Justice has become dangerous but we are in the middle of a war on terror.
While the Justice Department finds itself a jurisdiction in exile, rightful fears of terrorist retribution as the trials commence (or after) should be heeded.
Following the White House asking the Justice Department to look for other places to hold the 9/11 terror trials, local officials in alternative jurisdictions are getting nervous.
White Plains hosted terror trials in the Westchester County Courthouse. The thought did occur to people that a terror trial would make suburban New York the next target.
Just ask anyone who parked their car in that courthouse's basement.
Newburgh had been suggested by that city's mayor -- as a cheap tourist gimmick -- but Orange County Executive Ed Diana adamantly opposed the idea.
"Forty-four Orange County residents lost their lives on that most horrific day, and to bring these monsters to Orange County is an insult to our residents."
Whether the Justice Department redirects the trial to West Point, Stewart Air National Guard Base or Otisville Correctional Facility, there are security implications the Hudson Valley will be forced to grapple with.
Does the Obama administration want to further endanger the Tappan Zee Bridge, Indian Point Nuclear Plant and Stewart International Airport as future terrorist targets?
The location of the new terror trial has become the new ground zero.
It required lobbying from a California U.S. Senator to finally wake up New York's Congressional delegation to stop turning a blind eye about the dangers of a Manhattan trial. Dianne Feinstein demonstrated that politics cannot factor into any decision. It's about common sense this time.
"Does the Obama administration want to further endanger the Tappan Zee Bridge, Indian Point Nuclear Plant and Stewart International Airport as future terrorist targets?"
Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Rockland counties are part of a delicate transportation corridor that is sadly ripe for a terrorist attack. This war on terror is at a tipping point and painting a bull's eye on the back of New York City's suburban region is reckless.
These enemy combatants are prisoners of war. The war on terror is far from over. The double-standard on the status of terrorists as nationals or citizens of the world is plaguing the process of justice. Perhaps it is time to lay down a firmer gauntlet, but to whom?
Recent Comments