Liberty Reigns

The U.S Constitution Wins in 5-4 Supreme Court Decision

WASHINGTON — Foreign terrorism suspects held at the Guantánamo Bay naval base in Cuba have constitutional rights to challenge their detention there in United States courts, the Supreme Court ruled, 5 to 4, on Thursday in a historic decision on the balance between personal liberties and national security.

“The laws and Constitution are designed to survive, and remain in force, in extraordinary times,” Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote for the court.

Simply put, Justice Anthony Kennedy states eloquently that our Constitution needs to be protected (remain in force) regardless of how the weak and scared (extraordinary times) the sheep become.

Justice Kennedy stands between the four Justices; Breyer, Ginsburg, Souter and Stevens who consistently adhere to the United States Constitution and its framers' intent, and the 'other' four, Alito, Roberts, Scalia and Thomas who consistently ignore it.

Then of course, you have Lil' Bush McCain come out today with his daily dose of ignorance with his dumb statement on the ruling;

"It obviously concerns me. These are unlawful combatants. They are not American citizens. We should pay attention to Justice Roberts."

It's disheartening to realize that the Republican nominee, just as his idol and mentor, George Bush, does not know what the Constitution clearly states. The Founders did NOT limit the right to appear before a grand jury or the right to a speedy trial to 'American citizens'. James Madison and the other Framers wrote 'No person' and 'All criminal prosecutions' could be denied those rights. They could have written 'citizens', but they did not and they did that for obvious reasons.

Article V - No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, ...

Article VI - In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, ...

It's sad to think a man who wants to be our president doesn't even know the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to our Constitution.

But since we're talking about the 'Republican' nominee, I guess we shouldn't be surprised.

Put them on trial. We've held some of these detainees for almost seven years. If they are guilty of crimes related to 9/11, execute them. If we do not have a case that can hold up to our Constitutional guarantees, then free them.

That is what our Constitution clearly states. And this is another very clear example of why our country cannot afford to elect John McCain so that he can put another anti-Constitutionalist on the Supreme Court. Four of them is already four too many.