Reaver

Jan 24 2009, 12:31 PM

I agree with the closing down of Guantanamo Bay because of the US Constitution. Although many people claim that US Citizens are the only people who should receive the benefits of the US Constition, this is a fatal oversight of why the US Constitution was written. Madison did not draw up the document as a way of giving benefits to citizens, but rather to limit government. If you look at the majority of our Amendments - the 1st and 8th for example - the protections offered come through the restrains on government power. The first prevents the government from eliminating free speech; the people aren't given express permission to say whatever they desire. The 8th prevents the government from using cruel and unusual punishment; the people do not gain the inherent right not to suffer cruel and unusual punishment.

These are restrictions against the government, even if the citizen comes from the United States or not. I am, firmly, against releasing all of these prisoners but the government must be restrained.