Sam Gibbons: “much debate has occurred recently on President Bush's decision to utilize military tribunals to hold all terrorists…”

“much debate has occurred recently on President Bush's decision to utilize military tribunals to hold all terrorists responsible for their actions. I come to the floor to state my whole-hearted support for his decision. Let us get one thing straight. Terrorists do not, by definition, conduct themselves as lawful combatants. They began this war with us; and, consequently, they should be treated as war criminals if captured. Mr. Speaker, I strongly disagree with the arguments of the other side that say using military tribunals would not ensure a fair trial. To the contrary, it allows for an appeals process through all levels of the military courts and ultimately to the United States Supreme Court. I remind my colleagues that President Bush's decision to use military tribunals as a means of bringing terrorists to justice has historical precedence dating back to Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and even George Washington. Mr. Speaker, terrorists are not abiding by the rules of a civil society. They should be held accountable for their actions as war criminals.”