Ernie Pellegrino: High court erred in Guantanamo decision

The Capital Times  —  7/06/2008 7:59 am

Dear Editor: I believe the U.S. Supreme Court decision made by a 5-4 vote to give the prisoners of war in Guantanamo the same rights as U.S. citizens in the courts of law was a grave mistake. In most democracies, the laws give the accused many more rights than the victim, or the potential victim, is given. We have even seen cases where the accused has been acquitted due to a technicality, even though the evidence clearly pointed to guilt. Obama supporter and former admitted terrorists and bombers William Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn are perfect examples of this.

In today's world, foreigners who are accused of crimes against the security of the state should be tried as they would be tried for the same offense in their own country. In most cases, that would automatically rule out the use of habeas corpus and even juries. Why should anyone trying to ruin a democracy receive the benefits of a democracy? When one is at war, one always has the choice of kill or be killed.

The American people must be made to realize that we are at war with some very vicious people. We should be reminded constantly that they, not we, proclaimed the jihad. The consequences of this decision will fall on the next administration no matter who is in office -- something the Israelis have learned over the years.

Ernie Pellegrino

Middleton

The Capital Times  —  7/06/2008 7:59 am