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Webb, Lieberman; Dems Criticize Terror Trials to be Held in New York

November 13, 2009 2:28 PM

Wolf ABC’s Z. Byron Wolf reports:

While the mayor and the two Democratic senators from New York are on-board with the Justice Department on the administration’s decision to try KSM and others in federal courts, there is some growing pushback among conservative Democrats.

"It will be disruptive, costly, and potentially counterproductive to try them as criminals in our civilian courts," said Democrat Jim Webb of Virginia in a paper statement.

Independent Joe Lieberman, nominally a Democrat, calls the move "inconceivable."

Webb has long spoken out against trying detainees in civilian courts. The Virginia city of Alexandria – the so-called"rocket docket" where Zacarias Moussaoui and John Walker Lindh were tried - was another possible venue for the trial of GTMO detainees.

And Webb argues the trials could set a dangerous precedent.

"…we must be especially careful with any decisions to bring onto American soil any of those prisoners who remain a threat to our country but whose cases have been adjudged as inappropriate for trial at all.  They do not belong in our country, they do not belong in our courts, and they do not belong in our prisons," Webb said.

November 13, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (20)

User Comments

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So Obama is going to bring the Bin Laden look-alike to NYC to get a fair trial, and give him a huge platform.
The ACLU will be happy.

Why doesn't Obama add to the circus--do another Air Force1 flyover during the trial.

I put nothing past Obama.

Posted by: lonnie | Nov 13, 2009 3:44:52 PM

Its unbelievable that Obama would risk national security issues by giving these killers a public trial on American Soil. Only from a presdent who himself is a national security risk choose his own people over Americans. He has his own agenda, wake up people!!!

Posted by: HH | Nov 13, 2009 3:59:49 PM

If there was any doubt before there can
be no doubt now.
The Obama Administration is taking us
back to a pre-911 stance on terrorism!
The terrorists will use these trials
to spout their hate and recruit new
decipels.
Not to mention the additional agony and
pain for the survivors of the victims
of 911 by having the trials in NYC!
Shame on Eric Holder and
President Obama,

Posted by: reaganfan | Nov 13, 2009 4:21:41 PM

Congress Needs To Stand Up For What Is Right For America. Terrorist Have No Rights on American Soil. American Taxpayers Money Should NOT Be Wasted! This Is UnConstitutional!!!! IT WAS AN ACT OF WAR!!!!!!!!!!! Obama Is Trying OUR Military's Hands Behind Their Backs!!! Give America Back To The People, Let The Military, FBI and CIA Do Their Jobs!!!!!!!!

Posted by: A | Nov 13, 2009 4:25:34 PM

We will find out the real reason for the attack now. Was it because of anger over a sexually transmitted disease caught from our former president or another "national security" issues designed to cover up the the incompetence of our leaders? The current administration of incompetents and their desire to create a side show OJ like trial to cover up their recent missteps will blow back in their faces when these defendants testify to their role in our "national security." Any competent defense lawyer will get these guys to walk.

Posted by: rick go | Nov 13, 2009 4:27:18 PM

Patriots - Do Your Duty - Vote For America 2010 and 2012. Get These Nut Jobs Out Of Office! Country First!

Posted by: AmericansLetsRoll | Nov 13, 2009 4:28:09 PM

Obama , A Trojan Horse.

Posted by: Moderate | Nov 13, 2009 4:29:48 PM

Is This Obamas Idea Of A Job Stimulas?

Posted by: It'sAFraud | Nov 13, 2009 4:37:39 PM

Let me get this straight. Obama wants to FINALLY take action to put a 9/11 mastermind to death and conservatives explode? Put him through due process and execute the guy. Done and done.

Posted by: Justin | Nov 13, 2009 4:55:12 PM

Joe Liberman .... gotta love him .... only not.

I think all the politician just love to complain ..... could they at least supply an alternative if they're going to go ballistic every time the Pres does something.

I think the politicians all want to be stars .... & talking about Obama seems to give them a platform.

Posted by: Linda | Nov 13, 2009 5:15:09 PM

Regardless of the ridiculous comments made thus far, why shouldn't they be tried in civilian court? New York has experience with these types of trials (ie, the first Trade Center bombing). I would ask Sen. Webb, "where do they belong?" He has done a great job of where they don't.

Posted by: Kristi | Nov 13, 2009 7:26:53 PM

This prez consistently makes the wrong
decision. Consistently. He's the most
consistent guy I've ever seen.

Posted by: grizzlybare | Nov 13, 2009 7:27:20 PM

Linda, I agree with your comment. I would just add that Obama is the biggest "star" of them all! Only I don't want a "star" to run my country. I perfer someone with some leadership abilities and experience. Both of witch Obama is severaly lacking.

Posted by: whatsgoingonhere? | Nov 13, 2009 7:35:55 PM

I love the way Democrats use insanity to defend Obama decission to use our courts to defend the terrorist rights to murder innocent American citizens.
Thats what these court hearings will be all about. The Islam Koran will be the law that will be used in our courts as their right to kill innocent American citizens. Our Constitution will be thrown out the window. That is why our our civil courts have never been used to try those that declared war on America before. These terrorist used the Koran as their right to kill innocent American citizens, SO THEY ARE INNOCENT OF ANY WRTONG DOING. That is their religious belief!!!

Posted by: John Demeter | Nov 13, 2009 9:07:18 PM

I think the 911 familys would appreciate being able to take part in seeing these criminals get their punishment -on american soil with a jury of americans..this is NOT strictly a military case..they committed crimes against americans on american soil, and this is where they should stand trial...You republicans can pull up your skirts and run and hide if you are afraid of retribution...like your last president and vice president did during 911..don't think the rest of us will forget that behavior...those brave first responders didn't stop to put their own safety first, thank god.

Posted by: cowgirl | Nov 13, 2009 9:07:43 PM

What a foolish act! Bringing them to a civilian population so that these terrorist can have their martyrdom wish fulfilled by other members of their cause. Thus taking out allot of innocent civilians like they do in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Lebanon, and Israel. This Administration is supposed to server and 'protect' the American people and not put them in harm's way. Instead they want to parade these nut cases and invite casualties. Where is the intelligence we thought we had elected?

Posted by: TX_MBell | Nov 13, 2009 10:20:19 PM

The GOP Party of No and Fear again want us to fear and shake in our boots because terrorists will finally get a trial albeit in open court where all can see what really happened!

Posted by: Angellight | Nov 14, 2009 9:58:00 AM

Cowgirl,they ran and hide? I dont think so. Also, If you listen to the news some of the families from 9/11 DON'T want them brought here. They do NOT deserve the same rights as those they killed. Where in the world are they going to find a jury? no where thats where. Obama is sooooo smart.NOT

Posted by: whatsgoingonhere? | Nov 14, 2009 10:18:06 PM

This opens the door here to more of what is happening in Pakistan. Attacks on bases and civilian targets. Bringing these barbarians to the US brings the focus of radicals that will try to influence the civilian population in an attempt to frustrate the trial and executions. Have we also forgotten that we have our own radicals opposed to executions or are inclined to mayhem.

Posted by: TX_MBell | Nov 15, 2009 11:34:52 AM

Obama Wrong Again.It's gonna be a Long 3 more years.

Posted by: EmbarressedAmerican | Nov 15, 2009 7:15:13 PM

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