Talking Points Memo Trasncript, Tuesday, October 17, 2006:
Subject's Memo: President Bush Signs Military Commissions Act Into Law
The president Tuesday morning signed the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which he says is one of the most important laws passed during his administration.
Now the law states that the military will be responsible for trying captured terror suspects — the guys in Gitmo.
It works this way: A three officer military panel will determine a detainee's status. If the person is deemed to be an "enemy combatant," he can be held indefinitely.
The military will also conduct trials for detainees accused of committing war crimes. If classified information is necessary, the detainee will not be able to see it, but he will get a summary of the evidence against him.
Of course, the military lawyer — a JAG — will be provided to everything charged. If convicted, the detainee cannot appeal.
Now obviously, this is controversial. Many liberals oppose the military justice system wanting captured terrorists to be tried in civilian courts.
You can decide what policy is better for the country, but one thing is very clear: President Bush believes that terrorism can only be defeated by military means. And that if terror crimes are adjudicated in civilian courts, we'll lose the war.
That is the crux of the issue
