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Conservatives to GOP: Stop Gitmo 'Scaremongering'

Bob Barr, others write letter supporting Obama's plan

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 17, 2009 4:02 PM CST
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(Newser) – Three leading conservatives sought to quash what they called “scaremongering” by Republican politicians over plans to relocate Guantanamo Bay detainees to a prison in Illinois. In a joint statement, Bob Barr, David Keene, and Grover Norquist said the prison was secure enough to hold the detainees. “The federal prison system has proven itself fully capable of safely holding literally hundreds of convicted terrorists with no threat or danger to the surrounding community. The scaremongering about these issues should stop.”

The trio also writes that the “civilian federal courts are the proper forum for terrorism cases,” in a vote of confidence for the administration’s plan. "We are confident that the government can preserve national security without resorting to sweeping and radical departures from an American constitutional tradition that has served us effectively for over two centuries."

American Conservative Union Chairman David Keene is seen in his office in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008.
American Conservative Union Chairman David Keene is seen in his office in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
Bob Barr, Libertarian Party presidential nominee, gestures as he answers a question during a news conference in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, July 15, 2008.
Bob Barr, Libertarian Party presidential nominee, gestures as he answers a question during a news conference in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, July 15, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 31 comments
DontLikeYou___
Nov 18, 2009 12:53 PM CST
Liberals are so hypocritical. These are the same people you call birthers and tea baggers. So, libs, take your compliments and shove 'em.
DontLikeYou___
Nov 18, 2009 12:51 PM CST
As opposed to the highly intelligent liberals? How arrogant.
Derni
Nov 18, 2009 12:49 PM CST
its about time-and I live in Illinois-people fear we will be targetd by enemies from the Middle East..Kirk (and I thoughthe had more upstairs) even backed thisidea..we have some of the WORST criminals in our jails and prisons..they would make these guys look like kids just learning ..not even wet behind the ears..now really..if you're woried about an attack..then bring the troops home and have them here and not overseas

 
federal courts • Guantanamo Bay • Grover Norquist • Bob Barr • detainees • American Conservative Union • David Keene

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