This is a brief response to the comment posted by AJ under the "Slow Draw McGraw" post. The article link AJ offers is a truly disturbing one. AJ, I am 100% with you in feeling that such lifetime detention without trial is NOT what America stands for. This latest plan by the Bush administration is the latest in a long line of hypocritical moves. This administration claims to serve in the interest of an America that is supposed to be a world beacon for democracy and justice. Yet, we have for approaching four years, been detaining hundreds of "enemy combatants" without counsel, without charges, without trial. It's a practice that cannot be condoned and that is certainly not a standard bearer for other nations.
In my book, either we stand for justice and civil liberties and rights or we don't. But to say that other countries are not on our level because they don't have a justice system that allows the accused to confront their accusers and defend themselves as innocent until proven guilty, while simultaneously holding hundreds in the same conditions is deplorable.
Our Founding Fathers started this country on the belief that certain rights were human and natural and we have long stood as a shining example of these beliefs. It's disheartening to say the least to watch this administration erode these rights at home (USA Patriot Acts) and abroad --- and in the name of protecting and spreading democracy and freedom no less.
Thank you, AJ for bringing this latest round of hypocrisy to our attention.
-BG