instead of wasting time arguing about which courts to have these trials in, how about if we just get to it and get them in prison where they belong or at the end of a needle.
Why not have the trial at or near the prision where Obama wants to move the inmates now at Guantanamo. The community wants the business from the prison, they would probably also lilke the business from the trial.
Why bother giving them a trial, they are already in jail.
Is that not where they need to be ?
Don't spend anymore money on them .
Theses people are not army, they are thugs they deserve no special treatment.
We have got bigger fish to fry !
Jack, How bout we ship KSM off to the US South Pole station in the Antarctic for trial via web? Seems like it'd be better than all the other ideas at this point.
The World Trade Center's destruction was a world crime as is all terrorism. Al Qaeda is an international gang that commits crimes against all nations of the world. The World Court should conduct a trial that is open to the world. If we don't have the evidence to convict them in a world court we don't have the evidence to convict them in a New York Court. If we can't take the chance that they will be found innocent no venue is satisfactory.
Anywhere not on US soil is good........heck why not skip the trial and get to the punishment
Common sense says try them on a military base......not in America. Perhaps a carrier at sea even. But there is no common sense in Obama's Administration. Just a political agenda he pursues regardless of what most Americans want. Since he no longer lives there, why not try them at his home in Chicago?? Seems fair to me. Or Holders home???
You mean we are really going to take the 911 culprits to trial?
It is obvious guys...area 51
Tucson, AZ – The default location for any Federal trial in the New York District is the Federal court house in lower Manhattan, which is a veritable fortress in its own right – they shoot the exteriors for "Law & Order" on its steps. The idea that Al Qaeda could easily mount any sort of attack at that venue is just paranoid – it would be very hard to pull something in the middle of the busiest city in the country, surrounded by 8 million hostile and belligerent New Yorkers, all of them looking for some Al Qaeda guys to kill, and mcu easier at a rutal location like West Point or Fort Drum. Furthermore, these guys are criminals, not soldiers of a sovereign power, so they are not entitled to military trials, which, in any case, give the accused even more rights than Federal civilian procedure. This discussion is all politics – there is no objective merit to these arguments. Bloomberg is just looking for a city pay day, because the incremental cost of security for this trial, beyond the enormous amount the city already pays every day, is actually peanuts.
Approximately 1.8 million people attended President Obama's inauguaration in Washington, D.C. with no problems or complaints and top security in place all around. I see no reason why there is so much controversy as to where these few 9/11 terrorist suspect trials should be held when they can be held any place in the United States.
Although I applaud the decision to change the venue of 9/11 terrorist trials away from New York City, I have not wavered in my belief that they should and continue to be treated as war criminals.
They keep referring back to giving a fair trial in civil courts to the other terrorists in the past, no retaliation occurred and they received a fair trial. But the difference between then and now is that BOTH presidents declared "WE ARE AT WAR" with Al Qaeda's terrorists since 9/11. We have and continue to be ENGAGED in war. These are captured war criminals and should be treated as such. PERIOD.
I REALLY do not understand the constant argument by the administration that the world and terrorist will respect our legal system and the fair trial we provide for them. Actually, by wavering on this fundamental issue, it's become a target of bipartisan argument and questionable strength of our military procedures.
Like that congressman from Pennsylvania stated, we should state a goal, carry it through and stop wavering! AND show everyone across the globe that we will NOT consider terrorists as civil citizens because their methods are against innocent civilians and against rights of humanity to live in peace!
Gitmo is the most logical place. However, the Democrats have already made their bed and now have to sleep in it. If Republicans are for it, Democrats are automatically against it. It's called arrogance.
Any place where they can be questioned about the Bush administration's unlawful torture used on them. Then maybe they could get their punishment and the Bush administration would have to be responsible for all the unlawful ways they corrupted our constitution and ignored the Geneva Convention.
P Kelso
Mississippi
I think it may be too late but if Uncle Sam was smart they would have updated Alcatraz Island Pententiary. It would be a perfect location to hold all terrorists from Guantanimo . They could hold trials right there on Alcatraz and if found guilty would have the following choices of sentencing:
A. Death by firing squad or B. Life imprison if they can swim across the bay to San Francisco without being eaten up by the sharks (I hope I have not insulted any PITA activist as sharks do have rights also)..
If the administration decides to select an alterenate place to hold the trials, I suggest that a location should be selected by the combined staff of the Justice Department and the Department of Defense. If NY doesn't wish the be involved, then they should not share in the decision. I also believe that part of conflict is being fed by the media.
Aboard a vessel in the Mid-Atlantic, equipped with a plank. So immediate sentence can be carried out!
I think the 9/11 trials should not be held in NYC or any other place that places citizens in danger. Does anyone else but me think that there would be suicide bombing attacks all over whatever city they do take place in? Perhaps the location of these trials should be kept secret, with complete cooperation from the news media. Maybe one of those empty prisons in a state that permits executions of terrorists. Plenty of American tax dollars, and American blood ,have already been spent on these scumbags, and I for one do not want any of my money spent on keeping them housed for the rest of their lives. The trials should be fast and furious, and then take the terrorists on a helicopter ride way out into the North Atlantic and turn them into fish food! Terrorists should absolutely not be entitled to the same rights as American citizens. What an insult to their victims and to all Americans!
9/11 happened in Manhattan New York. It should be tried in Manhattan New York. It is the jurisdiction of Manhattan New York. and the Families of the victims who were murdered would prefere that it be held in Manhattan New York.
Holy Crap people! You people who assume, automatically that these guys are guilty. You make the world hate America, because you don't live what you preach. We took them onto our soil, and that should automatically assume, that whether foreign or domestic, we as just nation, shall allow the real truth to be told. Let us not silence another "patsy" .
AL Johnson
Victoria, Canada
I Think we had it right the first time, hold in Manhatten. And if found not guilty set em' free, at about 134th St. >> And let us know when he's getting there, Let him out and close your eyes....
The courthouse closest to the Pentagon or, better yet, to where United 93 crashed would be the best places if Obama insists on hold a civilian trial. A military trial would still be preferable.
Jack,
Why should we afford these foreign terrorist any rights afforded under our constitution.They should be tried in military tribunals as enemies of this country.They plotted their acts of terrorism from their foreign homelands and came to this country in a cowardly way to carry out their acts of violence on the people of America.Thousands of innocent men,women and children have been maimed or killed for their sick cause.I'm retired law enforcement and believe every citizen of this great country should be afforded their constitutionally guaranteed rights but not these sick radical foreign terrorists.
We are a NATION OF LAWS....... We are not barbarians. The trial should be held where the crime was committed, in this case NYC.
Would Jesus torture? How is wanting to torture or condoning torture, Christian?
Pick an isolated Pacific island. Fly KSM and his cohorts there and along the way accidently lose the package. Problem solved!!!
I don't understand everyones obsession with having the trials in New York.
Does everyone think we'll all fit in the court room?
They'll watch it on TV like everyone else whether it's here or on the moon.
I live in New York and I don't need to give the terrorists any more reasons to attack us.