Red Cross vs. Gitmo

[tishaLA]

In the WH press briefing today, a reporter asked about the Red Cross condemnation of Guantanamo Bay, about which I had heard nothing.

Anyhow, McClellan said that Guantanamo had enemy combatants and evil terrorists anyhow, so why did the Red Cross care? It was great to see him lie so boldly to the press corps. Bodes even better for Trasongate than *'s disinterest in it does.

[DuctapeFatwa]

1. Which Dem candidates have pledged to free the people in Gitmo?

Could someone point me to their comments on this issue?

I've checked the websites, did I just miss it?

[LittleApple81]

2. I don't think any has said peep about this.

And IMHO all these treasonous workers at gitmo (pastor, translators, guards, etc.) are just whistleblowers that won't be allowed to come forward.

[DuctapeFatwa]

3. Why would they not want people to know their positions on this issue?

I would think the candidates would be anxious to let their supporters know where they stand.

It is a pretty important issue, with implications that directly affect US national security.

[AP]

5. There are millions of problems with America. Candidate's websites...

...generally address about 20 of the problems.

If you really want to know what the candidates think about anything beyond the websites, you should call their HQ's, ask, and report back.

[tishaLA]

4. Let's face it: they have been mostly silent

for whatever reason. Everyone in official circles is acting like these people are guilty of whatever they have been charged with and would be more than happy to see them stay there for the next 20 years. It really is appalling.

I am just amazed that the Red Cross came out against *co because of this. As the reporter in the WH briefing noted, the Red Cross almost never stakes a position on issues like this, but the RC felt it had to do something. I suppose this is one way *'s arrogance is actually a good thing if it emboldens meek organizations to take a stand. Too bad the same cannot be said for the american people.

[DuctapeFatwa]

8. So people are donating money to candidates without knowing their view

on one of the most crucial issues that directly affects the national security of the United States and the safety of innocent American civilians?

[drfemoe]

6. Is that what you want?

You want to just turn them all loose? That wouldn't be very responsible.

They are entitled to pow status and treatment as accorded by the world body which is about as important to this admin as the constitution... What I want to know, is by what authority are these prisoners held as neo-speak 'enemy combatants'. Is it the 'Patriot Act'?

This issue is very clearly addressed by Gov Dean:
http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8645&JServSessionIdr002=0xs6ym8os1.app194a&security=1&news_iv_ctrl=1301
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2003

<snip>
BURLINGTON--As Attorney General John Ashcroft begins his tour this week pushing for a 'Victory Act' that would build upon the USA Patriot Act, Governor Dean released the following statement:

" After September 11, the Ashcroft Justice Department took advantage of the climate of fear and adopted a series of anti-terror tactics that go far beyond protecting our country and erode the rights of average Americans. We should be rolling these back, but instead Attorney General Ashcroft is trying to build on them with his 'Victory Act' proposal.

" He must not be allowed to compromise our freedoms any further. I call on Attorney General Ashcroft to withdraw this dangerous piece of legislation.

" The September 11 terrorists sought to disrupt the American way of life, including our constitutional freedoms. They must not succeed. As President, I will lead the war on terror in a way that protects civil rights and civil liberties as well as our safety."


>> continued
http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8645&JServSessionIdr002=0xs6ym8os1.app194a&security=1&news_iv_ctrl=1301

[DuctapeFatwa]

7. I want them to do what you would want for your son if he were accused

of a crime and seized by militant gunmen and taken off and tortured.

Edit to add that my views here are irrelevant.

Why haven't any of the candidates come out in support of the activities at Guantanamo?

[AP]

9. Why haven't you asked the candidates?

Why are you asking us?

[DuctapeFatwa]

10. Well, I looked at their websites, I googled, I asked here because

I have seen so many posts from people who are obviously well-read, educated, intelligent, informed and thoughtful people who support different ones of the candidates, even donating money and time to them, and it never occurred to me that anyone would do such a thing without knowing his or her candidate's position on such an important issue as this.