PRESUMPTION OF GUILT

When Eric Holder and the Obama Administration took their position on trying terrorists in civilian courts, the main reasons they gave for doing it were to showcase the fairness of the US justice system and to help restore America's standing in the world. 

Noble aspirations, indeed.

Too bad the White House spokesman, Robert Gibbs, sees the KSM trial in this way (via CNSNews):

On Wednesday, CNSNews.com asked Gibbs, “The vice president (Joe Biden) said on Meet the Press that he guarantees that KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed) would not be acquitted. Isn't part of a civilian trial presumed innocent?”


Gibbs said, “Yes.”

CNSNews.com then asked, “And does the administration believe that he (KSM) is presumed innocent?”

Gibbs answered, “The administration is in charge of presenting the case against an individual that killed 3,000 people on American soil. I not only think he'll be convicted, I think he'll be executed for his crimes.”

In a follow-up question, CNSNews.com asked, “Can you make that guarantee though?”

Gibbs replied, “I think he’s going to be executed for his crime.”

Luckily America isn't a third world country (yet), or the rest of the world might think our much touted legal system was more like a kangaroo court.  No doubt assuring the execution of a major figure in the jihadist world before he even goes to trial will do plenty towards winning our enemies over, too. 

If Gitmo is a recruiting tool, what do you think this fiasco will be?

Way to up our standing, guys.