Omar Khadr was taken into U.S. custody at the age of 15 and has been detained at Guantanamo since he was 16, in conditions equal to or worse than those given to convicted adult criminals, such as prolonged solitary confinement and repeated instances of torture. After nearly 5 years in such conditions, the government is now demanding his appearance before what can only amount to a kangaroo court. The fact that this Administration has seen fit to designate this youth for trial by military commission is abhorrent.
It was Benjamin Franklin who said, "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
In this case the liberty given up does not even gain any safety. How could this boy have posed a such a threat to national security that they put him in Guantanamo? Even if he was going to commit some terrorist act it would only be because his family, or those close to him that he trusted told him of the rightness of his action. When Khadr was arrested he was only 15. He is a minor. How can he be kept imprisoned for 6 years without a trial or even any substantial charges?
What if this was you or your 15 year old son? Would you not hate America even more than you already did? Our current international policy is not leading to safety. Its leading to more unrest, more anger, and more hatred of Americans around the globe.
As Americans we need to remember what we stand for. We need to remember people like Benjamin Franklin and Patrick Henry, "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!" Personal Freedoms, Human rights, and PEACE above all need to prevail for our country to continue.
The wisdom of the young provides me with hope for our future. Thank you.
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