Why are we having trials for P.O.W.s? I understand trials for principals that plotted and carried out a civilian attack on U.S. soil. But why are we holding and torturing soldiers that fought against us? Isn't that what a soldier does, no matter what side he is on? Don't they kill their enemies? The Dolittle Raid resulted in Japanese trials that outraged the U.S.
I thought when you win a war, the P.O.W.s were repatriated. Just like Sydney McSame. We kinda won years ago.
The Bush Administration seems to have stretched every law and convention when it comes to war. To the public and media, we are at war. To the soldiers in the field, serving and fighting bravely, there is no doubt they are fighting a war. But the prisoners are Jihad Islamoterrorists with no rights what so ever.
So what is up with the enemy combatant tag? There is a hope that if you are captured, the enemy will most likely keep you alive and not execute you for fighting against them. That is due to the rules of war outlined by the Geneva Convention. While not a perfect situation, and violations have always occured, a vast majority of P.O.W.s have survived have many wars.
But we are going the way of the outlaws. GITMO trials disturb me. What does Sydney McSame say about all this? His treatment as a P.O.W. left him barely able to give the nazi salute, but he is still alive.
I am most likely wrong, a few wheat beers make me spell bad and think about mundane issues.