In a way, the worst part about September 11th (beyond the obvious) has been that it’s turned into such a thorny thing to discuss in any way outside of “Never forget! Honor the fallen!” Any questioning of anything, any actions or words that could vaguely be construed as “disrespectful” cause an avalanche of rage from the irrational quarters.
I just watched some footage of a protest in New York, angry that KSM would be tried within the United States. One of the women was asked why she was there, and her answer was as predictable as it was irrelevant: her husband had died in the towers, he was a rescue worker and this tragedy affected her personally. My heart goes out to that woman, but that has absolutely no bearing on anything.
And, as the organizer said:
This shocking revelation [that the decision to try KSM in New York was made without consulting city officials] makes it crystal clear that the Attorney General’s decision to bring Khalid Shaikh Mohammed to New York City was pre-ordained, and he wasn’t about to ask for input that would have resulted in his having to defend the indefensible.
I want you to watch closely to this whole kerfuffle. See how often any objections are made for objective reasons. There won’t be any, because if you look at the issue plainly there is simply no reason to prevent this trial from going forward. Instead, the objections are gut reactions, primal revulsion in the form of “but he’s a monster!! How dare you bring him here!” I’ve even heard a few people incensed that this guy would get our “rights”.
Two problems here. One, what rights? Yeah he’s getting a trial by jury, but it’d be like if a KKK member got a trial by jury in Harlem. It’s not like anyone’s going to be on his side here; I doubt even the defense is trying that hard. Secondly, if you commit a crime in a country, you get tried in that country. End of story. That kid in Singapore got caned in Singapore. That’s just international law. Terrorists are not some quasi-mystical entity to which the normal rules don’t apply.
I truly cannot wait for the day when we can talk about 9/11 like adults.
"cause an avalanche of rage from the irrational quarters."
Five Words: Ann Coulter and 9/11 Wives.
The Right can get away with shitting on the people effected by 9/11 when it suits them, and clamor to their defense when it suits them.
Also, notice how the 20th hijacker was tried during the Bush Administration, and there was not a PEEP about this.