Don't Blame The Whistleblowers

[Brosco]

mmmhhhhh as an ozzie, I gotta comment on Gitmo here - I know, slightly off topic, but along the same lines. Here the yanks have a 'detention cetre' where people have been held for years without a single charge being laid against them. I can understand that in the case of terrorism that 24 hours is not enough to extract the necessary information - but seriously, after .. eerrrr .. what now ... 3 or 4 years... that there is still more to find before charges are laid?

There is an ozzie still being held there. No doubt he was a foolish adventurer - but give me a break - he was never a threat to the usa, oz, or anyone else but himself.

And don't get me wrong, I am more angry with my own government for allowing this foolishness to continue than the yanks that are doing it. Just imagine for a moment if we in oz attempted to hold an american citizen without charge for several years as to the outcry there would be.

Brosco

[fantassy]

I believe the intent and the statute allows us to hold them for the duration of the "war." Something like a prisoner of war, but, since they were not wearing a uniform, they don't fall under the Geneva convention, so not official prisoners of war and no rights under the Geneva convention. They're better off than in the old days. When George Washington captured an "enemy combatant" who was not wearing a uniform, he shot em on the spot.

fantassy

[Brosco]

I believe the intent and the statute allows us to hold them for the duration of the "war." Something like a prisoner of war, but, since they were not wearing a uniform, they don't fall under the Geneva convention, so not official prisoners of war and no rights under the Geneva convention. They're better off than in the old days. When George Washington captured an "enemy combatant" who was not wearing a uniform, he shot em on the spot.

fantassy

Ok so they can be held for the duration of the 'war'. uuummm what war is that? The war in afghanistan? Well, unless I'm mistaken, that war is well and truly over but many at Gitmo were not even a part of it, captured in other countries based on other suspicions. Perhaps you mean the ongoing 'war on terrorism'? A 'war' that will never end. Do you suggest that someone may be held without charge or trial purely on the basis that he may be terrorist - forever??

So much for 'free' america ... its only free if you agree with them.

Brosco

[fantassy]

Perhaps you mean the ongoing 'war on terrorism'? A 'war' that will never end. Do you suggest that someone may be held without charge or trial purely on the basis that he may be terrorist - forever??

So much for 'free' america ... its only free if you agree with them.

Brosco

Well, I agree that is where the GITMO justification breaks down. George W. would say it is the war on terror, and you're right that it will never end.

HOWEVER, you certainly have no cause to complain about a "free America." A certain American has been extremely generous and totally free with you.

fantassy