I think the media blew this exchange up to offer up a story that says Mueller is against housing terrorists in U.S. prisons. I don't think that's what he was trying to say, but I'm sure we'll hear more. I think he was saying, according to the video clip below, that it is a concern that would need to be addressed.
Obama is addressing this tomorrow, May 21, in a speech.
In my view, not to diminish their deeds, these terrorists have been elevated to a level that they're not exactly worthy of. They've been made more powerful, certainly by the Bush administration, by being designated as the most mighty enemy. The terrorists, for sure, win the psychological battle.
But there are more terrifying people out there -- child molesters, gang members, serial killers... who wreak havoc on our society every single day. Look up how many sex offenders are in your neighborhood. I'm more afraid of them. The terrorist's heart is a coward's heart, easily manipulated.
The city of Hardin, Montana, with an unused jail, is ready to take the detainees. But the city is getting push back from senators and congressmen who believe the state would be tainted.
Director Robert Mueller said Wednesday that he was concerned that Guantanamo Bay detainees could support terrorism and even radicalize other inmates in high-security prisons if sent to the United States.In the meantime, both republicans and democrats in the Senate voted to block funding for the closure of Guantanamo until a plan for the prisoners is set. The media bills this as a big set back.
During an appearance before the House Judiciary Committee, Mueller did not discuss specifics but said he was generally concerned about whether such individuals might provide financial support to terror networks, radicalize others, or even take part in attacks within the United States.
Mueller's statements come a day after a federal judge ruled that the United States can continue to hold some prisoners in military detention indefinitely without any charges.
In a major rebuke to President Barack Obama, the Senate voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to block the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to the United States and denied the administration the millions it sought to close the prison.
The 90-6 Senate vote — paired with similar House action last week — was a clear sign to Obama that he faces a tough fight getting the Democratic-controlled Congress to agree with his plans to shut down the detention center and move the 240 detainees.
Last month, Obama asked for $80 million for the Pentagon and the Justice Department to close the facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by January. In the eyes of the world, the prison has come to exemplify harsh U.S. anti-terror tactics and detention without trial for almost all of its inmates, most of whom were captured in Afghanistan. MSNBC
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