The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #95160   Message #1849591
Posted By: Don Firth
03-Oct-06 - 05:46 PM
Thread Name: BS: Mark Foley Scandal
Subject: RE: BS: Mark Foley Scandal
"Does The US Constitution (and therefore the Bill Of Rights) apply to foreign nationals caught in foreign countries conducting acts of terror?"

Yes, pdq.

This whole "War on Terrorism" business is a farce. A terrorist act is a criminal act, not an act of war. An act of war is an act of one nation, sanctioned by that nation's government, against another nation. The attack of a group of self-proclaimed "freedom fighters" or jihadists, no matter how legitimate their grievances may be, against innocent civilians, is a criminal act, and should be treated as such.

Because of the international nature of their crime, it would be better if they were tuned over to an international court. But if we insist on keeping alleged terrorists or "enemy combatants" prisoner ourselves, they should be subject to due process of law. As in any criminal procedure, the same questions of guilt or innocence pertain and the same rights should apply. To all.

Otherwise, we're hypocrites. Or worse.

Don Firth