Captain Ed has some great info regarding the
sentencing of Ahmed Ressam for a measley 22 years for plotting a deed that could have murdered hundreds at LAX. What was even more insidious than the slap on the wrist given such a scumwad, was the judge's (
John Coughenour)admonishment with regard to our handling of terrorists:
"Secondly, though, I would like to convey the message that our system works. We did not need to use a secret military tribunal, or detain the defendant indefinitely as an enemy combatant, or deny him the right to counsel, or invoke any proceedings beyond those guaranteed by or contrary to the United States Constitution.
"I would suggest that the message to the world from today's sentencing is that our courts have not abandoned our commitment to the ideals that set our nation apart. We can deal with the threats to our national security without denying the accused fundamental constitutional protections.
"Despite the fact that Mr. Ressam is not an American citizen and despite the fact that he entered this country intent upon killing American citizens, he received an effective, vigorous defense, and the opportunity to have his guilt or innocence determined by a jury of 12 ordinary citizens.
"Most importantly, all of this occurred in the sunlight of a public trial. There were no secret proceedings, no indefinite detention, no denial of counsel.
"The tragedy of September 11th shook our sense of security and made us realize that we, too, are vulnerable to acts of terrorism.
"Unfortunately, some believe that this threat renders our Constitution obsolete. This is a Constitution for which men and women have died and continue to die and which has made us a model among nations. If that view is allowed to prevail, the terrorists will have won.
Now again I would say, thank God that Bush was elected. But the Captain points out the disquieting fact that Coughenor was appointed by Ronald Reagan. As saddle blankets once given to Indians were supposedly purposefully riddled with smallpox by unscrupulous traders, perhaps judicial robes are riddled with stupidity by unscrupulous liberals. Thankfully, Rehnquist, Scalia and Thomas have remained immune. It is my fervent hope that
Judge Roberts follows suit.
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