Working to Stop Terrorist Trials on U.S. Soil

Representative government worked and the people were heard at the grassroots of America when public pressure forced the Obama administration to move the trial of 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed out of New York City.  While New York City is off the hook, this administration appears to remain committed to a civilian trial and is actively looking for other cities to hold the trials.  This means the man who plotted the 9/11 attacks that killed more than 3000 Americans will receive more constitutional rights than our own military men and women will receive if they are court marshaled.

This to me is a ridiculous proposition.  A civilian trial on U.S. soil not only gives these terrorists the same constitutional rights as American citizens, but also risks releasing valuable intelligence information, creates an increased security risk, causes undue financial constraints on an already busted budget, and provides a large microphone for people to spew their hateful rhetoric.

These terrorists should not be brought to the United States for trial.  They should face military justice though the military commissions process that Congress set up to provide a safe, secure venue that protects classified information and doesn’t burden taxpayers with undue security costs.  

I recently co-sponsored a bill with Senator Lindsey Graham and a group of bipartisan Senators that would prohibit the use of any federal funds for civilian trials of the September 11 terrorists.  If I get a chance to vote on legislation, either appropriating money to not bring the terrorists here, or that these folks not be tried in civilian courts, but be tried in military commission, I’ll be very inclined to support that legislation.