Saturday, June 07, 2008 1:45:30 AM
Khalid Sheik Mohammed On Same-Sex Marriage, Value of Counsel
A closeup of the new, improved Khalid Sheikh Mohammed sketch, with the more flattering nose he suggested be modeled on a shot the FBI issued after his capture.
(Credit: Jess Bravin)
Posted by Dan Slater
June 6, 2008, 3:39 pm
WSJ Supreme Court reporter Jess Bravin, who is in Gitmo this week covering the appearance of Khalid Sheik Mohammed and four other alleged Sept. 11 conspirators before a military judge, has sent along a couple more interesting dispatches from his notebook. Click here [ http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2008/06/06/a-nose-job-for-khalid-sheikh-mohammed/ ] for an earlier post on yesterday’s hearing.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed on same-sex marriage:
For the past five years, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has been under the care of federal civilian and military employees who have taken an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The experience apparently has not enamored him of the document.
At his arraignment here Thursday, the alleged 9/11 mastermind said he would not accept any attorney, even a fellow Muslim, “who is sworn to your American constitution.” Displaying a surprising understanding of such concepts as federalism and dual sovereignty, Mohammed referenced recent decisions by state courts in California [ http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/highprofile/ ] and Massachusetts [ http://news.findlaw.com/cnn/docs/conlaw/goodridge111803opn.pdf ] under the powers reserved to them under the Tenth Amendment.
“I consider all American constitution” evil, he said, because it permits “same-sexual marriage and many other things that are very bad,” he told the military judge, Col. Ralph Kohlmann. “Do you understand?”
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed on pro se represenation:
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who’s insisting on representing himself, told Col. Kohlmann, the military judge, that while he was an “expert in the gospel and the Koran,” he had no training in the common law system. Nonetheless, the alleged terrorist commander’s comments suggested he held sympathy for the 20th century American analytical movement known as legal realism [ http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=339562 ].
When Kohlmann urged Mohammed to “keep an open mind” about the value of having an attorney represent him in his capital trial, Mohammed remarked on the judge’s brusque treatment of civilian attorneys, whom he repeatedly silenced before they could state their objections.
“You tell [David Nevin, a volunteer civilian attorney], ‘Sit down! Sit down! Sit down Sit down!,’” said Mohammed. “It is inquisition, not trial.”
Mohammed continued: “We have been five years under torturing,” he said, and yet are being told to listen to American attorneys they’ve barely met. “All of this has been taken under torturing, and after torturing they transfer us to Inquisitionland in Guantanamo.”
“I hope you can reconcile your concerns” about his religious duty with the issues involved in self-representation, Kohlmann said.
“You will continue now to the end, to the plea guilty?” Mohammed, more eager than impatient.
“Yes,” the judge said.
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Comments
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Mohammed’s statements on gay marriage prove that there is something to admire even in the most despicable among us.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 4:14 pm
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Just hang this maggot and be done with it.
Comment by ed - June 6, 2008 at 4:15 pm
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Absolutely correct 4:14
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 4:16 pm
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Torture him some more please.
Comment by dave - June 6, 2008 at 4:17 pm
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I would have thought that having a despicable murdering member of Al Qaeda supporting your position would be a negative…but that’s just me.
Comment by Ed - June 6, 2008 at 4:18 pm
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The legacy of the Bush administration is turning this monster into a morally sympathetic figure. Congratulations.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 4:26 pm
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Sorry, that you didn’t like the decision in Cali 4.21.
Comment by Ed - June 6, 2008 at 4:27 pm
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The drawing makes him look like he’s wearing a fake-beard-and-glasses disguise. Or maybe that’s what he really looks like. Or, it’s part of his plan to escape while *appearing* to wear a disguise…
Comment by Poindexter - June 6, 2008 at 4:30 pm
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Don’t forget the decision in New York state, aswell, Mr. 4:21. It’s rather amusing you have to hide behind a veil of anonymity. Too afraid to let people know who’s displaying such a bigotted oppinion?
Comment by Mighty Chip - June 6, 2008 at 4:31 pm
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It is suprising how much common ground there is between radical Islam and the radical right in this country. One difference is that is that KSM appears to be smarter and more articulate that our home grown extremists.
Human + goat = “Anonymous”
Comment by Pragmatist - June 6, 2008 at 4:32 pm
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Gay Marriage is another attack on our ever decaying standards of the American way of lifestyles. It’s sick. And to have a loser like this twisted moron to be telling us that it is wrong, is another warning that the end is nearer that we may think
Comment by Ken Gunter - June 6, 2008 at 4:43 pm
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Pragmatist: Islamofacists, Christian Right, and Obamists are alike in that they’re all statists, subjugating the individual to the “greater good.” Ayn Rand was right!
Comment by Steve - June 6, 2008 at 4:46 pm
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Can’t imagine what set him off, no?
Comment by Dr. Otto VanDerWahl - June 6, 2008 at 4:47 pm
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Stop covering this monster. He deserves no media attention, no martyrdom, nothing. Let him just rot away in some hole somewhere.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 4:48 pm
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After reading some of these comments, I can confirm that I am plased as punch that I am not an American.
Comment by Gary - June 6, 2008 at 4:52 pm
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RE: Ed
Spot on there bud, but while we’re there let’s apply the same logic to Sen. Obama, who has been endorsed by every radical muslim short of UBL himself. If you find yourself, or your candidate, being supported by despicable murdering radical muslims you need to rethink your position… hard.
Comment by Chris - June 6, 2008 at 4:54 pm
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After reading Gary the Rat’s comment at 4:52, I’m as pleased as punch he’s not an American, either. natch.
Comment by Jack M. - June 6, 2008 at 4:55 pm
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There is really nothing wrong with radical muslim clerics. I just wouldn’t want my son to grow up and marry one.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 4:58 pm
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This guy deserves a fair trial & execution after he is found guilty. Please do not associate the Christian Right with this lunatic. And just because I do not support same-sex marriage does NOT make me an extremist or looney. I believe differently than you do , obviously which could make you every bit as extremist as you think the Christian Right is. The “thought police ” are in action again !!!!!!!
Comment by Big D - June 6, 2008 at 5:01 pm
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“Shortly after the hearing, Mohammed continued his discourse on the American legal system. ‘Frankly, I think you all went wrong after Marbury. If the separation of powers demands judicial review, why does it not similarly require Executive review or a deeper involvement of the legislature in crafting precedent? You can follow Marshall or you can follow Montesquieu, but not both….I mean…uhh..death to infidel judge.’”
Comment by Hey wait a minute... - June 6, 2008 at 5:01 pm
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AMAZING,THIS IDIOT WASN’T AFRAID OF KILLING 3000 PEOPLE ON AMERICAN SOIL BUT HE’S SCARED OF ELLEN.HIS VILLAGE MISSES HIM.
Comment by JEFF - June 6, 2008 at 5:02 pm
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In reading the above comments I am deeply saddened at the number criticizing anyone who believes in the God given principles in the American Constitution and that these are constantly being eroded by arrogant high courts.
Comment by John Robertson - June 6, 2008 at 5:06 pm
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Mr. Extremest meet Mr. Extremest. The trial is a farce as is the word Terrorist. He is just your enemy. A famous man once said: be careful who you choose as your enemy for you are destined to become just like him. He is a mirror for those who would use religion to impose their “high” moral standards on other poor hapless people who are weaker than them. And so they choose a bunch of good people working in the Trade Center Buildings to make a statement. What is the statement: “we don’t care about love, human kindness, compassion”, the very stuff all of the religions teach. We only care about the books, the laws, the regulations. The heart of religion has been ripped out and we are seeing the dead cold shell.
Comment by Waywuwei - June 6, 2008 at 5:10 pm
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After reading Gary’s comment, i must admit! I’m sure were ever he is from. He is a loser, and he is in America so he can become a real loser.
Comment by KG - June 6, 2008 at 5:11 pm
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Very fascist statement Steve. Kinda interesting, those Ayn Rand followers (what?!), Satanist, Libertarians and Neocons are increasingly saying the same things from the same boat. BTW those translations sound badly done, I’d like a better transcript. Anywho we all know an America under FallWell would be like an America under Taliban rule just replace the moon and star with a cross on that flag.
Comment by Jason - June 6, 2008 at 5:11 pm
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CHRIS: I directly challenge you. Your comments about Obama are venemous and demonstrably wrong. And cowardly! Sustantiate one of your pathetic claims. “Endorsed”…..you are a creep.
Comment by Pragmatist - June 6, 2008 at 5:13 pm
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Christopher Hitchens, as I recall, had a nice response to the question of how to bury Jerry Falwell, and it applies equally and across the board to the religious right in this country (for whom Falwell was a model). Hitchens said that if “you gave him an enema you could bury him in a matchbox.”
Comment by Amused - June 6, 2008 at 5:24 pm
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If you told your friends that you had just spoken to God on the telephone they would think you were mad.
I fail to see how the addition of a telephone makes any difference.
Comment by Ed - June 6, 2008 at 5:37 pm
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This man needs to be a keynote speaker at the Republican Convention. He hates central government, hates gun control, believes in restricting free choice among consenting adults, and is concerned about moral decay in society. If he had an anglo name and carried a Bible he’d be running for office.
Comment by John Jay - June 6, 2008 at 5:38 pm
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“This man needs to be a keynote speaker at the Republican Convention. He hates central government, hates gun control, believes in restricting free choice among consenting adults, and is concerned about moral decay in society. If he had an anglo name and carried a Bible he’d be running for office.”
Unfortunately he opposes torturing prisoners, which makes him too liberal for today’s GOP.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 5:53 pm
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Altho’ I am from Canada , it blows me away to see comments from someone like John Jay. Close-minded & small-minded!!! “Free choice among consenting adults” Too bad this individual does not think about the babiy that will be aborted. Oh , I guess he thinks the baby does not have any rights. You should be reminded that 1/2 of your country votes Republican ( or more specifically 48% ) as do the people voting Democrat. So , because we think differently than you , we are the “bad guys” Let’s just let the moral decay continue in both our countries as you would have us do. The radical Muslims will not have to take over N. America. We’ll destroy it ourselves with our selfish demands for our “rights” no matter what the cost to others Yes , I believe the Bible & yes I love my fellow “man” & yes , I think same-sex marriage is wrong & yes , I am concerned about the moral decay in both the US & in Canada. Government is not going to correct these problems. Only when we N. Americans stop our own self-centerness will these problems start to be addressed. Unlike your letter that is so vitriolic to the Christian Right , I just feel sorry for you that you have no moral compass to guide you. Incidentally , I see no shame whatsoever in carrying a Bible. I believe that even Barak Obama , the darling of the Left admits that he carries one & he follows it’s words of wisdom. Maybe if more people did , then our society would be a lot kinder to one another.
Comment by Big D - June 6, 2008 at 5:57 pm
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The picture makes it look like he’s wearing Groucho glasses and nose
Comment by wacka wacka wacka - June 6, 2008 at 6:06 pm
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Another funny coincidence: Didja know that both Osama Bin Laden and Obama Hussein Barack (or whatever his name is) both like to go home, close the door, make sure no one’s listening, and then sing the “Theme From the Man From La Mancha” while wearing Groucho glasses and nose? I know it must be true — I think I read it on Huffington Post once, or something…
Comment by hey Pragmatist - June 6, 2008 at 6:10 pm
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You are all a bunch of hypocrites. Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty by a court of law?
This is no court of law either, it’s a kangaroo kourt! These men aren’t even allowed to see the evidence against them, do you realize that?
But you have all decided in your own tiny minds that he’s guilty. I suppose then, if this man were your father, you would still be making stupid comments like this?
Do you realize that his children were also detained and used against him? The children are still missing. Amnesty and Human Rights Watch as well as others have the information on what was done to them. They were scared into saying where their father was. They put bugs on their legs and threatened them with other things. They didn’t feed them… these are little children.
This is your government. This country is supposed to be “we the people”. That makes you all complicit in these crimes if you don’t act to make it right. Clearly you don’t care, I see your idiotic comments tell it all.
Please reconsider. This is wrong, very very wrong.
Comment by Linda G Richard - June 6, 2008 at 6:17 pm
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Don’t kill him, that’s what he wants. Keep him in Guantanamo till he dies and feed him nothing but pork.
Comment by Tony - June 6, 2008 at 6:18 pm
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It’s interesting that the anti-gay marriage people are so desperate to find any reason to be anti-gay that they think having this mass murderer on their side is somehow legitimizing for the anti-gay crowd. Hey — Hamas endorsed Obama — does that mean he’s the best candidate too? Iran had the death penalty, just like we do. Therefore the death penalty is morally correct, right? Do the anti-gay forces see how ludicous their arguments have become?
Comment by Chris - June 6, 2008 at 6:22 pm
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Please do not think that because Big D is from Canada that all of us think like that, unfortunately we have a small minority of ignorant, asinine rednecks here too.
I think you should look closely at who you discriminate against, before declaring that the Christian right has any moral compass whatsoever. You are a blight on our country and should probably immigrate to a bible belt state before you taint what makes Canada so great.
Freedom of religion is only allowed so far as it does not affect the lives of those that believe differently from you, if you don’t like that you can also choose to live in a nice Islamo-Fascist regime somewhere.
Comment by Shawn - June 6, 2008 at 6:25 pm
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He is admitting to what he has done and he is getting more of a fair trial then he would have gotten under Islamic law. The problem is with us that some people feel bad about his children and don’t mention hundreds of children that he admited to have left without fathers and mothers. Get over it. I give it to him about the same sex marriage though
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 6:26 pm
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It’s interesting to note that , once again , The Christian right are called all kinds of names & villified because we think differntly from the Left. It’s also interesting to note that the radical Left-Wingers are the ones doing all the name calling. reading the comment from Shawn , I could not have made my case better than he did for me.It strikes me that your last sentence fits quite nicely into the Radical Islamists’ thinking. Think differently than they do & you are finished. Not a real intelligent way of thinking & obviously not well thought out. But , hey , you have the freedom to say what you choose because I believe in that right.
Comment by Big D - June 6, 2008 at 6:35 pm
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Death is to kind a gift for a venemous soul like this, but then again I don’t want my tax dollars spent on keeping him alive either. People like this could not even begin to understand what it means to live in a free society. Ours is quite far from perfect, and becoming less so everyday (and will become even more so under any one of these presidential candidates), but to live in acceptance of every human is a blessing not understood by those that live and rule by fear. I’d like to tell the government to let the gays be gay, let the polygamists be polygamist, let the law abiding own guns, and leave me the hell alone so that I may raise my family to live not for themselves but for their fellow humans.
Comment by Guru - June 6, 2008 at 6:42 pm
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Chris -
I don’t know if these anti-gay forces see how ludicrous their arguments have become or not. I just don’t want my son to grow up and marry you.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 6:48 pm
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Well at least we both believe in the freedom of speech, and I have no problem with you believing what you like. Spitting your vitriol at those of the left (I am actually not of the left, more centre), makes you a hypocrite however. I am calling you ignorant (meaning you have little knowledge of a particular subject, this one being freedom) and asinine (meaning you are acting like an ass) because you seem to misunderstand or perhaps refuse to understand the way our great country works.
Freedom means that people have the right to do what they like, without fear of discrimination based off of many factors, your beliefs do not give you the right to be discriminatory, and Canada was founded on, and holds a prominent place in the world concerning our acceptance of diversity. Those that think that we should live under the rule of a particular faith are not truly Canadians.
You have the right do believe and say what you want, and I have the right to refute what you say, but at the end of the day the law, the constitution, and the view of the general population back up what I say. You, not so much.
Comment by Shawn - June 6, 2008 at 6:51 pm
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Hey KG
You’re assuming that Gary is in America. I hate to break it to you, but internetland actually extends beyond US borders.
Comment by Al - June 6, 2008 at 6:58 pm
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Don’t kill him, he wants to be killed, don’t let him get his 72 virgins. Let him rot in prison and witness American prisoners. He will be their bitch.
Comment by Jason - June 6, 2008 at 7:02 pm
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Shawn,
Big D never said anyone HAD to believe in anything. He was pointing to the fact that the moral decay of society will decrease the less self centered we are.
If a person is to be a moral person, that would require that person to have a duty to do what is right. In this case, Big D’s duty is to follow the commandments of Jesus, which can be summed up as love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Or, simply put, be less self centered. I think all humans should be able to agree that this would decrease moral decay, don’t you?
More people need to reevaluate their morality:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2008/06/05/dnt.ct.hit.and.run.wtnh?iref=videosearch
Comment by Fish - June 6, 2008 at 7:16 pm
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Giving him a voice in the press perpetuates the hate that he embodies. He could only know of events in the United States by being kept apraised of current events. Of these he should be deprived. Freedom of the press is for citizens of your United States not for those who attempt or plan for the destruction of it. Do not kill him - he strives to be a martyr - put him away - ignor international pleas for decent treatment - his people do not obey the laws of the United States where people have the choice - the United States should choose to isolate him, but perhaps he should be given to the Government of Iraq…they know how to use a rope.
Comment by Ali-khan Mohamad - June 6, 2008 at 7:18 pm
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Khalid Sheik Mohammed seems to know more about US law than many of the people commenting here. I’d say that’s pretty pathetic. At least he practices what he preaches, no matter what our personal opinion of him is.
And, as I recall, Jesus never once tried to force someone to follow him; his anti-everything apostles did that. The Samaritan woman at the well is an excellent example. Seems to me, christians should be following their leader, not a bunch of hateful old men.
And if God didn’t want some people to be either unable to have children or attracted to the same gender, He’d do something about it Himself. Species extinction, comes to mind. Seems to me, also, that if people paid more attention to how they were born instead of what some seriously out of date Book tells them, this planet wouldn’t be so over-crowded. Perhaps there would also be less abuse, if people were honest with themselves and lived their lives as they were meant to live -the way God made them. Hypocrits.
Comment by Michele - June 6, 2008 at 7:45 pm
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That’s what’s so hilarious about the Right; they can’t even get along with each other. I see the Christian right, fronted by Bush, at war with the extreme Islamic Right, and both of them swear that they’re fighting the good fight, for the glory of God.
The world will never be united in harmony so long as conservatives are calling the shots.
Also: two parents are better than one, regardless of their sexual orientation. If people want to see a return of the Family Unit, Morals, and of classic Americana, they should embrace ANYONE willing to give it a shot with a two-parent household.
Divorce and “baby-mama”s are destroying families more handily than homosexuals could even if they wanted/aimed to.
Comment by Tom - June 6, 2008 at 7:49 pm
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Fish: I so agree with you in some respects here, and I do not want to start a big debate on what is right and wrong, but in stating that the moral decay stems from the acceptance of gay rights, or freedom of choice, or any of the “moral” hotbeds is not in line with loving thy neighbor. It would be more like loving thy neighbor as long as he is not gay, or is an abortion doctor.
Following what you believe is your calling is important, and loving whatever benevolent creator you happen to believe in can be a source of great strength, as long as that does not extend to attacking verbally, spiritually and physically, those you beleive to be in the wrong. Is that not what got the world into the situation that it is in?
The extreme right in any case is detrimental to society, as is the extreme left. This of it this way, of you don’t think it is fair to be attacked for being a Christian, then why do you think it is right for those of the religious extreme to attack people who are gay, Muslim, or in some other way diametrically opposed to their views?
I feel that everyone should have a right to the beliefs, lifestyle, and genetic diversity that we have been granted, free from the tyranny of those who would disagree, providing they do not harm anyone else or break any laws. Debasing a person for being a person seems pretty un-Christian to me, but as I am not Christian or any other strict faith I could very well be wrong. And if (and I am not in any way saying it is) being a Christian means discriminating against others I am glad I made the choices i did.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:12).” Seems fairly clear to me, do not judge those you think to be sinners, that is your God’s job.
Thank you for your input though, I think if we thought more about how we relate to our fellow man (and not just those that think like us) the world would, indeed, be better off.
Comment by Shawn - June 6, 2008 at 8:03 pm
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Unborn do not have rights.
Homosexuals should be allowed to marry.
Obama is the man.
Christians are extremeists.
The Bible is well….
If you believe the above items you are whats wrong with America.
Comment by Not any of you. - June 6, 2008 at 8:15 pm
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Blast. I am apparently what’s wrong with America.
Comment by Brian - June 6, 2008 at 9:04 pm
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Yea me too, I guess I was mistaken in believing it had something to do with the right wing American president that killed hundreds of thousands of innocent people in the name of weapons of mass destruction that never in fact existed.
Oh wait, I am not an American, well I guess I don’t feel so bad now.
Comment by Shawn - June 6, 2008 at 9:15 pm
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I think that like all who are taught to be ’selfless’ as children that he is confusing his self with the self of others. Democracy (social variety) rules! Which is to say that it is the best form of centralization, not that it rules Nature. Very frustrating at times… and then rewarding… and then frustrating… and then rewarding… and then frustrating… and then… Oh, nevermind.
Comment by Eric - June 6, 2008 at 9:39 pm
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Shawn, I believe you are absolutely right, you are not an American. True Americans believe in democracy. I believe that is defined as majority rule. Anyway, that’s what our country was founded on-I believe it was Thomas Jefferson who made the statement that America was founded on Christian principles. I didn’t see anywhere that a panel of five to six judges were allowed to overthrow the vote of the majority. However, for some, majority rule has been changed to a minority (not ethnic) rule. I don’t believe that’s freedom.
Comment by American Joe - June 6, 2008 at 10:05 pm
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I’m not sure why I am commenting. Khalid is pleading guilty. I say life in prison only because he wants to be martyred. It’s odd how those who claim, after being caught, they want to be martyred do everything in their power not to be the one wearing the explosive belt. As for this idiotic left vs right and whose on which side; grow up, people. All you are doing is spouting “talking points” by those who allegedly lead you.
The Left believes in freedom of speech unless, of course, the speech offends them. The Right believes in individual freedom unless your behavior offends them. Khalid offends me in any case.
Comment by Douglas - June 6, 2008 at 10:10 pm
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American Joe shows us clearly “what is wrong with America.” It stands out in the comments by “Not any of you”, “Big D” and others here.
American Joe writes “True Americans believe in democracy. I believe that is defined as majority rule. Anyway, that’s what our country was founded on” - sounds nice if it were true. Our country was founded as a Federal Republic specifically to prevent “the Tyranny of the Majority” and “Thomas Jefferson who made the statement that America was founded on Christian principles.” Really?
From Thomas Jefferson- 3rd president, Drafted Declaration of Independence, Signer of Constitution, influential on 1st Amendment, friend of American Joe:
“I do not find in orthodox Christianity one redeeming feature.”
“Religions are all alike - founded upon fables and mythologies.”
“Millions of innocent men, women, and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burned, tortured, fined, and imprisoned, yet we have not advanced one inch toward uniformity. What has been the effect of coercion? To make one half of the world fools and the other half hypocrites.” [Notes on Virginia]
“History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance of which their civil as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purposes” [Letter to von Humboldt, 1813].
“The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as His father, in the womb of a virgin will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter.” [Letter to John Adams, April 11, 1823]
“In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot, abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own” [Letter to H. Spafford, 1814].
“…an amendment was proposed by inserting the words, ‘Jesus Christ…the holy author of our religion,’ which was rejected ‘By a great majority in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and the Mohammedan, the Hindoo and the Infidel of every denomination.’” [Jefferson’s Biography]
So you are as good in History as you are in Politics, huh, American Joe? A panel of six Judges?
This is “what is wrong” with America. Too many today think they are born experts because they are Americans. They think their opinion, their very lives, are more valuable, because they are Americans. But this too shall pass. Reality is a hard teacher. Should start realizing it in 2015 or so when China’s economy becomes larger than the US.
Comment by Oracle - June 6, 2008 at 10:26 pm
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NOT IF THEY GET NAILED BY ANOTHER MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE-GOD FORBID.BY THE WAY,WHY IS GOD ALWAYS AN ISSUE HERE IN AMERICA?ISN’T THAT WHY PEOPLE WORKED TO BUILD AMERICA IN THE FIRST PLACE.TO ESCAPE THE TYRANNY OF ORGANIZED RELIGION.
Comment by JEFF - June 6, 2008 at 10:41 pm
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The idea for the September 11 plot came from Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who first presented the idea to bin Laden in 1996. There were 2,974 people died as an immediate result of the 9/11 attacks. According to the Commission Report, 1,366 people died who were at or above the floors of impact in the North Tower. As many as 600 people were killed instantly or were trapped at or above the floors of impact in the South Tower. From the burning towers at least 200 people jumped to their deaths landing on the streets hundreds of feet below. All of the fatalities in the attacks were civilians except for 55 military personnel killed at the Pentagon.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed confessed to a total of 31 plots and attacks including being the mastermind in the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. This mass murderer should see how his actions in detail have caused death, pain and suffering on innocents and their families. Let him receive a swift judgment and sentence. Above all ensure this man is remembered not as a Martyr but as the psychopath that his actions have shown him to be. He should be seen with his peers such as Hitler, Stalin, Dalmer, and Ted Bundy.
Comment by Mike - Texas - June 6, 2008 at 10:43 pm
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Hey, American Joe. You’re mistaken about Jefferson. He actually went out of his way to be clear that the U.S.A. was NOT founded on Christian principles: “Where the preamble declares, that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed by inserting “Jesus Christ,” so that it would read “A departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion;” the insertion was rejected by the great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan, the Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination.” Common to all these faiths — misguided or not — is the injunction to “love thy neighbor as thyself”. Alas, so many of the faithful of every creed are forgetful of that key point.
Comment by David A - June 6, 2008 at 10:44 pm
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I would like to address to “moral” legislative issues addressed above. First of all, the LAW, by definition, is the legislation of morality. Merriam-Webster, for example, defines it as 1 (a) (1) “a binding custom or practice of a community; a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority.” Accordingly, it has been, and most necessarily should be the continuing province of the state and local sovereigns to determine what behaviors are to be considered immoral and therefore unacceptable to their respective societies. It is therefore entirely constitutional and appropriate for laws to be enacted that reflect the various sensibilities and moralities of individual state and local societal decision-making bodies–to wit–legislatures. In summary, there are absolutely no constitutional rights, implied or expressed, that guarantee any of the rights recognized by the Supreme Court–e.g. abortion, gay marriage, contraception, etc.
Comment by Alexander Hamilton - June 6, 2008 at 10:46 pm
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It is definitely a challenge though to love this KSM character. Let him sit in some forgotten jail cell for the rest of his days. Death is too kind a penalty for some crimes.
Comment by David A - June 6, 2008 at 10:46 pm
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Hey Not any of you,
I would like to commend you on you way of looking at this. Finally, somebody said something worth reading. Your words summed it all. If I was to describe your views, i would say “Idiotic” and thats a compliment.
Comment by WiseMan - June 6, 2008 at 10:49 pm
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I HAVE A GREAT IDEA!!!!!
Since KSM hates gays so much, maybe his sentence should be to be jailed in a cell with a Horny Huge, Smelly, Ugly, Nasty prisoner who is gay.
Comment by WiseGuy - June 6, 2008 at 10:55 pm
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So evil Americans put bugs on KSM’s children so they would rat out their terrorist dad? I guess that is better than beheading the children as was done by AQI to try to keep Sunnis in line in Iraq. If Amnesty International is looking for sympathy, they will have to do better than that. I say bring on the bugs - lets get more of these little ones to squeal on what rock their dads are hiding under!
Comment by Tom - June 6, 2008 at 10:58 pm
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They are people too and yet we don’t give them the same respect as we would expect? What animals we’ve become. I would like to hear their side of the story and get to the truth and not through the continued torturing and gestapo type rule of silence. Let’s hear the truth! What is the USA afraid of not to allow common law and inalienable rights to our fellow man to prevail? What are we hiding ? What are all the “suits” and “uniforms” so paranoid about? Open up the process and stop all the stupidity and illegalities by these militaristic minded insects. History will look back at this time and judge us to be no better than any other power-crazed politically out of control inadequate excuses for a Human Being. Knowledge is freedom and power.
Comment by pablo - June 6, 2008 at 11:04 pm
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Most of you are correct. The idiots are wrong. Can we all agree???
Comment by hangglide - June 6, 2008 at 11:20 pm
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If you are gay you are the devil.
Comment by nick - June 6, 2008 at 11:24 pm
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There is no credibility or trust in this rotten process. Their leaders a attorneysre rotten, their judges are puppets, their attorneys are a laugh. This man has proven he becama aquainted with ordinary manipulations. Why weren’t they tried in the US? You all know the answer; and you also know it has absolutely nothing to do with Justice,.
Comment by Zeev Reuteman - June 6, 2008 at 11:41 pm
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Let’s get smart and use their religion against them-before executing him show him the pigskin he will be buried in (but do not kill a pig for this;he is not worthy of a pig; slice up old footballs). Thus, he will know he will not be a martyr but will be doomed to hell.
Comment by Mark G- New York - June 6, 2008 at 11:42 pm
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KSM’s a Republican!! It’s starting to makes sense now!
Comment by Gabe F - Texas - June 7, 2008 at 12:14 am
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Lovin the Lord!!
Comment by Marie - June 7, 2008 at 12:29 am
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Copyright © 2008 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2008/06/06/khalid-sheik-mohammed-on-same-sex-marriage-value-of-counsel/
[F6 note -- in addition to (items linked in) the post to which this post is a reply and preceding and (other) following, see also in particular (items linked in) http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=24438220 and (preceding and) following]
"Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty."
F6
A closeup of the new, improved Khalid Sheikh Mohammed sketch, with the more flattering nose he suggested be modeled on a shot the FBI issued after his capture.
(Credit: Jess Bravin)
Posted by Dan Slater
June 6, 2008, 3:39 pm
WSJ Supreme Court reporter Jess Bravin, who is in Gitmo this week covering the appearance of Khalid Sheik Mohammed and four other alleged Sept. 11 conspirators before a military judge, has sent along a couple more interesting dispatches from his notebook. Click here [ http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2008/06/06/a-nose-job-for-khalid-sheikh-mohammed/ ] for an earlier post on yesterday’s hearing.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed on same-sex marriage:
For the past five years, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has been under the care of federal civilian and military employees who have taken an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The experience apparently has not enamored him of the document.
At his arraignment here Thursday, the alleged 9/11 mastermind said he would not accept any attorney, even a fellow Muslim, “who is sworn to your American constitution.” Displaying a surprising understanding of such concepts as federalism and dual sovereignty, Mohammed referenced recent decisions by state courts in California [ http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/highprofile/ ] and Massachusetts [ http://news.findlaw.com/cnn/docs/conlaw/goodridge111803opn.pdf ] under the powers reserved to them under the Tenth Amendment.
“I consider all American constitution” evil, he said, because it permits “same-sexual marriage and many other things that are very bad,” he told the military judge, Col. Ralph Kohlmann. “Do you understand?”
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed on pro se represenation:
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who’s insisting on representing himself, told Col. Kohlmann, the military judge, that while he was an “expert in the gospel and the Koran,” he had no training in the common law system. Nonetheless, the alleged terrorist commander’s comments suggested he held sympathy for the 20th century American analytical movement known as legal realism [ http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=339562 ].
When Kohlmann urged Mohammed to “keep an open mind” about the value of having an attorney represent him in his capital trial, Mohammed remarked on the judge’s brusque treatment of civilian attorneys, whom he repeatedly silenced before they could state their objections.
“You tell [David Nevin, a volunteer civilian attorney], ‘Sit down! Sit down! Sit down Sit down!,’” said Mohammed. “It is inquisition, not trial.”
Mohammed continued: “We have been five years under torturing,” he said, and yet are being told to listen to American attorneys they’ve barely met. “All of this has been taken under torturing, and after torturing they transfer us to Inquisitionland in Guantanamo.”
“I hope you can reconcile your concerns” about his religious duty with the issues involved in self-representation, Kohlmann said.
“You will continue now to the end, to the plea guilty?” Mohammed, more eager than impatient.
“Yes,” the judge said.
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Comments
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Mohammed’s statements on gay marriage prove that there is something to admire even in the most despicable among us.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 4:14 pm
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Just hang this maggot and be done with it.
Comment by ed - June 6, 2008 at 4:15 pm
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Absolutely correct 4:14
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 4:16 pm
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Torture him some more please.
Comment by dave - June 6, 2008 at 4:17 pm
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I would have thought that having a despicable murdering member of Al Qaeda supporting your position would be a negative…but that’s just me.
Comment by Ed - June 6, 2008 at 4:18 pm
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The legacy of the Bush administration is turning this monster into a morally sympathetic figure. Congratulations.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 4:26 pm
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Sorry, that you didn’t like the decision in Cali 4.21.
Comment by Ed - June 6, 2008 at 4:27 pm
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The drawing makes him look like he’s wearing a fake-beard-and-glasses disguise. Or maybe that’s what he really looks like. Or, it’s part of his plan to escape while *appearing* to wear a disguise…
Comment by Poindexter - June 6, 2008 at 4:30 pm
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Don’t forget the decision in New York state, aswell, Mr. 4:21. It’s rather amusing you have to hide behind a veil of anonymity. Too afraid to let people know who’s displaying such a bigotted oppinion?
Comment by Mighty Chip - June 6, 2008 at 4:31 pm
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It is suprising how much common ground there is between radical Islam and the radical right in this country. One difference is that is that KSM appears to be smarter and more articulate that our home grown extremists.
Human + goat = “Anonymous”
Comment by Pragmatist - June 6, 2008 at 4:32 pm
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Gay Marriage is another attack on our ever decaying standards of the American way of lifestyles. It’s sick. And to have a loser like this twisted moron to be telling us that it is wrong, is another warning that the end is nearer that we may think
Comment by Ken Gunter - June 6, 2008 at 4:43 pm
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Pragmatist: Islamofacists, Christian Right, and Obamists are alike in that they’re all statists, subjugating the individual to the “greater good.” Ayn Rand was right!
Comment by Steve - June 6, 2008 at 4:46 pm
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Can’t imagine what set him off, no?
Comment by Dr. Otto VanDerWahl - June 6, 2008 at 4:47 pm
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Stop covering this monster. He deserves no media attention, no martyrdom, nothing. Let him just rot away in some hole somewhere.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 4:48 pm
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After reading some of these comments, I can confirm that I am plased as punch that I am not an American.
Comment by Gary - June 6, 2008 at 4:52 pm
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RE: Ed
Spot on there bud, but while we’re there let’s apply the same logic to Sen. Obama, who has been endorsed by every radical muslim short of UBL himself. If you find yourself, or your candidate, being supported by despicable murdering radical muslims you need to rethink your position… hard.
Comment by Chris - June 6, 2008 at 4:54 pm
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After reading Gary the Rat’s comment at 4:52, I’m as pleased as punch he’s not an American, either. natch.
Comment by Jack M. - June 6, 2008 at 4:55 pm
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There is really nothing wrong with radical muslim clerics. I just wouldn’t want my son to grow up and marry one.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 4:58 pm
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This guy deserves a fair trial & execution after he is found guilty. Please do not associate the Christian Right with this lunatic. And just because I do not support same-sex marriage does NOT make me an extremist or looney. I believe differently than you do , obviously which could make you every bit as extremist as you think the Christian Right is. The “thought police ” are in action again !!!!!!!
Comment by Big D - June 6, 2008 at 5:01 pm
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“Shortly after the hearing, Mohammed continued his discourse on the American legal system. ‘Frankly, I think you all went wrong after Marbury. If the separation of powers demands judicial review, why does it not similarly require Executive review or a deeper involvement of the legislature in crafting precedent? You can follow Marshall or you can follow Montesquieu, but not both….I mean…uhh..death to infidel judge.’”
Comment by Hey wait a minute... - June 6, 2008 at 5:01 pm
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AMAZING,THIS IDIOT WASN’T AFRAID OF KILLING 3000 PEOPLE ON AMERICAN SOIL BUT HE’S SCARED OF ELLEN.HIS VILLAGE MISSES HIM.
Comment by JEFF - June 6, 2008 at 5:02 pm
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In reading the above comments I am deeply saddened at the number criticizing anyone who believes in the God given principles in the American Constitution and that these are constantly being eroded by arrogant high courts.
Comment by John Robertson - June 6, 2008 at 5:06 pm
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Mr. Extremest meet Mr. Extremest. The trial is a farce as is the word Terrorist. He is just your enemy. A famous man once said: be careful who you choose as your enemy for you are destined to become just like him. He is a mirror for those who would use religion to impose their “high” moral standards on other poor hapless people who are weaker than them. And so they choose a bunch of good people working in the Trade Center Buildings to make a statement. What is the statement: “we don’t care about love, human kindness, compassion”, the very stuff all of the religions teach. We only care about the books, the laws, the regulations. The heart of religion has been ripped out and we are seeing the dead cold shell.
Comment by Waywuwei - June 6, 2008 at 5:10 pm
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After reading Gary’s comment, i must admit! I’m sure were ever he is from. He is a loser, and he is in America so he can become a real loser.
Comment by KG - June 6, 2008 at 5:11 pm
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Very fascist statement Steve. Kinda interesting, those Ayn Rand followers (what?!), Satanist, Libertarians and Neocons are increasingly saying the same things from the same boat. BTW those translations sound badly done, I’d like a better transcript. Anywho we all know an America under FallWell would be like an America under Taliban rule just replace the moon and star with a cross on that flag.
Comment by Jason - June 6, 2008 at 5:11 pm
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CHRIS: I directly challenge you. Your comments about Obama are venemous and demonstrably wrong. And cowardly! Sustantiate one of your pathetic claims. “Endorsed”…..you are a creep.
Comment by Pragmatist - June 6, 2008 at 5:13 pm
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Christopher Hitchens, as I recall, had a nice response to the question of how to bury Jerry Falwell, and it applies equally and across the board to the religious right in this country (for whom Falwell was a model). Hitchens said that if “you gave him an enema you could bury him in a matchbox.”
Comment by Amused - June 6, 2008 at 5:24 pm
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If you told your friends that you had just spoken to God on the telephone they would think you were mad.
I fail to see how the addition of a telephone makes any difference.
Comment by Ed - June 6, 2008 at 5:37 pm
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This man needs to be a keynote speaker at the Republican Convention. He hates central government, hates gun control, believes in restricting free choice among consenting adults, and is concerned about moral decay in society. If he had an anglo name and carried a Bible he’d be running for office.
Comment by John Jay - June 6, 2008 at 5:38 pm
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“This man needs to be a keynote speaker at the Republican Convention. He hates central government, hates gun control, believes in restricting free choice among consenting adults, and is concerned about moral decay in society. If he had an anglo name and carried a Bible he’d be running for office.”
Unfortunately he opposes torturing prisoners, which makes him too liberal for today’s GOP.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 5:53 pm
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Altho’ I am from Canada , it blows me away to see comments from someone like John Jay. Close-minded & small-minded!!! “Free choice among consenting adults” Too bad this individual does not think about the babiy that will be aborted. Oh , I guess he thinks the baby does not have any rights. You should be reminded that 1/2 of your country votes Republican ( or more specifically 48% ) as do the people voting Democrat. So , because we think differently than you , we are the “bad guys” Let’s just let the moral decay continue in both our countries as you would have us do. The radical Muslims will not have to take over N. America. We’ll destroy it ourselves with our selfish demands for our “rights” no matter what the cost to others Yes , I believe the Bible & yes I love my fellow “man” & yes , I think same-sex marriage is wrong & yes , I am concerned about the moral decay in both the US & in Canada. Government is not going to correct these problems. Only when we N. Americans stop our own self-centerness will these problems start to be addressed. Unlike your letter that is so vitriolic to the Christian Right , I just feel sorry for you that you have no moral compass to guide you. Incidentally , I see no shame whatsoever in carrying a Bible. I believe that even Barak Obama , the darling of the Left admits that he carries one & he follows it’s words of wisdom. Maybe if more people did , then our society would be a lot kinder to one another.
Comment by Big D - June 6, 2008 at 5:57 pm
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The picture makes it look like he’s wearing Groucho glasses and nose
Comment by wacka wacka wacka - June 6, 2008 at 6:06 pm
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Another funny coincidence: Didja know that both Osama Bin Laden and Obama Hussein Barack (or whatever his name is) both like to go home, close the door, make sure no one’s listening, and then sing the “Theme From the Man From La Mancha” while wearing Groucho glasses and nose? I know it must be true — I think I read it on Huffington Post once, or something…
Comment by hey Pragmatist - June 6, 2008 at 6:10 pm
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You are all a bunch of hypocrites. Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty by a court of law?
This is no court of law either, it’s a kangaroo kourt! These men aren’t even allowed to see the evidence against them, do you realize that?
But you have all decided in your own tiny minds that he’s guilty. I suppose then, if this man were your father, you would still be making stupid comments like this?
Do you realize that his children were also detained and used against him? The children are still missing. Amnesty and Human Rights Watch as well as others have the information on what was done to them. They were scared into saying where their father was. They put bugs on their legs and threatened them with other things. They didn’t feed them… these are little children.
This is your government. This country is supposed to be “we the people”. That makes you all complicit in these crimes if you don’t act to make it right. Clearly you don’t care, I see your idiotic comments tell it all.
Please reconsider. This is wrong, very very wrong.
Comment by Linda G Richard - June 6, 2008 at 6:17 pm
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Don’t kill him, that’s what he wants. Keep him in Guantanamo till he dies and feed him nothing but pork.
Comment by Tony - June 6, 2008 at 6:18 pm
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It’s interesting that the anti-gay marriage people are so desperate to find any reason to be anti-gay that they think having this mass murderer on their side is somehow legitimizing for the anti-gay crowd. Hey — Hamas endorsed Obama — does that mean he’s the best candidate too? Iran had the death penalty, just like we do. Therefore the death penalty is morally correct, right? Do the anti-gay forces see how ludicous their arguments have become?
Comment by Chris - June 6, 2008 at 6:22 pm
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Please do not think that because Big D is from Canada that all of us think like that, unfortunately we have a small minority of ignorant, asinine rednecks here too.
I think you should look closely at who you discriminate against, before declaring that the Christian right has any moral compass whatsoever. You are a blight on our country and should probably immigrate to a bible belt state before you taint what makes Canada so great.
Freedom of religion is only allowed so far as it does not affect the lives of those that believe differently from you, if you don’t like that you can also choose to live in a nice Islamo-Fascist regime somewhere.
Comment by Shawn - June 6, 2008 at 6:25 pm
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He is admitting to what he has done and he is getting more of a fair trial then he would have gotten under Islamic law. The problem is with us that some people feel bad about his children and don’t mention hundreds of children that he admited to have left without fathers and mothers. Get over it. I give it to him about the same sex marriage though
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 6:26 pm
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It’s interesting to note that , once again , The Christian right are called all kinds of names & villified because we think differntly from the Left. It’s also interesting to note that the radical Left-Wingers are the ones doing all the name calling. reading the comment from Shawn , I could not have made my case better than he did for me.It strikes me that your last sentence fits quite nicely into the Radical Islamists’ thinking. Think differently than they do & you are finished. Not a real intelligent way of thinking & obviously not well thought out. But , hey , you have the freedom to say what you choose because I believe in that right.
Comment by Big D - June 6, 2008 at 6:35 pm
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Death is to kind a gift for a venemous soul like this, but then again I don’t want my tax dollars spent on keeping him alive either. People like this could not even begin to understand what it means to live in a free society. Ours is quite far from perfect, and becoming less so everyday (and will become even more so under any one of these presidential candidates), but to live in acceptance of every human is a blessing not understood by those that live and rule by fear. I’d like to tell the government to let the gays be gay, let the polygamists be polygamist, let the law abiding own guns, and leave me the hell alone so that I may raise my family to live not for themselves but for their fellow humans.
Comment by Guru - June 6, 2008 at 6:42 pm
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Chris -
I don’t know if these anti-gay forces see how ludicrous their arguments have become or not. I just don’t want my son to grow up and marry you.
Comment by Anonymous - June 6, 2008 at 6:48 pm
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Well at least we both believe in the freedom of speech, and I have no problem with you believing what you like. Spitting your vitriol at those of the left (I am actually not of the left, more centre), makes you a hypocrite however. I am calling you ignorant (meaning you have little knowledge of a particular subject, this one being freedom) and asinine (meaning you are acting like an ass) because you seem to misunderstand or perhaps refuse to understand the way our great country works.
Freedom means that people have the right to do what they like, without fear of discrimination based off of many factors, your beliefs do not give you the right to be discriminatory, and Canada was founded on, and holds a prominent place in the world concerning our acceptance of diversity. Those that think that we should live under the rule of a particular faith are not truly Canadians.
You have the right do believe and say what you want, and I have the right to refute what you say, but at the end of the day the law, the constitution, and the view of the general population back up what I say. You, not so much.
Comment by Shawn - June 6, 2008 at 6:51 pm
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Hey KG
You’re assuming that Gary is in America. I hate to break it to you, but internetland actually extends beyond US borders.
Comment by Al - June 6, 2008 at 6:58 pm
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Don’t kill him, he wants to be killed, don’t let him get his 72 virgins. Let him rot in prison and witness American prisoners. He will be their bitch.
Comment by Jason - June 6, 2008 at 7:02 pm
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Shawn,
Big D never said anyone HAD to believe in anything. He was pointing to the fact that the moral decay of society will decrease the less self centered we are.
If a person is to be a moral person, that would require that person to have a duty to do what is right. In this case, Big D’s duty is to follow the commandments of Jesus, which can be summed up as love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Or, simply put, be less self centered. I think all humans should be able to agree that this would decrease moral decay, don’t you?
More people need to reevaluate their morality:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2008/06/05/dnt.ct.hit.and.run.wtnh?iref=videosearch
Comment by Fish - June 6, 2008 at 7:16 pm
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Giving him a voice in the press perpetuates the hate that he embodies. He could only know of events in the United States by being kept apraised of current events. Of these he should be deprived. Freedom of the press is for citizens of your United States not for those who attempt or plan for the destruction of it. Do not kill him - he strives to be a martyr - put him away - ignor international pleas for decent treatment - his people do not obey the laws of the United States where people have the choice - the United States should choose to isolate him, but perhaps he should be given to the Government of Iraq…they know how to use a rope.
Comment by Ali-khan Mohamad - June 6, 2008 at 7:18 pm
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Khalid Sheik Mohammed seems to know more about US law than many of the people commenting here. I’d say that’s pretty pathetic. At least he practices what he preaches, no matter what our personal opinion of him is.
And, as I recall, Jesus never once tried to force someone to follow him; his anti-everything apostles did that. The Samaritan woman at the well is an excellent example. Seems to me, christians should be following their leader, not a bunch of hateful old men.
And if God didn’t want some people to be either unable to have children or attracted to the same gender, He’d do something about it Himself. Species extinction, comes to mind. Seems to me, also, that if people paid more attention to how they were born instead of what some seriously out of date Book tells them, this planet wouldn’t be so over-crowded. Perhaps there would also be less abuse, if people were honest with themselves and lived their lives as they were meant to live -the way God made them. Hypocrits.
Comment by Michele - June 6, 2008 at 7:45 pm
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That’s what’s so hilarious about the Right; they can’t even get along with each other. I see the Christian right, fronted by Bush, at war with the extreme Islamic Right, and both of them swear that they’re fighting the good fight, for the glory of God.
The world will never be united in harmony so long as conservatives are calling the shots.
Also: two parents are better than one, regardless of their sexual orientation. If people want to see a return of the Family Unit, Morals, and of classic Americana, they should embrace ANYONE willing to give it a shot with a two-parent household.
Divorce and “baby-mama”s are destroying families more handily than homosexuals could even if they wanted/aimed to.
Comment by Tom - June 6, 2008 at 7:49 pm
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Fish: I so agree with you in some respects here, and I do not want to start a big debate on what is right and wrong, but in stating that the moral decay stems from the acceptance of gay rights, or freedom of choice, or any of the “moral” hotbeds is not in line with loving thy neighbor. It would be more like loving thy neighbor as long as he is not gay, or is an abortion doctor.
Following what you believe is your calling is important, and loving whatever benevolent creator you happen to believe in can be a source of great strength, as long as that does not extend to attacking verbally, spiritually and physically, those you beleive to be in the wrong. Is that not what got the world into the situation that it is in?
The extreme right in any case is detrimental to society, as is the extreme left. This of it this way, of you don’t think it is fair to be attacked for being a Christian, then why do you think it is right for those of the religious extreme to attack people who are gay, Muslim, or in some other way diametrically opposed to their views?
I feel that everyone should have a right to the beliefs, lifestyle, and genetic diversity that we have been granted, free from the tyranny of those who would disagree, providing they do not harm anyone else or break any laws. Debasing a person for being a person seems pretty un-Christian to me, but as I am not Christian or any other strict faith I could very well be wrong. And if (and I am not in any way saying it is) being a Christian means discriminating against others I am glad I made the choices i did.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:12).” Seems fairly clear to me, do not judge those you think to be sinners, that is your God’s job.
Thank you for your input though, I think if we thought more about how we relate to our fellow man (and not just those that think like us) the world would, indeed, be better off.
Comment by Shawn - June 6, 2008 at 8:03 pm
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Unborn do not have rights.
Homosexuals should be allowed to marry.
Obama is the man.
Christians are extremeists.
The Bible is well….
If you believe the above items you are whats wrong with America.
Comment by Not any of you. - June 6, 2008 at 8:15 pm
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Blast. I am apparently what’s wrong with America.
Comment by Brian - June 6, 2008 at 9:04 pm
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Yea me too, I guess I was mistaken in believing it had something to do with the right wing American president that killed hundreds of thousands of innocent people in the name of weapons of mass destruction that never in fact existed.
Oh wait, I am not an American, well I guess I don’t feel so bad now.
Comment by Shawn - June 6, 2008 at 9:15 pm
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I think that like all who are taught to be ’selfless’ as children that he is confusing his self with the self of others. Democracy (social variety) rules! Which is to say that it is the best form of centralization, not that it rules Nature. Very frustrating at times… and then rewarding… and then frustrating… and then rewarding… and then frustrating… and then… Oh, nevermind.
Comment by Eric - June 6, 2008 at 9:39 pm
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Shawn, I believe you are absolutely right, you are not an American. True Americans believe in democracy. I believe that is defined as majority rule. Anyway, that’s what our country was founded on-I believe it was Thomas Jefferson who made the statement that America was founded on Christian principles. I didn’t see anywhere that a panel of five to six judges were allowed to overthrow the vote of the majority. However, for some, majority rule has been changed to a minority (not ethnic) rule. I don’t believe that’s freedom.
Comment by American Joe - June 6, 2008 at 10:05 pm
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I’m not sure why I am commenting. Khalid is pleading guilty. I say life in prison only because he wants to be martyred. It’s odd how those who claim, after being caught, they want to be martyred do everything in their power not to be the one wearing the explosive belt. As for this idiotic left vs right and whose on which side; grow up, people. All you are doing is spouting “talking points” by those who allegedly lead you.
The Left believes in freedom of speech unless, of course, the speech offends them. The Right believes in individual freedom unless your behavior offends them. Khalid offends me in any case.
Comment by Douglas - June 6, 2008 at 10:10 pm
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American Joe shows us clearly “what is wrong with America.” It stands out in the comments by “Not any of you”, “Big D” and others here.
American Joe writes “True Americans believe in democracy. I believe that is defined as majority rule. Anyway, that’s what our country was founded on” - sounds nice if it were true. Our country was founded as a Federal Republic specifically to prevent “the Tyranny of the Majority” and “Thomas Jefferson who made the statement that America was founded on Christian principles.” Really?
From Thomas Jefferson- 3rd president, Drafted Declaration of Independence, Signer of Constitution, influential on 1st Amendment, friend of American Joe:
“I do not find in orthodox Christianity one redeeming feature.”
“Religions are all alike - founded upon fables and mythologies.”
“Millions of innocent men, women, and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burned, tortured, fined, and imprisoned, yet we have not advanced one inch toward uniformity. What has been the effect of coercion? To make one half of the world fools and the other half hypocrites.” [Notes on Virginia]
“History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance of which their civil as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purposes” [Letter to von Humboldt, 1813].
“The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as His father, in the womb of a virgin will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter.” [Letter to John Adams, April 11, 1823]
“In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot, abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own” [Letter to H. Spafford, 1814].
“…an amendment was proposed by inserting the words, ‘Jesus Christ…the holy author of our religion,’ which was rejected ‘By a great majority in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and the Mohammedan, the Hindoo and the Infidel of every denomination.’” [Jefferson’s Biography]
So you are as good in History as you are in Politics, huh, American Joe? A panel of six Judges?
This is “what is wrong” with America. Too many today think they are born experts because they are Americans. They think their opinion, their very lives, are more valuable, because they are Americans. But this too shall pass. Reality is a hard teacher. Should start realizing it in 2015 or so when China’s economy becomes larger than the US.
Comment by Oracle - June 6, 2008 at 10:26 pm
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NOT IF THEY GET NAILED BY ANOTHER MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE-GOD FORBID.BY THE WAY,WHY IS GOD ALWAYS AN ISSUE HERE IN AMERICA?ISN’T THAT WHY PEOPLE WORKED TO BUILD AMERICA IN THE FIRST PLACE.TO ESCAPE THE TYRANNY OF ORGANIZED RELIGION.
Comment by JEFF - June 6, 2008 at 10:41 pm
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The idea for the September 11 plot came from Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who first presented the idea to bin Laden in 1996. There were 2,974 people died as an immediate result of the 9/11 attacks. According to the Commission Report, 1,366 people died who were at or above the floors of impact in the North Tower. As many as 600 people were killed instantly or were trapped at or above the floors of impact in the South Tower. From the burning towers at least 200 people jumped to their deaths landing on the streets hundreds of feet below. All of the fatalities in the attacks were civilians except for 55 military personnel killed at the Pentagon.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed confessed to a total of 31 plots and attacks including being the mastermind in the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. This mass murderer should see how his actions in detail have caused death, pain and suffering on innocents and their families. Let him receive a swift judgment and sentence. Above all ensure this man is remembered not as a Martyr but as the psychopath that his actions have shown him to be. He should be seen with his peers such as Hitler, Stalin, Dalmer, and Ted Bundy.
Comment by Mike - Texas - June 6, 2008 at 10:43 pm
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Hey, American Joe. You’re mistaken about Jefferson. He actually went out of his way to be clear that the U.S.A. was NOT founded on Christian principles: “Where the preamble declares, that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed by inserting “Jesus Christ,” so that it would read “A departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion;” the insertion was rejected by the great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan, the Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination.” Common to all these faiths — misguided or not — is the injunction to “love thy neighbor as thyself”. Alas, so many of the faithful of every creed are forgetful of that key point.
Comment by David A - June 6, 2008 at 10:44 pm
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I would like to address to “moral” legislative issues addressed above. First of all, the LAW, by definition, is the legislation of morality. Merriam-Webster, for example, defines it as 1 (a) (1) “a binding custom or practice of a community; a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority.” Accordingly, it has been, and most necessarily should be the continuing province of the state and local sovereigns to determine what behaviors are to be considered immoral and therefore unacceptable to their respective societies. It is therefore entirely constitutional and appropriate for laws to be enacted that reflect the various sensibilities and moralities of individual state and local societal decision-making bodies–to wit–legislatures. In summary, there are absolutely no constitutional rights, implied or expressed, that guarantee any of the rights recognized by the Supreme Court–e.g. abortion, gay marriage, contraception, etc.
Comment by Alexander Hamilton - June 6, 2008 at 10:46 pm
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It is definitely a challenge though to love this KSM character. Let him sit in some forgotten jail cell for the rest of his days. Death is too kind a penalty for some crimes.
Comment by David A - June 6, 2008 at 10:46 pm
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Hey Not any of you,
I would like to commend you on you way of looking at this. Finally, somebody said something worth reading. Your words summed it all. If I was to describe your views, i would say “Idiotic” and thats a compliment.
Comment by WiseMan - June 6, 2008 at 10:49 pm
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I HAVE A GREAT IDEA!!!!!
Since KSM hates gays so much, maybe his sentence should be to be jailed in a cell with a Horny Huge, Smelly, Ugly, Nasty prisoner who is gay.
Comment by WiseGuy - June 6, 2008 at 10:55 pm
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So evil Americans put bugs on KSM’s children so they would rat out their terrorist dad? I guess that is better than beheading the children as was done by AQI to try to keep Sunnis in line in Iraq. If Amnesty International is looking for sympathy, they will have to do better than that. I say bring on the bugs - lets get more of these little ones to squeal on what rock their dads are hiding under!
Comment by Tom - June 6, 2008 at 10:58 pm
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They are people too and yet we don’t give them the same respect as we would expect? What animals we’ve become. I would like to hear their side of the story and get to the truth and not through the continued torturing and gestapo type rule of silence. Let’s hear the truth! What is the USA afraid of not to allow common law and inalienable rights to our fellow man to prevail? What are we hiding ? What are all the “suits” and “uniforms” so paranoid about? Open up the process and stop all the stupidity and illegalities by these militaristic minded insects. History will look back at this time and judge us to be no better than any other power-crazed politically out of control inadequate excuses for a Human Being. Knowledge is freedom and power.
Comment by pablo - June 6, 2008 at 11:04 pm
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Most of you are correct. The idiots are wrong. Can we all agree???
Comment by hangglide - June 6, 2008 at 11:20 pm
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If you are gay you are the devil.
Comment by nick - June 6, 2008 at 11:24 pm
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There is no credibility or trust in this rotten process. Their leaders a attorneysre rotten, their judges are puppets, their attorneys are a laugh. This man has proven he becama aquainted with ordinary manipulations. Why weren’t they tried in the US? You all know the answer; and you also know it has absolutely nothing to do with Justice,.
Comment by Zeev Reuteman - June 6, 2008 at 11:41 pm
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Let’s get smart and use their religion against them-before executing him show him the pigskin he will be buried in (but do not kill a pig for this;he is not worthy of a pig; slice up old footballs). Thus, he will know he will not be a martyr but will be doomed to hell.
Comment by Mark G- New York - June 6, 2008 at 11:42 pm
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KSM’s a Republican!! It’s starting to makes sense now!
Comment by Gabe F - Texas - June 7, 2008 at 12:14 am
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Lovin the Lord!!
Comment by Marie - June 7, 2008 at 12:29 am
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Copyright © 2008 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2008/06/06/khalid-sheik-mohammed-on-same-sex-marriage-value-of-counsel/
[F6 note -- in addition to (items linked in) the post to which this post is a reply and preceding and (other) following, see also in particular (items linked in) http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=24438220 and (preceding and) following]
"Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty."
F6
Greensburg, KS - 5/4/07
"Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty."
from John Philpot Curran, Speech
upon the Right of Election, 1790
F6
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