Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, we are told in opposition to this amendment that terrorists have no constitutional rights. That is like saying rapists or murderers have no constitutional rights. But accused rapists and accused murders do have rights until it is proven that they are guilty, and then their rights are taken away from them. The same must be true of accused terrorists. Ever since Magna Carta, we have denied the government the power to imprison and punish people on mere accusation. That is tyranny. The government's labeling someone a terrorist doesn't make him one. The government must prove the accusation in court. That was always a bedrock American value until we opened Guantanamo. Now we imprison people indefinitely without trial. This must stop. Guantanamo should be closed, and its inmates should be tried or released. Our Federal courts work. They have repeatedly tried, convicted, and sentenced terrorists to long prison terms. Prosecuting and imprisoning terrorists on U.S. soil has proven to be safer, less expensive, and less harmful to our national security. I urge my colleagues to support our amendment to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, end indefinite detention, and restore our national honor.”