Putting Enemy Combatants on Criminal Trial

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/26/gop-leaders-voice-grave-misgivings-to-obama-over-key-terror-trial-in-civilian/

     Putting enemy combatants on trial in American civilian courts is wrong on almost every level, and sets an extremely dangerous precedent. It is dangerous because it begs Muslim countries to try our soldiers in kangaroo courts in their countries for violations of Islamic law and other law: a quid pro quo in the asking.  And, as a matter of fact, there would be little difference.
     The second reason we should not make a practice of trying enemy combatants in American civilian criminal courts is that most have committed no crime, at least, no violation of American criminal statute.  When did me make foreigners, on foreign soil, subject to American judicial jurisprudence? They should not be subject to American law at all while in a foreign country; only the laws of warfare established under the Geneva Convention, and that by military tribunal.
     This display of ignorance on the part of our Commander in Chief (who has never served in the military), and his illustrious attorney general, Eric Holder, epitomizes what is wrong with our country. It represents a lawyer's interpretation of something that would be best left to the military. Additionally, it makes a mockery of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), Courts Martial among all of the branches of service, and military tribunals.
     Every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine should be screaming in protest at this latest attempt to usurp all military authority. It is a slap in the face to America's military and to every individual soldier, sailor, airman, and marine, whether they are on active duty, retired, or veterans.
     Additionally, it puts American civilians serving abroad unduly in harms way, since it is only a matter of time before retribution will begin over this violation of the laws of warfare.  I find it difficult to believe that more people aren't up-in-arms over this slight to America's military, and that foreign countries haven't already retaliated in-kind. But, mark my words. . . it is only a matter of time before both happens.


 

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