Question regarding the 'Gitmo' prisoners.

[Bullwinkle925]

A conservative friend of mine and I had a discussion regarding the people being held at Guantanamo Bay. I brought up the fact that it was illegal to hold them without bringing charges against them and that is why they were being held outside of U.S. territory. She said that it wasn't illegal at all since they were not U.S. citizens. They are not afforded the same rights as citizens are under our constitution.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Yiou are right she is wroing

US citizens and non US Citizens have the same rights under the US Constttion, also we have refused to declare them POWs, for this would afford them certain rights under International Law, and we are breaking several treaties doing this.

By the way GITMO was chosen for a reason, it is not US Territory, but it is not cuban territory either, (until castro cashes them checks he refuses to cash) so legally it is extremely nebolous

[RaleighNCDUer]

2. If Castro was to accept the rental payments for Guantanamo,

could he then demand UN intervention on the base? (Of course, he might have his own problems with illegal detention that he doesn't want brought up).

[Bullwinkle925]

3. Interesting concept. However, I suspect that he doesn't want the

spotlight to be aimed at him as you suggest. Cuba is/isn't a member of the U.N.? I thought they weren't.

[RaleighNCDUer]

4. I believe they are.

I remember a brouhaha about the US not letting Castro into NY to address the UN during the Reagan years.

[Bullwinkle925]

5. I remember something like that as well.

I'm going to google and see.

[Bullwinkle925]

7. You're correct.

Admitted to the U.N. in 1945!

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. He has his own problems

and if he accepts the rental payment then he accepts our legal presence, so it is a principle thing

[Bullwinkle925]

8. Yes - and he would be sorely ridiculed if he raises the issue of people

being held against their will and without rights.