Guantanamo Bay

So, what's the deal with Guantanamo? Why is this issue important?
Two words--National Security
Why is President Obama wanting to close the Guantanamo prison?
The basic reason, from his speech yesterday, is that Mr. Obama feels that the prison is a stain on America. He also feels that Guantanamo prison motivates our terrorist enemies, and that closing the prison would make America safer.
Well, I certainly must say I don't understand the reasoning Mr. Obama gives. While he is certainly feels himself that Guantanamo is immoral and wrong, it seems to me that a strong prison would be a deterrent to our enemies. And closing Guantanamo, IMHO, would certainly NOT increase our safety.

Why do I feel this way?
1. President Obama wants to release some of the 240 prisoners back to their home countries.
Well, that certainly makes me safer in my bed at night!
2. Mr. Obama also suggests that some of the prisoners be interred in Europe. Problem is, our European allies don't want any of these terrorists.
3. Mr. Obama suggests that some can be housed in US prisons. The most-maximum-security prison (I know, a C- for grammar) is in Colorado. Same problem as in #2--no one wants these folks.
4. If you bring these terrorists to US prisons, and try them in US courts, it is extremely hard to convict them in civilian courts, because evidence that could be used to convict them is often classified.
And, basically, President Obama has NO PLAN at this time for the 240 terrorists currently held in Cuba. He himself admits this.

A few other thoughts from people in the know:
Jim Webb, a Virginia Democrat, opposes Guananomo Bay's closing saying, "We spend hundreds of millions of dollars building an appropriate facility with all security precautions in Guantanamo to try these cases."
FBI Director Robert Mueller shared his concerns with Congress about bringing prisoners to the US causing problems "from providing financing [ie, to other terrorists], radicalizing others, [to] the potential for individuals undertaking attacks in the United States."
The New York Times reported that no fewer than 1 in 7 released prisoners returned to a life of terrorism against the US.

If you support the Senate's decision to NOT provide money for the closing of the Guantanamo Bay prison, please write your Senator and applaud their actions.