The Guantanamo Mess

President Obama’s approach to terrorism is like the triage you see on the battlefield when health facilities are overwhelmed by incoming wounded. Today’s lead story in The New York Times, “Obama Would Move Some Terror Detainees to U.S.,” describes his pragmatic approach to what he referred to as a mess left by the Bush administration. Just like triage, not all of the detainees can be treated alike. Some are eligible, and deserve, full justice in a United States court of law. Others require military commissions to protect sensitive national security information. And a third group can’t be convicted of any crime because of lack of evidence, but to release them would engender their return to a jihad against our nation.

The problem with a triage, pragmatic approach, is that it does not satisfy the noisy voices on both the left and right side of the spectrum. The ACLU, while it has been in the forefront of many noble causes, seems unable to pursue a middle course of moderation on just about any issue. And, of course, most of the country has already rejected the platitudes of the right. Sometimes, it seems they forget that they LOST the last election.

The situation will probably continue to play out in the same manner. Members of Congress may not be happy, but we must hope the American people see the wisdom of the situation.